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Vermont · Fishing
Benson is a small town in Rutland County that sits close to Lake Champlain's eastern shore, and its local fishing scene centers on a pair of quiet ponds rather than big-water spectacle.
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Benson is a small town in Rutland County that sits close to Lake Champlain's eastern shore, and its local fishing scene centers on a pair of quiet ponds rather than big-water spectacle. Perch Pond and Mud Pond are both listed as lake fishing destinations here, and the names tell you something useful: expect warm-water species in shallow, weedy water rather than cold-water trout streams. That kind of fishing suits a specific type of angler — someone who enjoys working a bobber rig along a weed edge in the early morning, or casting small spinners for yellow perch without a crowd. Access to small Vermont ponds like these is often low-key, meaning a canoe, kayak, or small car-top boat will serve you better than a trailered bass boat. Vermont Fish and Wildlife manages statewide regulations, so a valid Vermont fishing license is required regardless of which water you're on. If you're driving in from outside the area, Benson is a rural town with limited services, so plan to arrive with your gear, bait, and snacks already sorted. The fishing here won't make headlines, but for a relaxed half-day on the water it's a reasonable option in this corner of Addison and Rutland county.
The pond names and lake fishing designations suggest warm-water species are the primary target. Yellow perch are a reasonable expectation at Perch Pond given the name, and both ponds likely hold bass, pickerel, and panfish typical of shallow Vermont lakes. Vermont Fish and Wildlife's online lake survey database can give you confirmed species lists for specific water bodies before you go.
Small ponds in rural Vermont rarely have developed boat launches, so a canoe, kayak, or lightweight car-top aluminum boat is the practical choice. Check current access conditions before you go, since informal launch spots can change seasonally or be restricted by landowners.
Moosalamoo Campground
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Hapgood Pond
~1h 8m drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
The Sagamore
~37 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NY.
Perch Pond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Perch Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Spruce Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Mud Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Mud Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Lake Hortonia
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Black Pond
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Beebe Pond
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Glen Lake
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
For warm-water species in Vermont ponds, late May through early July is productive as water temperatures rise and fish move shallow to feed and spawn. Early fall, from late August into October, is another solid window when perch and bass feed actively before winter. Ice fishing is also a Vermont tradition, and shallow ponds like these can be viable from late December through February depending on ice conditions.
Early morning, roughly the first two hours after sunrise, and the hour before sunset are consistently the most active periods for panfish and bass in warm-water ponds. Midday fishing in summer tends to slow down as temperatures peak and fish move deeper or into shade.
Yes, a Vermont fishing license is required for anyone 15 or older fishing any water in the state. You can purchase one online through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website or at local license agents. Make sure to review the current Vermont Fishing Guide for any special regulations that apply to specific ponds in Rutland County.
