Poultney, VT Fishing: Designated Downtown Fishing in the New England Region

In the southwest part of Vermont, the small town of Poultney can be found, located within Rutland County. It comprises a village, the town itself, and the Lake St. Catherine region. On its west, it is bordered by the state of New York while the town of Castleton borders its north. The quintessential Vermont town possesses a blend of rural lands, residences, businesses, agricultural endeavors, several slate quarry operations, and East Poultney, which is home to several historic structures, places of worship, and a classic New England town green. On the other hand, the Lake St. Catherine region holds lake-front homes, camps, seasonal cottages, and businesses.

Poultney was one of the New Hampshire Grants, which were land grants made by the Royal Governor of New Hampshire, Benning Wentworth, made between 1749 and 1764. The town was named after British politician and orator William Pulteney, 1st Earl of Bath. With a magnificent diversity of recreational, cultural, historic, arts, and natural tourism opportunities, the budding community entices outdoor enthusiasts, heritage tourists, and those seeking quiet getaways with its scenic rural Vermont landscape. It is a year-round destination for those who want to go boating, swimming, snowshoeing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling as well as fishing, and ice fishing.

Poultney Fishing

Poultney offers anglers looking for a peaceful yet fun fishing getaway several different opportunities that can be paired with other outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can also experience downtown where they can immerse themselves in the town’s rich heritage and homey atmosphere.

Anglers seeking an area to relax, refresh and recreate can visit Lake St. Catherine State Park which has been operating since 1953. One can enjoy inshore or offshore fishing while basking in the view of picturesque Lake Catherine. Species that are caught in the lake’s cool waters include panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow and brown trout, yellow perch, northern pike, crappie, bullhead, bluegill, and pumpkinseed sunfish. A boat launch is available as well as rental services for rowboats, canoes, kayaks and pedal boats. The 117-acre park also has two sandy beaches, a 61-site campground, a nature center and a grassy field where a children’s playground can be utilized.

To catch panfish in Lake Catherine, locate weedy areas and cast a bobber and a bait. Around the mouth of Endless Brook, anglers casting in-line spinners, spoons and crankbaits around the sandbar can effectively hook bass and trout. Using a boat, one can drift fish along Route 30 in Cones Point and Cones Bay where similar species can be caught. The beaches in the state park might also allow for anglers to practice their surf casting technique. The state park also offers a Let’s Go Fishing workshop during the summer where novice anglers can learn how to tie fishing knots, make fishing lures, understand fishing regulations, and learn to use spin-casting rods.

Poultney River is another great spot to fish for smallmouth bass and wild trout as they migrate from Lake Champlain. Fly fishing is popularly done in the river to catch the fish but using smaller spinners and spoons can work as well. As the bass migrate, one can already see a lot of action just by fishing from the shore. Bass often hold in runs and pools in the river. Largemouth bass have also been found under the Route 18A bridge at the river. Walleye have been recorded to be found in the river as well. The town also uses the river as its drainage area. 

Poultney is scattered 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.

Due to its cooler climate because of its location in the New England region, Poultney is also a viable ice fishing destination. Pike and chain pickerel are the go-to targets for the method. In combination with jigging lures, pike are popularly caught during this time under the ice.

As part of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s Children’s Fishing Program, Poultney hosts a fishing tournament called Kids Fishing Event where children are given an opportunity to have a fun and successful fishing experience. Children fish for stocked trout at the Valley Club Pond located on Route 30, Lake Road. The event is sponsored by the Poultney Fish & Game Club as well.

Top 10 Fish Species in Poultney, VT

The top 10 fish species in Poultney, VT are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, northern pike, yellow perch, crappie, bullhead and bluegill.

Seasonal Fishing

Anglers are encouraged to look up local fishing laws and regulations before venturing into fishing in Poultney. Before going on a fishing trip, look up the most recent weather and water conditions as well. Bass fishing is best done in May and June when they spawn. Anglers can only fish for bass with artificial flies and lures before immediately releasing them from the first of December to the second Friday in June. Anglers can use live or artificial baits and they can keep some bass from the second Saturday of June to November 30. Species like bass, pickerel and panfish like warm water so anglers can hook them all summer long. To catch predatory species, it’s best to fish for them during dawn and dusk. Chain pickerel and northern pike are popular species to catch when opting for ice fishing or winter fishing. Fish like trout and yellow perch are open for angling all year round. Fishing for walleye is open from May to March while crappie season is open from April to October. Catching bullhead is best done when there is daylight as they are bottom feeders. 

Experience Nature and History in Poultney

Boasting a high quality of life, with the community embracing old-timey aesthetics paired with the natural beauty of its surroundings, Poultney is a great place to visit for a recreational yet educational getaway.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Fishing charters are available throughout the town with local guides that can help angling enthusiasts pinpoint the best spots and share the best methods of fishing. Boat rentals are also available in places where anglers can go fishing offshore. 

2. Explore the Historic Downtown

Poultney possesses an entire village within the town with the same name 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. The East Poultney Schoolhouse can be found in the area, it is a Queen Anne style school built in 1896. The Melodeon Factory remains as one of the last industrial buildings that were established in the early decades when Poultney was settled. Additionally, the oldest surviving schoolhouse in the state, Union Academy is located in the town and it was constructed in 1791, commemorating the year when Vermont became a member of the Union. The Poultney Historical Society oversees the maintenance of the historic infrastructures as well as offers walking tours of the historic downtown. 

3. Bask in the Town’s Natural Landscape

Aside from fishing, Poultney offers endless recreational activities for outdoor and nature lovers. Its true to type New England climate and feel accommodates for those who want to go for either relaxing or exciting boating, swimming, snowshoeing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling trips. Most of the activities can be done at Lake St. Catherine State Park where one 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 an astounding view of Birdseye Mountain. Nature programs are also available.