Half Day Kayak Fishing Trip (3–4 Hours)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Half-day guided kayak fishing on southern Vermont lakes and riversTarget bass, trout, and panfish with provided gear and equipmentSolo kayaks accommodate up to four guests with expert guidance
Picture yourself gliding across Southern Vermont's pristine waters, rod in hand, with nothing but the sound of your paddle cutting through the surface and the occasional splash of a fish jumping. This half-day kayak fishing adventure combines the best of both worlds – the quiet mobility of a kayak and the pure satisfaction of landing quality fish in some of Vermont's most productive waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new spots or someone who's always wanted to try fishing from a kayak, this trip delivers exactly what you're after.
We'll meet up bright and early, and I'll get you set up in a stable, comfortable solo fishing kayak that's perfect for both paddling and casting. Don't worry if you've never fished from a kayak before – these boats are incredibly forgiving, and I'll walk you through everything you need to know. The beauty of kayak fishing is that we can slip into spots that bigger boats can't reach, getting you right where the fish are holding. Southern Vermont's lakes and rivers are absolutely loaded with structure – fallen trees, rocky points, weed lines – all the places bass, trout, and panfish love to hang out. We'll spend 3-4 hours working these productive areas, and I'll adjust our approach based on what the fish are telling us and what you're most excited to target. The pace is relaxed but focused, giving you plenty of time to really dial in your technique while soaking up some of the most beautiful scenery Vermont has to offer.
I've got you completely covered on the gear front – quality spinning rods and reels that are perfectly matched to the fishing we'll be doing, plus a full selection of tackle that's proven to work on these waters. We'll rig up based on conditions and what species we're targeting, but expect to throw everything from soft plastics for bass to small jigs for crappie. The kayaks are rigged with rod holders so you can paddle hands-free when we're moving between spots, and there's plenty of storage for all your gear and any fish we decide to keep. One of the coolest things about kayak fishing is how versatile it is – we can work shallow flats in the morning, then paddle out to deeper structure as the day progresses. I'll teach you how to position the kayak for the best presentation, how to fight fish without spinning around in circles, and all the little tricks that make kayak fishing so effective. The learning curve is pretty gentle, but the results can be spectacular.
The crappie fishing in Southern Vermont has been absolutely on fire this year. These fish are schooled up tight around submerged timber and brush piles, and once you find them, you can literally catch one on every cast. Crappie are some of the most cooperative fish you'll ever target – they hit soft, but they're aggressive feeders when they're in the mood. What makes them so special is their incredible table fare and the way they fight with surprising strength for their size. Spring and fall are prime time for crappie, when they move into shallower water and become much easier to pattern. We'll typically find them in 8-15 feet of water, suspended just off the bottom around cover. They're suckers for small jigs tipped with soft plastics, and the bite can be so good that you'll be pulling doubles regularly.
Lake trout are the trophy fish of these waters, and landing one from a kayak is an experience you won't soon forget. These fish are the apex predators of Vermont's deeper lakes, and they grow big – really big. We're talking fish that can push 20+ pounds and will absolutely test your tackle and your patience. Lake trout prefer the cooler months when they move up from the depths, making them perfect targets for spring and fall trips. They're typically found near drop-offs and points where they can ambush baitfish, and they have a preference for larger presentations – big spoons, deep-diving crankbaits, and hefty jigs. The fight is what legends are made of – long, powerful runs that will have your drag screaming and your arms burning. Even smaller lake trout in the 3-5 pound range are incredible fighters, and the bigger ones will give you a battle you'll be talking about for years.
This half-day kayak fishing trip is hands-down one of the best ways to experience Southern Vermont's incredible fisheries. At $200 for the first angler and just $50 for each additional person (up to 4 total), you're getting world-class guiding, top-notch equipment, and access to waters that produce fish consistently. I've spent years learning these lakes and rivers, figuring out where the fish hold during different seasons and conditions, and I'm excited to share that knowledge with you. The trip is perfect for anyone – whether you're a local looking to expand your fishing horizons or visiting from out of state and want to experience what Vermont angling is all about. Just remember that cancellations need to be made at least 7 days out for a deposit refund, so plan accordingly. These spots book up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. Trust me, a day on the water in a kayak with a rod in your hand is exactly the kind of fishing adventure that'll have you planning your next trip before this one's even over.
Our 4-person kayak brings the stealth advantage every angler dreams of on Vermont's pristine waters. Built for the silent approach that spooks fewer fish, this stable platform gets you into those hard-to-reach spots where the bass and trout are hiding. The shallow draft cuts through lily pads and slides over fallen logs that would stop bigger boats cold. Whether we're working the shaded banks of a meandering river or drifting across a quiet pond, you'll appreciate how this kayak responds to every paddle stroke without sending ripples ahead to alert your target. Perfect for casting into tight cover or sneaking up on feeding fish, it's designed to keep you comfortable during those long drifts between productive holes. The low profile keeps you stable when fighting fish, and there's plenty of room for tackle boxes and coolers. This is serious fishing transportation that puts you right where the action is, moving like a whisper across southern Vermont's best fishing spots.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are some of the tastiest panfish you'll find in Vermont waters, typically running 7-12 inches and about a half pound. These schooling fish love hanging around fallen trees, brush piles, and vegetation in our lakes where they feed on small minnows and insects. Black crappie prefer clearer water and have speckled patterns, while white crappie show vertical bars. Spring spawning season when water hits the low 60s is prime time, but early morning and evening bites work well all season. They're not huge fighters, but what makes them special is that sweet, flaky white meat and the fact they travel in groups - catch one and there's usually more nearby. My tip: use small jigs or live minnows under a bobber near structure, and be patient when they bite - their mouths are soft and they need time to take the hook properly.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of Vermont's coldest lakes, often weighing 15-40 pounds with lengths pushing 24-36 inches. These char prefer the deep, oxygen-rich waters of our larger lakes, especially during summer when they'll suspend 40-80 feet down in the cool depths. Early spring right after ice-out is magic - they'll come shallow where kayak anglers can actually reach them before retreating to the depths. The fight is something else entirely - long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and patience. Plus, the meat is rich and buttery, perfect for the grill. Cold, overcast days are your best bet since they avoid bright light. Here's the key: bring heavy jigs and work them vertically near drop-offs and deep structure. Don't be afraid to fish deeper than feels natural from a kayak - these fish are worth the effort.
undefined, undefined