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Vermont · Fishing
Craftsbury Common sits in the Northeast Kingdom, a part of Vermont where the fishing tends to be quiet, unhurried, and genuinely good if you know what you're working with. The two waters drawing anglers here are Page Pond and Little Hosmer Pond, both lake fisheries that reward patience over flash.
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Craftsbury Common sits in the Northeast Kingdom, a part of Vermont where the fishing tends to be quiet, unhurried, and genuinely good if you know what you're working with. The two waters drawing anglers here are Page Pond and Little Hosmer Pond, both lake fisheries that reward patience over flash. Page Pond is the more prominent option, appearing twice in local listings, which reflects the range of ways people approach it — whether that's shore fishing from accessible spots or launching a small craft to work the deeper sections. Little Hosmer Pond rounds out the local options with its own character as a smaller, calmer body of water. Neither of these is a trophy destination with a marketing budget behind it; they're the kind of ponds that Northeast Kingdom regulars return to year after year because the crowds stay thin and the mornings stay peaceful. If you're driving up from Burlington or further south, it's worth building your trip around the shoulder seasons when water temperatures are favorable and the summer boat traffic hasn't arrived. Vermont Fish and Wildlife regulations apply to both waters, so check current licensing requirements and any special rules before you go.
Both are lake fisheries typical of the Northeast Kingdom, where warmwater and coldwater species often share the same water body. Expect species common to Vermont's northern ponds such as bass, perch, and pickerel, though specific stocking status and species composition for these ponds should be confirmed with Vermont Fish and Wildlife before your trip, as it can change season to season.
Shore fishing is viable at both ponds, and many anglers fish them that way without issue. A canoe, kayak, or small motorized craft will open up more of the water, particularly on Page Pond where working the deeper sections from shore is harder. Check local access points before you go, as launch conditions on smaller Vermont ponds can vary by season.
Page Pond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Willowvale Fishing Area - Lamoille River
~15 min drive
Moderate
Clyde River - Newport Access
~31 min drive
Easy
Winooski River - Bolton Gorge
~56 min drive
Hard
Page Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Lake Memphremagog - Newport City Boat Launch
~31 min drive
Moderate
Missisquoi River - Sheldon Springs Access
~53 min drive
Easy
Little Hosmer Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Groton Lake - Groton State Forest
~56 min drive
Easy
Daniels Pond
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Potters Pond
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Lake Elligo
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Early morning is consistently the most productive window on still pond water like this, especially in warmer months when fish move shallow to feed before the sun climbs. Evening can also be effective. Midday fishing in summer is generally slower, though overcast days can extend the active window.
A light to medium spinning setup covers most situations on these smaller ponds. Soft plastics, small spinners, and live bait all work depending on what you're targeting. Bring polarized sunglasses for reading the water, and pack layers — mornings in the Northeast Kingdom can be cold well into May and again by September.
Yes, a Vermont fishing license is required for anyone 15 and older fishing in state waters, including Page Pond and Little Hosmer Pond. You can purchase one online through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website or at local license agents. Buy it before you arrive in Craftsbury Common, as there are no guarantees a vendor will be immediately nearby.
