Jamaica, VT Fishing: Classic West River Fishing Destination

Not to be mistaken with the famous Caribbean tourist destination, the town of Jamaica in southern Vermont is a veritable destination in its own right. Still a quaint town near the confluence of Ball Mountain Brook and the West River, Jamaica has seen itself grow as a weekend spot for city dwellers looking for a unique escape that feels remote yet is easily accessible. 

The town, named after the Natick word for “beaver”, grew out of the settlement along the West River in the village of East Jamaica. However, as the town developed and began connecting via roads and bridges towards nearby Manchester, Jamaica Village soon became its town center. It also started to be known as a manufacturing hub. This was made possible because it was strategically located near West River and Ball Mountain Brook, both of which hosted several dams that powered the mills in the area. 

Apart from manufacturing, Merino wool production also flourished in the town during the 19th century, though it quickly declined following the Civil War depression. As if this weren’t enough, by the late 1800s, the town was struck by a great flood that destroyed the dams on Ball Mountain Brook. To rise above these calamities and economic downfall, Jamaica worked together with the West River Valley region to build the West River Railroad. It was never finished because of the lack of financing, though the segment connecting Brattleboro to Londonderry proved to be a valuable means of public transportation until the 1930s. Today, the former rail bed of the railroad has transformed into the popular all-season West River Trail, a hiking trail connecting some of the towns in the West River Valley region, including Jamaica.

With so much of its history connected to the West River, it should then come as no surprise that Jamaica is, in its own right, a fishing destination. It is also a strategic gateway to some other fishing spots that offer access to the river. So if you’re looking for a picturesque getaway in a sleepy town that provides great access to productive fishing, look no further than Jamaica, Vermont. 

Jamaica Fishing

The town of Jamaica is strategically located along the confluence of West River and Ball Mountain Brook, making it a great spot to access both bodies of water. Both enjoy significant angling spots that locals love to explore and fish.  

If you only have a single day to fish in town, then it’s best to head to Jamaica State Park, one of the most popular state parks in the region. It sits at the end of the West River where you can enjoy fishing in fast ripples and deep slow-running waters. Some fish species you can expect to find in the river are rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. The park offers plenty of river access so it’s a great area to hike around and fish. A hiking trail that follows the West River then diverges toward Hamilton Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the state. If you ever find yourself there, do stay on the trails and don’t dare to venture off the beaten path as it is quite a dangerous area.

If you want to widen your cast and have another day to spare, camp and hike at the nearby Winhall Brook Camping Area,  just outside Jamaica in the village of South Londonderry. At this modern campground, anglers can access both West River, Winhall Brook, and Ball Mountain Lake while marveling at the backdrop of the Green Mountains. The campground has several shore fishing access and boat launches amid wooded forests home to a diverse wildlife. While casting a line for brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout, don’t be surprised if you spot bald eagles, owls, white-tailed deer, and even black bears out in the wild.

If you happen to be in the Jamaica or West River Valley region around winter, you might want to try your hand at some ice fishing. Less than an hour away from Jamaica, you can go ice fishing at the Retreat Meadows in Brattleboro. This section where the West River converges with the Connecticut River regularly freezes over and is popular among ice fishermen. You can easily spot it by the ice shanties near the Brattleboro Retreat, north of downtown Brattleboro. The frozen body of water has proven productive during winter, with yellow perch, bluegill, chain pickerel, black crappie, bass, and northern pike traveling up and down the Connecticut River.

Venture a little further out of Jamaica and head to nearby Londonderry, another Southern Vermont fishing destination well worth checking out. It’s home to Lowell Lake, which you can access at the Lowell Lake State Park. It’s a recreational area for locals who have loved it for years. The lake boasts clean waters that support populations of largemouth bass, chain pickerel, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, northern pike, black bass, and bullhead. Apart from these fish species, the state’s fishing department is still hopeful to stock the waters with other species and is studying which ones can thrive in the lake. The town is incredibly invested in keeping the state park as peaceful as possible, so it does not allow motorized boats on the lake. Anglers can launch their canoe in the lake, but most anglers find contentment fishing from its shores.

Top 10 Fish Species in Jamaica, VT

The top 10 fish species to target in Jamaica, VT include rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, brook trout, yellow perch, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, northern pike, black crappie, and bullhead.

Seasonal Fishing

Southern Vermont is known for its humid summers and frigid winters, so for a more comfortable fishing experience, come here during spring and fall, seasons that coincide with the stocking season for trout.

If you can brave the humid summers, though, you’ll find it a great season to fish in the region. While it may no longer be stocked trout season, you’ll still find a productive time fishing for panfish such as brown bullhead, perch, and sunfish from late spring to summer. Warm water species such as bass and chain pickerel can be found actively feeding during summer. Note the catch-and-release seasons for bass from December 1 to the second Saturday of June. 

Ice fishing is fantastic in Vermont, but do note that there are certain water bodies that are not designated as ice fishing spots, so best to check with the authorities before venturing out into any frozen body of water in the region.

Experience a Quintessential Vermont Trip to Jamaica

Jamaica is a beautiful town that feels like it’s been frozen in time, lined as it is with structures that wouldn’t feel out of place in the 19th century and with a backdrop of rich foliage that looks awe-inspiring no matter what season.

1. Book a Fishing Guide

First time fishing in Jamaica, Vermont? Whether or not you’ve got extensive angling experience, fishing in a new place can be tricky. Guarantee a safer and more productive time fishing by booking a local guide that knows the area and its waters inside and out.

2. Enjoy a Different Kind of Jamaica Summer

Hiking and fishing are best during summer in Jamaica, so after all those strenuous outdoor activities, perhaps rubbing elbows with the locals at the events in town will be a welcome treat. All summer long, you’ll find lively flea markets and farmers’ markets as well as craft fairs in the town center, as well as live theater at the local playhouse. It’s a great way to cool down and know the town and its residents.

3. Attend the Pikes Falls Chamber Music Festival

This local chamber music festival happens in July and is usually held all over Jamaica and the rest of Southern Vermont. Apart from the resident musicians of the group, the festival also invites guests from other classical music ensembles. The setlist of the festival is diverse and always astounding, often including Baroque classics, electro-classical compositions, and selections from Schubert, Brahms, and more.