Vermont Ice Fishing
VT Winter Fishing On Frozen Ponds & Lakes
Vermont offers some great lakes for beginners and casual ice-fishing enthusiasts who want easy access to both the lake and other activities and attractions. Vermont also has some incredible lakes for serious, experienced anglers who are willing to snowmobile for miles in order to find the best spot. You may also want to consider the type of fish you want to catch. Salmon, northern pike, brook trout, and lake trout (also called togue) are all plentiful if you know where to look. Ask us about VT Ice Fishing or share your Vermont fish tales. To feature your business, contact us.
Vermont Ice Fishing
When late fall clamps an icy lid over Vermont lakes and waterways, some anglers put their fishing gear away for the winter. However, an increasing number of Vermont outdoor enthusiasts are leaving the comforts of home and poking holes through the ice. Some anglers claim that fishing strikes come faster in the wintertime.
The same fish that are sought in the summertime do, of course, lurk beneath the ice during the winter (though not all fish bite then), and the eating is every bit as good (some say better). Tackle, ice augers, clothing, and ice-fishing shanties have reached sophisticated proportions in dealing with the only known enemies of the wintertime Vermont angler: ice and cold.
Tip-ups are devices that signal when there is angling activity on your line. Designs vary, but the essential feature is a flag that “tips up” when a fish strikes. A tip-up consists of crossed bars approximately the size of a large tire wrench. One bar spans a fishing hole; the other bar—with a reel and small flag at opposite ends—dunks vertically into the water.
Equipment. From the buckets, sleds, shelters, heaters and other trappings strewn around ice anglers on a frozen Vermont lake, it is clear that equipment plays an important role in ice fishing. But it’s not the amount of equipment nor its complexity and cost that make for an effective ice-fishing outfit. More important is how the equipment fits the fishing style of the angler using it. Veteran ice anglers understand that, and no two of them are ever equipped exactly alike.
The only equipment about which anglers totally agree is clothing and boots, and anyone out on the ice in the wrong attire pays dearly in discomfort. The single most important item in an ice fishing wardrobe is footwear. Poorly shod feet pressed onto the ice will soon chill. Insulated rubber boots, or boots with separate, thick felt liners, are the best insurance against cold feet. Boots should fit loose enough to accommodate extra socks and to allow maximum blood circulation.
Good headgear is particularly important when ice fishing. Up to 80 percent of the heat lost on a cold day leaves the body from the head and neck. A wool cap or parka hood can provide comfort when you feel a chill, and if you’re on the verge of breaking into a sweat, you can cool off merely by exposing your head.
Gloves are also needed, although the importance placed on them varies among anglers. Some wear light gloves inside mittens and do all but the most delicate knot tying and hook baiting with the gloves on. Others wear bulky, loose-fitting mittens and put them aside to do most tasks. Some anglers use gloves only when lugging gear long distances, keeping their hands stuffed deep inside warm pockets the rest of the time. If you need gloves on the ice, take two pairs in case the first pair gets lost or wet.
Getting started in ice fishing is easy. You need only a couple of inexpensive, lightly-rigged jigging poles (2- to 4-pound test for panfish, 6- to 8-pound for walleye), a few jigs and lures, small bobbers, split-shot, live bait such as minnows or waxworms, a bucket to transport gear and to sit on, an ice auger, and ice-skimmer.
An ideal way for a novice to try his or her hand at this sport is to hook up with a resort that runs its own ice-fishing operation. They will have shanties located in productive spots and can give you the latest on what fish are biting, and which ice fishing tactics are working best.
If you want to go it alone, some basic tips will help. There are three Vermont ice-fishing seasons: first ice, mid-winter, and last ice. Many anglers believe first ice is the most productive, as fish are actively feeding, often still in shallow water. But first ice also can be dangerous. Never go out on any lake unless you’re sure the ice is safe.
In mid-winter, weeds along the shore die, and fish tend to move deeper. As light diminishes and temperatures plummet, feeding tends to slow. But if you can locate schools of crappies, perch or walleye in pockets of deep water, vigorous jigging and the right lures can bring success.
Last ice brings new weed growth along shorelines, as well as more warmth and light, so fish tend to move back toward shallower water. In all three seasons, it helps to know something about a lakes bottom structure. Sporting goods stores carry detailed maps of many lakes. If you know a lake from fishing it in warm weather, apply that knowledge to your winter fishing.
Is the Ice safe? Even though you may be eager to enjoy ice fishing, beware! Ice can be dangerous. Here are some hints on determining ice safety.
*Lakes rarely freeze uniformly. Early and late in the season, ice that’s safe in the morning may be dangerous by afternoon.
*Prolonged frigid weather makes for safe, thick ice. Use an auger to test ice. At least four inches of clear, blue ice is probably safe for lone anglers and small groups of people in most conditions.
*Single, unbroken pressure cracks in the ice are probably safe to cross, but stay away from areas where cracks meet or intersect.
*Be extra careful where water levels vary, as in rivers, streams, inlets, outlets, coves, eddies, and springs. Moving water erodes ice from beneath, as does wind pushing water under ice.
*Avoid areas with “stick-ups.” Protruding logs, brush, plants, and docks absorb heat from the sun, thereby weakening the surrounding ice.
What’s the Best Ice Fishing Line? Technological advancements have created many “perfect” ice lines. None, however, is perfect for everything. Superlines, those braided polyethylene wonders, are perfect for walleyes in deep water, but only in some situations (not at minus 30F). Superlines are also less than perfect for hard-fighting fish, because fishhooks tend to rip out.
Where to Ice Fish. Vermont offers a number of productive destinations for the ice angler. Try Great and Little Averill Ponds near Averill; Lake Bomoseen near Castleton; Caspian Lake near Greensboro; Chittenden Reservoir near Chittenden; Lake Dunmore, near Salisbury; Eden Lake, near Eden; Harriman Reservoir near Wilmington; Island Pond near Island Pond, Vermont; Maidstone Lake, near Maidstone; Lac Memphremagog, near Newport; Shadow Lake, near Glover; Waterbury Reservoir, near Waterbury; Lake Fairlee, near Fairlee; and my personal favorite, Green River Reservoir, near Centerville.
A winter ice-angling mainstay in Vermont traditionally has been perch. The trick in perch fishing is to find a “hot” hole. In any perch area, there are always certain spots that produce the best. I won’t spend much time at a hole unless bites are coming fast. Keep moving and drilling new holes until you hit a bonanza. I’m also partial to certain lures. For some reason, colors like green or red are tops in shallow water. Silver seems to be best in deep water. Persons planning to ice fish in Vermont should check the rules governing the specific waters he or she plans to visit. Those rules can be found at local bait and tackle shops.
Initially, perhaps, a novice may find ice fishing simply an intriguing pastime to occupy long winter days. But once a person has mastered the essential skills, which is not difficult to do, an angler will find it an excellent way to enhance the dinner table. It all adds up to an extended fishing season and gives another dimension to Vermont’s winter sports scene. For additional information about Vermont ice fishing write to Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, 111 West Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452.
– Mary Syrett
Good Luck Fishing in Vermont!
Ice Fishing Equipment Sale
- COMFORTABLE SEATING: Enjoy the outdoors with this large folding camp chair that features a mesh back
- CONVENIENT BEVERAGE STORAGE: Keep refreshments handy in this camping chair's beverage cooler pouch, which holds up to four, 12-ounce cans
- BUILT-IN CUP HOLDER: Our portable camp chairs include a built-in cup holder for open drinks, plus a side pocket for essentials like sunscreen and snacks
- DURABLE AND STRONG: This folding camp chair's heavy duty steel frame provides reliable strength
- EASY TRANSPORTATION: This large camping chair includes a carrying bag with a shoulder strap for easy carrying and storage
- Coleman Cold – built-in 4-can cooler lets you grab a cold drink without getting up
- Mesh cup holder
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- Adjustable arm heights
- Roomy 24-in. seat
- Comfortable 18.1-in. sitting height
- Supports up to 325 lbs
- Carry bag included
- UV inhibitors in lid guard against sun damage.
- Stain- and odor-resistant liner.
- Threaded drain plug for hose hook up.
- Reinforced, swing-up handles with tie-down loop feature.
- Dual, snap-fit latches secure lid closure.
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- ALL DAY REFRESHMENT: Thanks to the double-wall insulation, the Stanley Iceflow Flip Straw Water Jug keeps drinks cold for up to 14 hours and iced up to 2.5 days while keeping the exterior sweat-free.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Unlike normal bottles, this is manufactured using 18/8 stainless steel, meaning it can take a beating. Everything is made with BPA-free material so your drink stays safe to consume.
- EASY CARRY HANDLE: The stainless steel jug features a built-in flip straw for clean, fresh sipping and a handle for carrying around your work commute. 25% of our lid’s material is made from recycled fish net to keep our planet healthy.
- DISHWASHER SAFE: Cleaning your bottle couldn't be easier: just pop it into the dishwasher. Unlike other water bottles that retain smells and tastes, the high-quality stainless steel in ours keeps your water bottle odor-free after every clean.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: ‘BUILT FOR LIFE'. Since 1913 we've promised to provide rugged, capable gear for food and drink, built to last a lifetime. It's a promise we still keep. Stanley products purchased from Stanley Resellers come with a lifetime warranty.
- NO ICE NEEDED: RapidChill Technology is our innovative two-part system that spins an auger around a cooling cylinder to freeze liquid evenly and maintain optimal temperature for perfect icy treats.
- A SUPERIOR FROZEN DRINK EXPERIENCE: With this versatile machine, turn your favorite liquids into smooth, flavorful frozen drinks: wine, coffee, soda, juice, chocolate milk, and more. Simply pour the liquid in, select your program, and watch it transform.
- ONE-TOUCH FROZEN DRINKS: Temperature and texture controls deliver consistently smooth results in up to 60 minutes at max capacity. Creating drinks can take 15-60 minutes depending on ingredients, volume, and starting temperature. Must include sugar to slush.
- HACK YOUR SUGAR-FREE RECIPES: Sugar-free recipes will not slush properly on their own. Add one of our recommended sugar substitutes to the recipe to ensure perfect slushing.
- 5 PRESET SETTINGS: Automated programs give you tailored temperature settings to yield the perfect output every time.
- TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Customize whether you want the output to be thicker or thinner than the preset setting.
- EASY-FILL VESSEL: Easy to fill up, top off, and remove for cleaning. Creates slush quickly and keeps drinks frozen for up to 12 hours.
- HASSLE-FREE CLEANUP: Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts. Features a detachable lid and drip tray allowing for easier cleaning between uses.
- WHISPERCHILL COMPRESSOR: Quietly keeps your slushed treats at the perfect temperature and texture for up to 12 hours.
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: AC Cooling System, 88 oz. Vessel, 5 Preset Programs, Temperature Control Settings, Drip Tray, Pour Handle, Premium Accents and Dial, 10 Recipe Inspiration Guide.
- The planting auger for drill designed with new model upgraded bit and more spirals on the solid shaft, ensures digging holes 10 times working efficiency, extremely increase your planting efficiency and you have more time enjoy the planting season.
- Planting auger for drill made of heavy duty steel with black paint coated for long service time. Extended length 16.5inch will make you stand up digging holes for planting instead bending over, really necessary tool in your planting season. Heavy duty solid shaft will work on any kinds of soils.
- Auger bits size is 1.6nch diameter by 16.5inch length, suitable for planting all kinds of bulbs and flowers of different sizes. 16.5inch length will also prevent you from back strain, don’t need to bend over so much to dig holes like the traditional way using a shovel.
- The pointed triangle bit of the auger drill bit has a small hole on it for easily hanging storage when not in use. Fit any 3/8” hex drive drill, please using drill with adjustable drill chuck to fit any sizes augers, you will never worry about if the auger fit your drill any more. 18V or larger cordless drill recommended.
- Package include 1.6x16.5inch solid shaft intensive blades auger drill bit. Great gift ideas for anyone who loves doing garden work, will help them planting potted plants, vegetables, flowers, bulbs, soils, paint and so on. Also can bring earth drill on vacation to drill a hole in sand to anchor your beach umbrella and outdoor tents.
- ✦ Fish Finder and Depth Finder : It is a portable fish finder that could display approximate fish location and water depth. The sonar transducer can be attached to the hull of kayak or boat in order to understand the changing of water depth when you are moving by. The water depth detection range is between 3ft(1m) and 328ft (100m) when the transducer is completely immersed in the water.
- ✦ Helpful Data Display : Besides fish depth and water depth, the handheld fish finder will also display short & tall weeds, sand & rocks on the bottom. Meanwhile, the measurement unit of the depth can be freely switched by feet or meter. The display is also visible in sunshine or darkness by turning on the back light.
- ✦ Handheld & Portable : The size of kayak fishfinder is designed for just one hand held. You will find a neck strap in the package which allows you to wear it around neck when you are busy on the kayak or boat. Meanwhile, 5 levels sensitivity adjustment makes fishing possible both in clear water or turbid.
- ✦ Fish & Fish Schools Alarm : Once the toss fish finder transducer into the water and turn on the display unit, you will get alarms when fish or fishing schools passing by. The portable fish finder can be working continuously for at least 4-5 hours with brand new battery. It can be working even longer by turning on battery save mode.
- ✦ Ideal for Fishing & Fishing Gift : It is easy to use LUCKY depth finder in boat fishing, ice fishing, shore fishing no matter in freshwater or in saltwater. If you are looking for a gift for your husband, father, friends or any anglers, then look no further, the LUCKY fish finder is now better than ever.
- HIGH EFFICIENCY: Designed with a new model upgraded bit and more blades on the shaft, this planting auger for drills ensures heightened efficiency in gardens.
- SIZE: Measuring 2"(D) x 14.5"(L), this auger drill bit is equipped with a 3/8 inch non-slip drive, making it an ideal tool for digging holes in your yard.
- EASY TO USE: Compatible with any 3/8" chucked drill. We recommend using an 18V or higher drill. Keep the auger clean from soil and debris when not in use.
- WIDE APPLICATION: Our garden auger is the best choice for enhancing efficiency when planting bulbs, potted plants, vegetables, flowers, bare-root trees, and shrubs. It's also suitable for tilling soil or planter boxes, mixing seed, soil, fertilizer, paint, or batches of mortar mix for hardscapes. The auger drill bit can effortlessly dig post holes, and it's even handy for anchoring your beach umbrella in the sand during vacations. It will be an invaluable helper for you.
- BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: We offer a 2-year warranty service. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
- Includes 2 Premium Auger Drill Bits (Drill Not Included): Enjoy the convenience of two easy-to-use auger bits in this fantastic K-Brands value pack Simply attach the auger to any standard 3/8” hex bit drill and you’re ready to dig effortlessly Experience the joy of planting with ease
- Your Essential Yard Work Tool: This versatile spiral drill bit is perfect for planting bulbs and bedding plants but it doesn’t stop there Effortlessly create holes for fenceposts, ground lights, outdoor torches, and umbrellas—all with this one indispensable tool
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- Ditch Your Shovel for Good: Our high-quality, heavy-duty steel auger drill bits are designed to do the hard work for you At 16 inches long, they handle loose soil, hard ground, sand, clay, and even ice with ease allowing you to enjoy your gardening tasks without the strain
- Our Promise to You: We are dedicated to your satisfaction! You’re backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee—if you don’t absolutely love this product, we’ll refund every penny. Plus, our friendly customer support team is always ready to assist you with any questions or concerns until you are completely satisfied
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- Factory sealed DVD
- DOCTOR ZHIVAGO DELUXE EDITION (DVD MOVIE)
- Factory sealed DVD
- 202 & 404 COMBO 2-PACK: Two of Zebco's most popular, easy-casting spincast combos, the Zebco 202 and 404 both come with 5-foot 6-inch 2-piece durable fiberglass fishing rods. The Zebco 202 combo comes with a size 30 fishing reel, and the 404 combo comes with a size 40 reel providing anglers with more versatility
- EASY-TO-USE: Perfect for beginners or experienced anglers, both combos feature a patented no-tangle design and simple push-button mechanics for ease of use. Both fishing rods come with a durable EVA handle to provide anglers with hours of comfort
- 202 COMBO: The size 30 spincast reel is constructed with all-metal gears, a 2.8:1 gear ratio and a stainless steel pick-up pin for a silky smooth yet durable performance. The right-hand reel is pre-spooled with 10-pound Zebco fishing line to help you take charge of your fishing trips catching panfish, trout, walleye, bass and more
- 404 COMBO: The size 40 spincast reel is constructed with all-metal gears, a 2.8:1 gear ratio and a stainless steel pick-up pin designed to tackle fish after hard-fighting fish. The right-hand reel is pre-spooled with 15-pound Cajun fishing line ideal for targeting walleye, bass, catfish, striper, saltwater fish and more
- TRUSTED: Since 1949, Zebco has been inviting people to explore the outdoors. Zebco products are warranted for a period of (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials
- 36" Ugly Stik rod paired with a 30 size spinning reel that comes pre-spooled with 6 lb fishing line
- Cork and EVA grips with twist lock reel seats
- Ugly Tech construction with a combination of graphite and fiberglass to create a strong, yet sensitive rod
- Ugly Tuff one piece stainless steel guides provide excellent durability and eliminate insert pop-outs
- Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for strength and sensitivity
- 7-year rod warranty
- Fishing rod reel combos with carrier bag and nessary accessories for fishing,include: One carbon fiber telescopic fishing rod+ One fishing reel +One carrier bag +Three fishing lures +fishing line+ some nessary accessories
- The Rod:high density carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass make the fishing pole hard & durable,the hard and Light Weight Guide Ring Made by SIC Ceramic and The Heat Dissipation is Better. Its Lower Friction Coefficient Making It Durable, And Its International Advanced Epoxy Resin Adhesive Make The Guide Ring More Solid
- The Reel: This reel has 13 + 1 corrosion resistant smooth ball bearings, precision matched gears and a powerful 5.5:1 gear ratio.Give it ultra-smooth performance.Interchangeable right or left hand CNC machined aluminum handle and comes with an extra exquisite aluminum spool.Amazing aerospace-grade aluminum honeycomb design spool gives you strength and light weight. EVA knob makes it non-slip and more comfortable when long time fishing
- Light weight and portable, easily fits in car trunk, boat or backpack. Sougayilang spinning rod reel combo allows you to travel to your favorite fishing spot and enjoy fishing whenever and wherever you want
- We are proud to present you the worry-free 1 year service!If any problem, please contact us firstly and our customer service will solve it for you soon
- Fishing kit INCLUDES 1 FISHING ROD + 1 FISHING REEL + VARIOUS FISHING LURES + FISHING HOOKS + FISHING LINE + FISHING BAG CASE + SOME NESSARY ACCESSORIES
- Full kit is special made for novice, including nessary accessories for fishing. You can use it without buying any other accessories from anywhere. Perfect elasticity, high density Carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass make your fishing pole hard & durable.
- Perfect elasticity, high density Carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass make your fishing pole hard & durable. Stainless Steel Hooded Reel Seats is anti-seawater corrosion; EVA Fore Grip for comfort. The telescopic fishing rod is portable, and closed length design is convenient carrying around. Power: Medium; Extended Handle.
- Instant anti-reverse; Power drive gear equipped for high strength. Deep aluminium spool with double color and one line holes; More short body with large spool and large line capacity. Line capacity: mm/M 0.20/240 0.25/200 0.30/140. Model: HA3000; Gear ratio: 5.2:1.
- We love our customers and 12 months warranty provided. If any problem, please contact us firstly and our customer service will solve it for you soon. KINDLY NOTE: FISHING ROD HOLDER IS NOT INCLUDED. Want to buy fishing rod holder? Please search the ASIN: B0116X3MNQ or B016Y4594C
- 【2PCS Fishing Pole Full Kit】included:2PCS Carbon Fiber Fishing Pole + 2PCS Spinning Fishing Reels + Carrier Bag + Various Fishing Lures Baits + Fishing Hooks.
- 【2 x Fishing Rods】Telescopic design for conveniently carrying around. Rod Case size:16.9 x 8 x 3 inches; 2 Pounds. You can take it on cars and planes
- 【2 x FF4000 Spinning Reels】The spinning fishing reels has a folding design, metal handles, and a more comfortable handshake. The reverse stop switch controls the forward and reverse rotation of the fishing wheel. The rocker arms can be exchanged left and right to meet different user habits.
- 【1 xLures and Bait】We packed every tackle box for your fishing rod including hard and soft lures like minnows, crank bait, hooks, worms, and more.
- Our telescopic fishing rod and other fishing accessories can helps you tackle every lake, river, pond, and stream with confidence.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department publishes an informative Guide to Vermont Fishing that includes a map of Vermont and suggested lakes and streams, as well as designated charts of species found in each body of water. This guide is free and may be obtained wherever Vermont fishing licenses are sold, or by writing to:
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
103 South Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05671-0501
Phone: 802-241-3700
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