Embracing the quintessential New England vibe and aesthetics paired with the natural beauty of its surroundings, Poultney is a one-of-a-kind fishing destination for anglers looking for a quiet yet eventful getaway. The town, which also comprises a historic village and the Lake St. Catherine region, is situated in southwest Vermont in Rutland County, bordered by New York to its west and Castleton to its north. The town boasts an old-time and homey style, represented by a blend of rural lands, residences, businesses, agricultural endeavors, several slate quarry operations, several historic structures, places of worship, lake-front homes, camps, seasonal cottages, and greenery classic to the region.
Outdoor enthusiasts, heritage tourists, and those seeking peaceful getaways will feel welcomed by Poultney’s scenic rural landscape akin to what’s expected of Vermont. All year round you will find endless things to do in the town including fishing, ice fishing, boating, swimming, snowshoeing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
Poultney offers anglers looking for a peaceful yet fun fishing experience that offers its scenic landscapes as a striking backdrop.
If you’re looking for a fishing spot that relaxes, refreshes and offers various recreation, visit Lake St. Catherine State Park which hosts a number of water bodies where you can employ your angling skills. An amazing view of Lake Catherine can be enjoyed whether you opt for fishing by the shore or from a boat. Species that can be caught from the lake include panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow and brown trout, yellow perch, northern pike, crappie, bullhead, bluegill, and pumpkinseed sunfish. Baitcasting in the lake is popularly done while spinning is frequently done in Endless Brook whose mouth connects to the lake. You can do some drift fishing along Route 30 in the nearby Cones Point and Cones Bay and some surf casting at the two beaches found within the park.
Another great spot to catch smallmouth and largemouth bass, wild trout, and walleye is in Poultney River. The fish migrate from Lake Champlain into the river’s waters which also acts as the town’s drainage area. Additionally, Poultney is riddled with small freshwater brooks, ponds and streams as well, housing similar species mentioned like brown trout, largemouth bass, northern pike, smallmouth bass, perch, rainbow trout, lake trout, bream/bluegill, and brook trout. Some of those bodies of water are Lily Pond, Clark Hollow Brook, Hampshire Hollow Brook, Lavery Brook, Finel Hollow Brook, Hall Bay, and Lewis Brook.
Because of its location and climate, Poultney is a great place for ice fishing. Pike and chain pickerel are the go-to targets to catch under the ice. Pike are often caught in combination with jigging lures.
Aside from angling, you can go boating, swimming, snowshoeing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling trips in Poultney. Most of the activities can be done at Lake St. Catherine State Park where you can also go camping, visit its beaches as well as go hiking. The park’s short hiking trail offers a tour of the Big Trees and a magnificent view of Birdseye Mountain. You can also sign up for nature programs that are offered.
Poultney has a historic downtown area and possesses an entire village that’s registered under the National Registry of Historic Places. East Poultney is also listed on the register as it hosts several historic structures and museums. You can go on tours of places like the East Poultney Schoolhouse, The Melodeon Factory and the Union Academy, all arranged and maintained by The Poultney Historical Society.