Otter Creek is a River located in Addison County, VT. Starting in Danby, VT the Otter Creek flows 114 miles through Brandon, VT before ending in Ferrisburgh, VT. The Otter Creek rises to an elevation of 95 feet. Find maps, fishing guides, weather and recreation information at Guidesly.

About Otter Creek, VT

As the longest contained river in Vermont, Otter Creek has always helped people establish their livelihood there, especially for those who live at the end of the river: Lake Champlain. Otter Creek served as a home for many Native Americans as they took advantage of the river to fuel their agriculture, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Otter Creek runs from the western slopes of Mt. Tabor and flows through two towns: the Town of Peru and the Town of Dorset. Once it passes through the two towns, it flows north into Emerald Lake before passing through another set of towns before finally emptying in Lake Champlain. Despite the years of developing land in Vermont, locals left Otter Creek alone because of its floodplains. The floodplains and swamps absorb much of the water during heavy rainfall to prevent the towns from flooding.

All About Fishing in Otter Creek, VT

Otter Creek is home to several fish such as trout, pike, and bass as a warm waterbody. The speed of the water and extensive river route make Otter Creek one of the ideal places for large river fish to breed and for anglers to practice fly fishing. However, the fish you get depends on where you are. Otter Creek is divided into two places: Upper Otter Creek and Mid-Low Otter Creek.

Upper Otter Creek serves as a home for all brook trout. Since Upper Otter Creek is connected to several streams that run from the Green Mountains and the Taconic Mountains, all the water is either spring-based or completely fresh, making it perfect for trout to breed. This part of the river is also strictly monitored, and the estuaries are often restocked by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

Head down lower to Mid-Low Otter Creek or from Rutland, and you’ll find a variety of pike and bass swimming around. The waters near Middlebury and Vergennes are usually the grounds where northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and other fall fish show up. If you’re lucky, you might even catch yourself a gigantic carp.

Fishing Seasonality

Ask any local there, and they’ll say the best time to fish in Otter Creek is anytime. It all boils down now to what kind of fish you’re looking for. Springtime or around May is the best time to go fishing for trout because that’s when all the bugs are lining the water, and that’s when the trout come out to eat. As summer comes in, the pike, bass, and carp will come out to play because of the warmer temperatures. 

People can also go ice fishing in Vermont because they only have a mild winter, which means the fish are always active. However, as the temperatures get colder, you might only be left with trout and largemouth bass (both are tolerant of cold temperatures). As you venture through the waters of Otter Creek, clean up after, especially if you came from Lake Champlain. Some say Lake Champlain has the highest count for E. Coli bacteria in the water. 

Fishing Seasonality

Ask any local there, and they’ll say the best time to fish in Otter Creek is anytime. It all boils down now to what kind of fish you’re looking for. Springtime or around May is the best time to go fishing for trout because that’s when all the bugs are lining the water, and that’s when the trout come out to eat. As summer comes in, the pike, bass, and carp will come out to play because of the warmer temperatures. 

People can also go ice fishing in Vermont because they only have a mild winter, which means the fish are always active. However, as the temperatures get colder, you might only be left with trout and largemouth bass (both are tolerant of cold temperatures). As you venture through the waters of Otter Creek, clean up after, especially if you came from Lake Champlain. Some say Lake Champlain has the highest count for E. Coli bacteria in the water. 

All About Fishing in Otter Creek, VT

Otter Creek is home to several fish such as trout, pike, and bass as a warm waterbody. The speed of the water and extensive river route make Otter Creek one of the ideal places for large river fish to breed and for anglers to practice fly fishing. However, the fish you get depends on where you are. Otter Creek is divided into two places: Upper Otter Creek and Mid-Low Otter Creek.

Upper Otter Creek serves as a home for all brook trout. Since Upper Otter Creek is connected to several streams that run from the Green Mountains and the Taconic Mountains, all the water is either spring-based or completely fresh, making it perfect for trout to breed. This part of the river is also strictly monitored, and the estuaries are often restocked by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

Head down lower to Mid-Low Otter Creek or from Rutland, and you’ll find a variety of pike and bass swimming around. The waters near Middlebury and Vergennes are usually the grounds where northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and other fall fish show up. If you’re lucky, you might even catch yourself a gigantic carp.