Best places to fish in Burlington

28 listings · ranked by rating & reviews · updated 2026

Burlington sits on the Vermont shore of Lake Champlain, one of the biggest and most diverse fisheries in the Northeast. The lake is famous for bass - smallmouth and largemouth that rank among the best in the country and draw national tournaments, worked around rocky points, weed edges and the broad shallows. Lake trout and landlocked salmon hold in the cold, deep water and come to downriggers and trolled spoons, while walleye and northern pike add still more variety across the bays and river mouths. Depending on the day, a trip might mean flipping jigs for tournament-class smallmouth or dropping deep for lakers off the main lake. Guides and charters launch from the Burlington waterfront and nearby ramps, matching the target to the season and where the fish are set up. The operators below are ranked by Google review volume and rating.

Typical fishing charter cost in Burlington

A half-day inshore charter in Burlington typically runs $350-$600 per trip - smaller boats and shorter trips at the low end, offshore and full-day trips toward the top. Rates vary by boat and party size - confirm trip details, pricing and availability directly with the operator.

See how Burlington ranks nationally in the Fishing Charter Cost Index.

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Top-rated fishing in Burlington

FAQ

Fishing in Burlington - common questions

How much does a fishing guide cost in Burlington? +

Burlington guide trips typically run about $350-$600 depending on trip length and the number of anglers. Half-day bass trips sit at the lower end; full-day and deep-water trips cost more. Confirm the all-in price with the guide.

Why is Lake Champlain famous for bass fishing? +

Champlain holds huge numbers of quality smallmouth and largemouth and consistently ranks among the top bass lakes in the country. It hosts major tournaments, and guides target bass around rocky structure, weed lines and the shallows.

What else can you catch on Lake Champlain besides bass? +

Beyond smallmouth and largemouth bass, the lake holds lake trout and landlocked salmon in the deep water, plus walleye and northern pike in the bays and near the river mouths. It is one of the most varied fisheries in the region.

When is the best time to fish Lake Champlain out of Burlington? +

Bass fishing is strongest from late spring through fall, while lake trout and salmon are reachable in the cooler months and early season. The target often shifts with water temperature, so ask the guide what is on.

Best places to fish in Burlington

Top-rated fishing in Burlington

Sierra

L.L.Bean

Plattsburgh Boat Basin

City of Plattsburgh Marina

Burlington Harbor Marina

Port Douglas Boat Launch

Point Bay Marina

Peru Boat Launch

Ferry Dock Marina

Champlain Marina

Bay Harbor Marina

Mallets Bay Fish & Wildlife Access Area

Keeler Bay Marina

Sure Strike Charters

Moorings Marina

Marina At Marble Island

Burlington Community Boathouse Marina

Shelburne Bay Boat Ramp

Cloud Nine Fishing Charters

Willsboro Bay Boat Launch

Burlington Waterfront Boat Ramp

Mega Bass Charters

Tie By Night Fly Shop

Safe Harbor Shelburne Shipyard

Wilcox Dock

Shelburne Bay Access Area

Burlington Fishing Pier

Mayes Landing

Fishing in Burlington - common questions