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Vermont · Fishing
Hardwick sits in the Northeast Kingdom, and the fishing around town reflects that — quiet, accessible, and worth the drive if you know where to go.
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Hardwick sits in the Northeast Kingdom, and the fishing around town reflects that — quiet, accessible, and worth the drive if you know where to go. The three main lake options in the area are Mud Pond, Wapanacki Lake, and Lake Elligo, all of which offer lake fishing without the crowds you'd find further south in Vermont. These are warmwater and coldwater mixed-bag lakes typical of the region, where you're likely to encounter bass, perch, pickerel, and panfish depending on the time of year and where you're casting. None of these waters are designated gold medal or wild trout fisheries, so set expectations accordingly — this is solid local fishing, not a destination trophy trip. That said, early mornings in late spring and again in early fall can produce genuinely good action, especially on smaller, shallower water like Mud Pond. Access varies by site, so it's worth checking current Vermont Fish and Wildlife information before you head out, particularly for boat launch conditions and any posted regulations. A basic freshwater fishing license is required for anyone 15 and older fishing in Vermont.
Yes. Vermont requires a freshwater fishing license for anyone age 15 or older. You can purchase one online through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department or at local license agents. Non-resident licenses are available and priced differently from resident licenses.
These are typical Northeast Kingdom warmwater lakes, so expect largemouth bass, yellow perch, chain pickerel, and various panfish. Smallmouth bass are possible depending on the lake's bottom structure. These waters are not designated trout fisheries, so don't plan a trip around trout.
Mud Pond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Willowvale Fishing Area - Lamoille River
~15 min drive
Moderate
Groton Lake - Groton State Forest
~42 min drive
Easy
Winooski River - Bolton Gorge
~48 min drive
Hard
Lake Elligo
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Lake Memphremagog - Newport City Boat Launch
~44 min drive
Moderate
Clyde River - Newport Access
~44 min drive
Easy
Wapanacki Lake
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Mad River - Moretown Access
~51 min drive
Moderate
Little Hosmer Pond
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Lake Elmore
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Daniels Pond
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VT.
Early morning is consistently the most productive window, especially for bass and pickerel, which are more active in low light. Late afternoon into evening can also be good in warmer months. Midday in summer tends to slow down as fish move deeper.
A medium-light spinning setup covers most situations — 6 to 10 pound monofilament or fluorocarbon, with a selection of soft plastics, small spinners, and live bait rigs for perch and panfish. If you're targeting pickerel, a short wire leader will save you from bite-offs. A small kayak or canoe opens up water that's hard to reach from shore.
Late May through June is strong once water temperatures climb and bass move shallow. September and early October are also productive as fish feed up before winter. Ice fishing is popular in the Northeast Kingdom through late winter, but check current ice conditions locally before heading out.
