Rainbow, Lake, Brown and Brook Trout
Trout are the species of choice for most Vermont fishermen. Their flash of color, aggressive behavior and love of a fight make them a favorite sport fish. In this region the Black River along Route 131 east of Cavendish offers some of Vermont's best trout terrain with ease of access and parking areas. The area is designated as a Trophy Trout Stream and restricted to artificial lures or flies only. The so called Ludlow Lakes located on Route 100 north produce rainbows and lake trout in good numbers.
The lure preferred by Vermont trout are nymph's, specifically dark olive or brown soft hackles. The classic Hares Ear is also a good producer along with Woolly Buggers tied as a bright green pattern. As the weather warms top feeding greet hatches of all manner of insects.

Fishing with the Kids!
It’s not the actual catching of fish that makes this sport so special to so many, but the outdoor experience...observing birds, animals, tracks, and trees, plants and wildflowers. Fishing is all about relaxing and enjoying quality family time outdoors with your children and grandchildren.

Here are some ideas to help keep fishing simple and maximize family fun. Some children will be happy with 15 minutes of fishing followed by an hour of wading in the water, having a picnic, watching the clouds or exploring the natural environment.

Planning:  Take some time to plan your fishing outing. Check the weather forecast.  Select a location—local spots which are generally successful, i.e. Camp Plymouth State Park, West Hill Park, Colby Pond, Lowell Lake, and Knapp Pond. For instructions on reaching any of these locations consult the Where to Paddle Section of this web site.

Check your Equipment:  Rods with closed face reel, hooks (small fish = small hook), bobber, bait (worms), bucket w/ water for holding fish. (Reels can actually make the experience more complicated for young children. Remove the reel and attach 6 to 10 feet of line directly to the rod tip.) Take along plenty of water or other drinks, snacks, spare clothing, socks, hats, insect repellant, and camera.

Preparation:   Using a pair of pliers, flatten the barb on all hooks. Children tend to wait too long to set the hook and larger fish will swallow the hook and bait. Removing the barbs makes it easier to remove the hook and reduces possible injury.

How to Fish:  Attach bait to the hook, set bobber to hold baited hook just above the bottom, swing the line with bobber and hook over the side of the dock or off the shore. Casting should not be a factor for the children.

TIP: If fish are removing the bait but not being caught adjust bobber position to shorten or lengthen the line.

Catching Fish:   Fish will grab the bait pulling the bobber under or across the water. Raise the tip of the rod firmly to tighten the line. This action will hook the fish.

TIP: Your child may wish to keep fish or return them to the water. Let them decide. The first fish is the best. Don’t miss the photo opportunity to capture the moment.

Handling Fish:  Some children may not wish to touch a fish. This is your time to lead by example. The key is to be gentile when releasing any fish. Holding the fish too tight can cause damage to delicate organs. Return the fish to the water gently allowing it to rest in your hand in the water until it swims away.

Fishing Member Listings

Select a town below:

Ladden Guide & Outfitter
Phone : 802-228-5195
Address : 64 Tucker Road, Ludlow, VT, 05149