The Lakes of Northeastern Vermont

Many of the lakes of the Northeast Kingdom are mother nature's fingerprints left by glacial movements thousands of years ago.

Known for its clean, clear water lakes, the area attracts many visitors every summer for swimming, boating, and lakeside camping.

Freshwater fishing is also a local pastime as the region's lakes are home to varieties of bass, trout, perch, landlocked salmon, and great northern pike.

As a result, rare and adored birds flock and nest in the local. The area is home to the rare Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, Eagle, and Loon, among others.

The nearly extinct Peregrine Falcon are roosting along Crystal Lake in Barton and Little Averill Pond in Canaan, VT. The Bald Eagle and Osptry are routinely spotted on Norton Pond, Great and Little Averill Pond, and Lake Wallace in Canaan, VT. Osprey have also been sited on Crystal Lake in Barton, VT.

Many have also sited the Loon on Lake Willoughby, Norton Pond, Great & Little Averill Pond, Island Pond, Lake Wallace, and most of our regional lakes where Loon, that was on the endangered species list, are multiplying and often found to be in good numbers.

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Lake Memphremagog

Lake Memphremagog rests partially in the United States and partially in Quebec. While 73% of the lake's surface area is located in Quebec, 3/4 of its watershed is in Vermont. The lake's maximum depth of 285 feet make it the third deepest lake in Vermont. Province Island, the largest of its islands, is located on the international boarder.

Though the name Memphremagog means great expanse of water, some claim that it is home to Memphre, a living dinasaur categorized as Sauropterygia from the Mesozoic Era. Memphre have been sighted in Lake Memphremagog as early as the 18th century, though later documented sightings are as recent as 2003.

Downtown Newport, VT is home to the water's edge where visitors enjoy Prouty Beach at the Prouty Beach Campground and outdoor concerts.

Boat rental is available at the Newport Marina, Farrants Point, Newport, VT 05855, 802-334-5911.

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Lake Willoughby

A national natural landmark and considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in America, Lake Willoughby resembles a Norwegian Fjord with its length extending between two mountain ranges. The lake is also the deepest lake in Vermont, with depths exceeding 300 feet.

Waterfalls, cradled in rock formations, empty into the lake at various points from surrounding mountains.

Locals and visitors flock to the lake in the warmer months to enjoy the two sandy public beaches, one on its northern shore, the other on its southern shore.

The lake is also home to the Peregrine Falcon and Loon. The Peregrine Falcon nests along the cliffs of Mount Psgah and Mount Hor, a natural habitat for the rare bird.

The peregrine Falcon was listed as an endangered species in the 1970's after falling victim to pesticides that filtered through the food chain to its diet of small animals, fish, and insects.

Lake Willoughby held the world's record for the largest trout ever caught through the ice. The fish weighed in at 39 pounds. Lake Willoughby a variety of fish, including trout, smelt, burbot, and perch, among others.

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Island Pond

Island Pond, located in Island Pond, VT, is a lake that, in reference to its name, has an island in its center 22 acres in size.

The lake is a have for Loon and an abundance of fish, including trout, perch, and varieties of freshwater bass. During the winter months snowmobilers enjoy safe passage across the lake during the coldest part of the winter season.

Nestled amid mountains in a remote area of Vermont, the lake offers sandy beaches, open barbecue grills, and a public dock. Boat rental is available at Lakeside camping and Brighton State Park. Parking is free.

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Great Averill Pond and Little Averill Pond in Canaan, VT

For great swimming, fishing and a remote setting, visit Great Averill Pond and Little Averill Pond located near the border to Quebec in Canaan, VT. The area is sparsely populated and rich in wildlife, including deer, moose, bear and bobcat.

Both lakes are home to trophy lake trout, brook trout, and rainbow smelt. These ponds offer superb back-country fishing.