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Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic Salmon in Vermont are landlocked populations that spend their entire lives in freshwater, identical to sea-run Atlantic salmon except for their habitat.

These prized gamefish exist in both Lake Champlain and Lake Memphremagog, though it's unclear if they were originally native to these waters.

The Lake Memphremagog population reproduces naturally with spawning in the Clyde River, while 2023 saw record returns in the Winooski River from Lake Champlain adults.

Most fisheries are supported by stocking programs, with the majority of lakes stocked in the Northeast Kingdom, plus Lake Champlain, Lake Dunmore, and Harriman Reservoir.

Scientific Name: Salmo salar

Physical Characteristics:
  • Feature forked tails, silvery flanks, and black spots on the upper half of their bodies, with no spots on their adipose and tail fins (distinguishing them from brown trout).

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Vermont's populations exist in both Lake Champlain and Lake Memphremagog.
  • Most fisheries are supported by stocking programs, with the majority of lakes stocked in the Northeast Kingdom, plus Lake Champlain, Lake Dunmore, and Harriman Reservoir.

Key Locations

  • Lake Champlain, Lake Memphremagog, Lake Dunmore, Lake Willoughby, Seymour Lake, and Harriman Reservoir.
  • River fishing opportunities exist in the Winooski River, Lewis Creek (both Lake Champlain tributaries), Clyde River (Lake Memphremagog tributary), and Sucker Brook (Lake Dunmore tributary).

Specific Spots

  • Shallow water around shoals, reefs, and shoreline rock outcroppings in spring, then deeper water as temperatures rise.
  • Adults spawn in tributary streams, selecting gravel areas rather than silt or sand bottoms.
  • Spawning occurs in inlet/outlet streams with gravel riffles in swift water above or below pools.

Atlantic Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Atlantic Salmon in Vermont?

Weighted nymphs and smelt-mimicking streamers such as Gray Ghost, Black Ghost, Green Ghost, Mickey Finn, Colonel Bates, Supervisor, Barnes Special, Pink Lady, Governor Aiken, and Winnipesaukee Smelt.

When is the best time to fish for Atlantic Salmon in Vermont?

Spring and fall being prime seasons. Fall fishing can be exceptional as salmon feed heavily before winter, with less angling pressure and fewer boats on water. August can provide excellent trout and salmon fishing if cool weather drops water temperatures into the 60s.

How do you catch Atlantic Salmon in Vermont?

Trolling is highly effective. Fly fishing patterns work in both rivers and lakes.

What do Atlantic Salmon eat?

Diet varies by life stage: fry and parr feed on aquatic insects like mayflies and caddisflies, while adults primarily target smelt and supplement with surface insects. Vermont salmon grow best where smelt are abundant.

Where do Atlantic Salmon live in Vermont?

Vermont's populations exist in both Lake Champlain and Lake Memphremagog. Most fisheries are supported by stocking programs, with the majority of lakes stocked in the Northeast Kingdom, plus Lake Champlain, Lake Dunmore, and Harriman Reservoir.

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