Local Waters
Emerald Lake
East Dorset, VT · about 3 hours from Portsmouth (typical, off-peak)
The small US 7 park lake between Manchester and Rutland.
Salt River / stream Lake / pond Shop (desk) Guide only Parking Stay State access Private — ask first
Around now
Most likely in this drive this week. Not a guarantee — confirm the official rule.
-
Smallmouth bass
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Trout
-
Sunfish and crappie
Also worth a thought: Largemouth bass, Chain pickerel.
- Season
- Legal harvest season. Small streams get skinny. Official VT Fish & Wildlife wins. Official rule
- License
- Vermont fishing license
- Park
- Emerald Lake State Park lots on US 7 in East Dorset.
- Walk in
- Short walk from the signed public lot.
- Wading
- Confirm the bank and flow before you step in.
- Usual window
- Confirm the digest for this week.
- Sunday conditions
-
NE 5 mph around dawn. Fine to go.
- Sky
- ⚡ 74° storm
- Sun and moon
- Rise 6:05 · 🌔 Waxing gibbous · Set 7:44
- Wind at dawn
- NE 5 mph · Patchy Drizzle · 65°F
- Wind later
-
- dawn: NE 5 mph
- 10am: E 6 mph
- 2pm: E 7 mph
- dusk: E 5 mph
- A setup that belongs here
- 5- or 6-wt unless the water is bigger.
- Notes
- State park. Confirm F&W / park rules.
Log this trip
Private. On this phone, and in your test book if you signed in on Journal.
Shops
Guides
Shop desks, plus a few independents who fish public water. We do not take a cut. Call them.
Orvis Manchester — book a day
Manchester, VT · wade · Half or full day
Good for: Battenkill and southern Vermont public water
Shop desk. The Battenkill is crowded and technical. Ask them.