Vermont Northeast Kingdom Lake Trout

Lake Trout

Vermont's Northeast Kingdom region is known for its trophy class lake trout. In 2023, a 25.6 pound lake trout was landed from Echo Lake in Charleston.

Although Lake Champlain gets most of the attention for lake trout fishing in Vermont, many of the inland lakes in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom are real sleepers for big fish, according to Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD) fisheries biologist Shawn Good, who administers the state’s Record Fish Program. 

"In fact, if you’re talking exclusively about trophy sized Lake Trout, the Northeast Kingdom is where you want to be," said VFWD fisheries biologist Jud Kratzer.  All 69 Lake Trout exceeding 20 pounds that have been entered in the Record Fish Program over the years have come from Kingdom waters.  And 530-acre Echo Lake has produced four of them, with the largest being just shy of 30 pounds. That’s remarkable for a lake of that size."

The Northeast Kingdom (NEK) includes over 2,000 square miles of Vermont and is home to some of the state’s most scenic locations.

Bordered by Canada and northern New Hampshire, the Kingdom is known for its fishing, outdoor recreation, and natural resources.

For more information on fishing in Vermont can be found on the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website (vtfishandwildlife.com).

Lake Elmore Vermont Free Ice Fishing Day and Festival

Lake Elmore State Park Free Ice Fishing Day
January 25, 2020
Lake Elmore State Park
Lake Elmore, Vermont

Lake Elmore State Park in Vermont will host a "Free Ice Fishing Day" on January 25, 2020 (all day).

Often called "The Beauty Spot of Vermont," the Town of Lake Elmore is a popular destination for outdoor explorers.

Lake Elmore (219 acres) lies northwest of the town. The lake empties into the Lamoille River through Pond Brook. Elmore Mountain (2,608 feet) rises almost from the shore of lake.

The park had its beginning in 1936 when the town of Elmore and local citizens made a gift of 30 acres on Lake Elmore to the state of Vermont. Today, with more than 700 acres, Elmore State Park has become a popular, developed recreation facility.

The lake is home to yellow perch, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bullhead, and panfish.

In addition to fishing, Lake Elmore State Park is a popular destination for camping, swimming, hiking, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other outdoor recreation.

New Hampshire Winter Free Fishing Day 2019

Saturday, January 19, 2019 is this year's New Hampshire winter free fishing day. The one day event allows anglers to fish without a license and try ice fishing in New Hampshire.

This annual winter event takes place on the third Saturday in January each year.

Note that all other regulations must be followed. Learn more about fishing rules by reading the NH Freshwater Fishing or Saltwater Fishing digests at www.fishnh.com/fishing/publications.html.

Persons participating in a fishing tournament must still hold a license, even on free fishing day.

Another New Hampshire free fishing day is held annually on the first Saturday in June.

Find more information about fishing in New Hampshire at www.fishnh.com.

source: New Hampshire Fish and Game Department