Both lake and river fishing can be excellent, if you know what you're doing. Vermont has 288 lakes of 20 acres or more, hundreds of smaller bodies of water, and countless miles of rivers and streams.
Novice fly-fishermen would do well to stop by the famed Orvis Company Store (tel. 802/362-3750) in Manchester for some friendly advice, then try out some tackle on the store's small ponds. If time permits, sign up for an Orvis fly-fishing class and have an expert critique your technique and offer some pointers.
Vermont's rivers and lakes are home to 14 major species of sporting fish, including landlocked salmon, four varieties of trout (rainbow, brown, brook, and lake), and large- and small-mouth bass. The 100-mile-long Lake Champlain attracts its share of enthusiasts angling for bass, landlocked salmon, and lake trout. In the south, the Battenkill is perhaps the most famed trout river (thanks in part to its proximity to Orvis), though veteran anglers say that it's lost its luster. The Walloomsac and West rivers are also rumored to give up a decent-size trout; and don't overlook the Connecticut River, which the Fish and Wildlife Department calls "probably the best-kept fishing secret in the Northeast."
Fishing licenses are required and are available by mail from the state or in person at many sporting-goods and general stores. License requirements and fees change from time to time, so write or call for a complete list: Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept., 103 S. Main St., #10 South, Waterbury, VT 05671 (tel. 802/241-3700). For more information, the department's website is www.vtfishandwildlife.com.
