Fishing Charters in Vermont
Browse fishing charters in Vermont that can help you catch catfish.


Reel Vermont Guide Service
Fairfax, Vermont
Experience world-class bow fishing on Lake Champlain. Hunt Carp, Gar, and more with expert guidance. Book your night adventure now!


Green Mountain Troufitters
Hyde Park, Vermont


Fishnrigg Charters
Fishing Charters On Lake Champlain


Lazy D And Me
trolling the Hudson river for striped bass


Stream And Brook Fly Fishing


Bronzeback Guide Service


Francisco Fly Fishing
Book your guided trip with Francisco Guide Service for an unforgettable outdoor experience. Secure your reservation now for an exciting adventure.


Uncle Jammers Guide Service
Contact Uncle Jammer's Fly Fishing Guide Service in Vermont! Book your guide fly fishing trip today!


Bailey Hazen Angling Adventures
Key personal items for a fun and comfortable outing.


FLY HAUS - Fly Shop
Fly rod rental and wading gear rental options at The FLY HAUS. Rent quality rods, waders, and boots for your river adventures and stay warm and dry.


Sure Strike Charters
Sure Strike Charters is Vermont’s Premier Lake Champlain Fishing Charter . Our home port is Shelburne shipyard. Captain Brian and Captain Paul are both fully licensed United States Coast Guard certified Captains for 40 years combined experience fishing guides on Lake Champlain. We cater to families & welcome all. Local to Burlington, Shelburne, Charlotte, Vergennes, Colchester, Milton, and a short drive from The Champlain Islands, St, Albans, Barre, Montpelier, St. Johnsbury, Derby, Middlebury, Bristol, Stowe, Killington, Waterbury, Woodstock, Bennington, Brattleboro, Windsor, White River Junction, even Montreal Canada.


Great Drake Angling & Outdoor Adventures, LLC
Guided Vermont Fishing Trips in Stowe and Northeast Kingdom. Drift boat fishing trips and wading for Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout and Landlocked Salmon.
Best Time to Catch Catfish
Catfish can be caught year-round in South Burlington. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Catfish
Catfish in the South Burlington area? Lake Champlain is again your go-to. What makes Champlain unique for catfish is its diverse habitat and abundant forage. Channel catfish are the most common, though flatheads are present. The best time to target them is from late spring through fall. Night fishing is particularly productive. Focus on areas with deep water near structure, such as submerged timber, rocky points, and river mouths. A local tip: Use cut bait, stink bait, or live bait like nightcrawlers or small sunfish. Catfish are bottom feeders, so a Carolina rig or three-way swivel rig is ideal. The mouth of the Winooski River, where it enters Lake Champlain, is a known catfish hotspot. Be prepared for a fight, as these Champlain cats can get quite large. The catfish population is healthy and often overlooked, making for some surprisingly good fishing.
How to Catch Catfish
Catfish Fishing Regulations in Vermont
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
No limit
Size Limit
No size limit
License Required
Fishing License
Check local regulations for specific water bodies as exceptions may exist.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Vermont state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Vermont
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish for catfish year-round in Vermont?
Yes, the catfish season is open year-round in Vermont.
What is the size and bag limit for catfish in Vermont?
There are no size or bag limits for catfish in Vermont. You can keep as many as you catch.
What are some effective baits for catching catfish near South Burlington?
Catfish are known to eat a variety of things. Try using nightcrawlers, chicken liver, or commercially prepared stinkbaits.
Do I need a license to fish for catfish in Vermont?
Yes, you need a valid Vermont fishing license to fish for catfish.
More Catfish Fishing in Vermont
Other Species to Fish in South Burlington
Ready to Catch Catfish in South Burlington?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.

