What Perkins Pier offers and who fishes there

Perkins Pier is a working waterfront dock on Burlington's waterfront that opens to public fishing during certain hours and seasons. It's a short, accessible structure that juts into Lake Champlain, giving you direct access to deeper water without needing a boat. The pier draws a steady mix of locals and visitors—families with kids, serious anglers targeting walleye and bass, and people who just want to cast a line without driving an hour to get there.

The pier itself is concrete, well-maintained, and typically less crowded than some of the more famous Lake Champlain access points. Because it's in the city proper, parking is street-level and limited, which actually keeps pressure off the water. The real draw here is convenience and the chance to fish genuine Lake Champlain structure without the boat traffic you'd deal with at a launch ramp.

Key Takeaways

  • Perkins Pier is open to public fishing during posted hours, usually spring through fall, though you should confirm current access before you go.
  • Walleye, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass are the main species; walleye bite best in spring and fall, bass throughout summer.
  • Early morning and dusk are most productive, especially in May through June and September through October.
  • Parking is street-level and tight, so arrive early or plan for a short walk from nearby lots.
  • The pier is a working dock, so respect posted rules about hours, commercial activity, and where you can stand.

Seasonal patterns and what bites when

Walleye are the headline species at Perkins Pier, and they're most active in spring (May through early June) and again in fall (September through October). During these windows, fish the pier at dawn or in the last hour before dark. Use live shiners or small minnows on a simple jig-and-minnow rig, or cast small crankbaits that mimic the baitfish Lake Champlain holds. Walleye here are typically 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish pushing 20 inches.

Largemouth and smallmouth bass move in as water warms through June and July. Bass will bite throughout the day, but early morning and late evening are still your best bet. Throw topwater plugs at first light, then switch to soft plastics or small crankbaits as the sun climbs. The pier's concrete pilings and the shallow structure nearby hold bass, especially smallmouths, which prefer harder bottom.

Summer (July and August) can be slow during midday because the lake stratifies and fish move to deeper water. If you fish midday in summer, focus on early morning or wait for an overcast day. Fall is often the best overall season—water cools, fish become aggressive, and both walleye and bass feed hard before winter.

What gear and tackle to bring

A medium-action spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) and a 2500 to 3000 reel spooled with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line will handle everything the pier produces. Keep your setup simple: you don't need heavy gear, and lighter tackle actually gives you better feel for subtle bites in the relatively shallow water off the pier.

For walleye, pack a small tackle box with 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jigs in white, chartreuse, and natural colors; a handful of live shiners or fathead minnows in a small bucket with an aerator; and a few small crankbaits (2 to 3 inches) in shad or perch patterns. For bass, bring topwater plugs, 4- to 6-inch soft plastics (worms, crawfish imitations), and small spinnerbaits. A net is helpful but not essential—the pier is low to the water, so you can often hand-land fish.

Access, parking, and pier rules

Perkins Pier is located at the foot of College Street in downtown Burlington, right where the waterfront district meets the lake. Street parking is available nearby, though spaces fill quickly during warm weekends. There's a small municipal lot a short walk away if street parking is full. Arrive early—before 7 a.m. on a weekend—if you want a may provide spot close to the pier.

The pier is open to public fishing, but hours and seasons can change based on maintenance, weather, or commercial dock activity. Before you go, check with the Burlington Parks and Recreation Department or call ahead to confirm the pier is open and accessible. The pier is a working dock, so respect any posted signs about restricted areas or times when commercial activity takes priority.

There are no facilities on the pier itself—no restrooms, no shade, no concessions. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. The pier can get windy, especially in spring and fall, so dress in layers.

Best times to fish and what to expect

Early May through mid-June is prime time for walleye. Water temperature is rising but not yet too warm, and walleye are feeding aggressively before they move deeper. Expect to see other anglers, especially on weekends, but the pier is long enough that you won't feel crowded. Bring live bait and fish the first and last hour of daylight.

September through October is equally good, sometimes better. Fall walleye are hungry and less selective than spring fish. The water is clearer, and you'll have better visibility to read the structure. Fewer tourists fish in fall, so you'll have more room and less pressure on the fish.

Summer (June through August) can be hit-or-miss. Midday fishing is slow, but early morning bass fishing can be excellent. If you're targeting bass in summer, plan to fish from dawn until 9 or 10 a.m., then leave and return at dusk.

What to know about Lake Champlain's fish and regulations

Vermont requires a fishing license for anyone 15 and older. You can purchase a short-term license (one day, three days, or annual) through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website or at local tackle shops. The license is inexpensive and supports the lake's fishery management.

Walleye have a minimum size of 12 inches and a daily limit of five fish. Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit. Smallmouth bass have a 10-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit. Lake Champlain is regularly stocked with walleye by both Vermont and New York, so populations are healthy and regulations are designed to keep them that way.

The lake itself is clean enough to fish regularly, though the Vermont Department of Health recommends limiting consumption of walleye and bass to one meal per week for adults and less for children, due to mercury in some fish. Catch-and-release fishing avoids this concern entirely.

Nearby alternatives if the pier is closed

If Perkins Pier is closed or you want another option, the Burlington waterfront has other public access points. The Waterfront Park area offers shoreline fishing in a more open setting, though you won't have the structure the pier provides. North Beach, just outside the city, is a popular launch for kayak anglers and offers good early-season walleye fishing.

If you're willing to drive 20 minutes, the Winooski River near Montpelier offers excellent smallmouth bass and walleye in a river setting. The Lamoille River, north of Burlington, is another solid option for bass and has multiple public access points. Both rivers fish differently than the lake but hold good populations of the same species.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Vermont fishing license to fish Perkins Pier?

Yes, anyone 15 and older needs a Vermont fishing license. You can buy a one-day license for a few dollars through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website or at local tackle shops in Burlington. The license is required on any public water in the state, including Lake Champlain.

What's the best time of day to fish the pier?

Early morning (sunrise to 8 a.m.) and the last hour before dark are most productive for both walleye and bass. Midday fishing in summer is usually slow. If you can only fish midday, choose an overcast day or focus on bass rather than walleye.

Can I fish from the pier year-round?

Perkins Pier is typically open spring through fall, but hours and seasonal access can change. Call the Burlington Parks and Recreation Department or check the city website before you go to confirm the pier is open and accessible.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Walleye typically run 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish to 20 inches or slightly larger. Bass range from 10 to 16 inches on average. The pier produces steady action on smaller fish rather than trophy-sized catches, which is fine for most anglers.

Is there parking right at the pier?

Street parking is available nearby, but spaces are limited and fill quickly on weekends. A small municipal lot is a short walk away. Arrive early or plan for a walk from a nearby lot, especially on warm-weather weekends.