A fly fisherman casts for rising brook trout on Sterling Pond

There are more things to do while vacationing at Smugglers’ Notch than you can fit into most trips, but you won’t want to miss the opportunity to fish in some of the local waters if you are visiting during the warm parts of the year.

Vermont’s waters are full of trout, largemouth bass, pike, walleye and other iconic gamefish, as well as bluegill, catfish and landlocked salmon. Several noteworthy waters can be found within close proximity of the resort, including Lake Champlain (which is less than an hour’s drive away) and Sterling Pond – the state’s highest trout pond.

But the fishing fun isn’t just for adults. In fact, Smugglers’ Notch makes an ideal location to introduce your kids to the sport. You’ll both have a great time doing so and form memories that will last for long after your trip is over and you’ve returned home. However, it is important that the kids actually catch fish to ensure they enjoy themselves. Children rarely have fun watching a bobber in the water all afternoon, and they’ll soon grow bored if they aren’t getting bites.

This primarily means outfitting your kids with the right type of equipment, fishing in productive locations and targeting child-friendly species, such as panfish. You can do all this yourself, but it is easier to just take advantage of the excursions provided by Smugglers’ Notch. The guides will provide you with all of the tackle, bait, instruction, and guidance you need, allowing you to kick back and just enjoy spending time with your kids. Or, if you prefer a do-it-yourself approach, head on over to the stocked trout pond near the resort entrance. Wild trout are often rather challenging for kids to catch, but this pond is full of easily caught, farmed fish.

In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about the best ways to catch fish with your children and introduce them to the activity, check out Outdoor Empire’s comprehensive review of the subject. There, you’ll find more strategies, tips and tricks for maximizing your time on the water and ensuring your kids have a great time.