Lure Compass
Add

Public Fishing Spots · Burlington, VT

Public Fishing Spots in Burlington

9 listings · ranked by rating & reviews · updated 2026

Public fishing spots are the free, open-access places to wet a line - shorelines, banks, lakes, ponds, reservoirs and river access points that anyone can fish without booking anything. What you do need almost everywhere is a state fishing license, and rules on seasons, size and bag limits vary by state and often by water body, so it pays to check the local regulations before you go. Access, parking and facilities differ widely from spot to spot: some have boat ramps, restrooms and cleaning stations, others are just a pull-off and a trail to the water. The listings here help you find nearby public spots and what to expect when you arrive.

Below are 9 public fishing spots listings in Burlington, VT, ranked by Google review volume so you can start with the most established options and contact them directly. The most-reviewed is Port Douglas Boat Launch (4.4★, 109 Google reviews).

Typical pricing

Public fishing spots are free to access, but a valid state fishing license is required almost everywhere, and seasons, size and bag limits vary by state and water body. Check your state agency for current rules and any local access restrictions.

See our full guide to fishing in Burlington for neighborhoods, local pricing and how to choose.

Top public fishing spots listings in Burlington

  1. 1
    Port Douglas Boat Launch
    Charters

    Port Douglas Boat Launch

    Burlington Vt

    Boat ramp in Keeseville, VT · 4.4★ (109).

    ★ 4.4 · 109View →
  2. 2
    Peru Boat Launch
    Charters

    Peru Boat Launch

    Burlington Vt

    Boat ramp in Plattsburgh, VT · 4.5★ (83).

    ★ 4.5 · 83View →
  3. 3
    Mallets Bay Fish & Wildlife Access Area
    Charters

    Mallets Bay Fish & Wildlife Access Area

    Burlington Vt

    Boat ramp in Malletts Bay, VT · 4.7★ (61).

    ★ 4.7 · 61View →
  4. 4
    Shelburne Bay Boat Ramp
    Charters

    Shelburne Bay Boat Ramp

    Burlington Vt

    Boat ramp in Shelburne, VT · 4.5★ (39).

    ★ 4.5 · 39View →
  5. 5
    Willsboro Bay Boat Launch
    Charters

    Willsboro Bay Boat Launch

    Burlington Vt

    Boat ramp in Willsboro, VT · 4.7★ (32).

    ★ 4.7 · 32View →
  6. 6
    Burlington Waterfront Boat Ramp
    Charters

    Burlington Waterfront Boat Ramp

    Burlington Vt

    Boat ramp in Burlington, VT · 4.7★ (30).

    ★ 4.7 · 30View →
  7. 7
    Safe Harbor Shelburne Shipyard
    Charters

    Safe Harbor Shelburne Shipyard

    Burlington Vt

    Marina in Shelburne, VT · 4.5★ (22).

    ★ 4.5 · 22View →
  8. 8
    Wilcox Dock
    Charters

    Wilcox Dock

    Burlington Vt

    Boat ramp in Plattsburgh, VT · 4.3★ (22).

    ★ 4.3 · 22View →
  9. 9
    Shelburne Bay Access Area
    Charters

    Shelburne Bay Access Area

    Burlington Vt

    Fishing pier in Shelburne, VT · 4.1★ (11).

    ★ 4.1 · 11View →

FAQ

Public Fishing Spots in Burlington - common questions

How many public fishing spots are there in Burlington? +
Lure Compass lists 9 listings for public fishing spots in Burlington, VT.
Who has the best-rated public fishing spots in Burlington? +
By Google review volume, Port Douglas Boat Launch is the most-reviewed public fishing spots listing in Burlington (4.4★, 109 reviews). Rankings follow review count, not paid placement.
Do I need a license to fish a public spot? +
Almost always yes. Most states require a fishing license for anyone above a set age, whether you fish from shore or a boat, with some free-fishing days each year as an exception. Buy your license through your state wildlife agency and check the seasons, size and bag limits for the water you plan to fish.
Are public fishing spots free? +
The fishing access itself is typically free at public shorelines, lakes and river points, though some parks charge a day-use or parking fee and a state license is still required. Facilities range from full boat ramps and restrooms to nothing but a bank and a footpath, so check what a spot offers before you go.
How do I find good public fishing near me? +
Browse the public spots listed by city and state here for nearby shoreline, lake and river access, then confirm current conditions, access and any seasonal closures with the managing park or state agency. Local reviews can flag parking, crowding and what species people are catching.
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.

Public Fishing Spots in other cities

BiloxiBozemanBrainerdBransonCape CodCape MayCharlestonCharlestonChattanoogaChicagoCoeur d AleneCorpus ChristiDenverDestinDevils LakeErieFarmingtonFort LauderdaleFort MyersGainesvilleGalvestonGuntersvilleJacksonJacksonvilleKailua-KonaKey WestLaconiaLake Havasu CityLake TexomaLas VegasLewesLos AngelesMiamiMichigan CityMilwaukeeMontaukMountain HomeMyrtle BeachNaplesNarragansettNew OrleansNewportOcean CityOgallalaOkobojiOld SaybrookOuter BanksPanama City BeachPensacolaPierrePort ClintonPortlandSalt Lake CitySan DiegoSan FranciscoSeattleSoldotnaSomersetTampaTraverse CityVirginia BeachWichita

Other categories in Burlington

Fishing ChartersFishing PiersBait & Tackle ShopsFishing GuidesMarinas & Boat Ramps