Windham County, VT · Inland River
Connecticut River (Bellows Falls)
The Connecticut River along the Vermont–New Hampshire border holds strong smallmouth bass, walleye, and yellow perch in its impoundments and runs. The stretch around Bellows Falls is fished from boats and the bank; live USGS flow at North Walpole reads the river.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Walleye — Great day to fish for Walleye.
Best conditions of 3 species tracked at Connecticut River (Bellows Falls).
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Connecticut River (Bellows Falls)
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Walleye Great day to fish for Walleye. In season 70/100
What's helping
- Dark moon — walleye feeds aggressively in low light
About. Sander vitreus — Maryland's premier cool-water gamefish. Deep Creek Lake is the flagship fishery; also found in the non-tidal Potomac and the Youghiogheny River. Low-light feeder — dusk, dawn, and overcast/windy days are prime. Jigs, crankbaits, and nightcrawler harnesses are standard.
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · either tide · depth 10–40 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Min size
- 18"
- Daily creel
- 3
Lake Champlain: 3 walleye/day, 18" minimum. Season May 1–Mar 15.
Source: Vermont non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#2 Smallmouth Bass Workable day for Smallmouth Bass. In season 62/100
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Min size
- 12"
- Daily creel
- 5
Lake Champlain: 5 bass/day (largemouth + smallmouth combined), 12" minimum.
Source: Vermont non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#3 Yellow Perch Marginal conditions for Yellow Perch. In season 52/100
What's hurting
- incoming tide — yellow perch prefers slack tide
About. Perca flavescens — Late-winter and early-spring favorite. Schools up in tidal tributaries for the pre-spawn run in February and March, taking small minnows, shad darts, and small jigs. A classic Eastern Shore "neds" fishery.
Prefers. Water 45–70°F (ideal 58°F) · slack tide · depth 5–30 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- no limit
Lake Champlain: no daily limit on yellow perch.
Source: Vermont non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Vermont non-tidal
Coordinates
Notes
Boundary water — Vermont and New Hampshire honor each other’s licenses on the Connecticut River. Confirm reciprocity rules.
Local reports & rules for Connecticut River (Bellows Falls): Vermont Fish & Wildlife fishing & regulations → · trout stocking schedule → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Connecticut River (Bellows Falls)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Connecticut River (Bellows Falls) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Connecticut River (Bellows Falls)?
Connecticut River (Bellows Falls) is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Yellow Perch. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Connecticut River (Bellows Falls)?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Connecticut River (Bellows Falls) against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Connecticut River (Bellows Falls) have?
Connecticut River (Bellows Falls) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Boundary water — Vermont and New Hampshire honor each other’s licenses on the Connecticut River. Confirm reciprocity rules.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Connecticut River (Bellows Falls)?
state agency regulations apply at Connecticut River (Bellows Falls). Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Connecticut River (Bellows Falls) tidal water?
No. Connecticut River (Bellows Falls) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.