What to expect at Perkins Pier

Perkins Pier is a public fishing access point on Lake Champlain in Burlington's waterfront district, extending into the lake from the downtown shoreline. The pier itself is a working commercial structure, but the public can fish from it during daylight hours when commercial activity permits. You'll be casting into relatively shallow water — 15 to 25 feet in most spots along the pier — with a sandy and silty bottom that holds warmwater species year-round.

The pier draws anglers targeting largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, and yellow perch, with occasional pike. Spring and fall are the most productive seasons, though summer evening fishing can be solid if you arrive after the commercial traffic slows. Winter access is weather-dependent and less reliable than other seasons.

Key Takeaways

  • Perkins Pier is free public access on Lake Champlain in downtown Burlington, but you must respect commercial fishing operations and leave when asked.
  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) produce the best fishing for bass and walleye from the pier structure.
  • You need a Vermont fishing license, which you can purchase online or at local sporting goods retailers before you fish.
  • The pier is most reliable for evening and early-morning visits during summer, when daytime commercial activity is heaviest.
  • Parking is limited on the pier itself; use the nearby Burlington waterfront parking areas and walk to the access point.

Seasons and what bites when

Spring (April through May) is the strongest season at Perkins Pier. As water temperatures climb from the 40s into the 50s, largemouth and smallmouth bass move shallow to feed, and walleye become active in the deeper channels just beyond the pier. Early morning and dusk are most productive, with topwater lures and soft plastics drawing strikes. Perch fishing can be excellent during this window as well, particularly if you use small jigs or live minnows.

Summer (June through August) slows the daytime bite considerably, but evening fishing from sunset through dark can be worthwhile. The water warms into the 70s, pushing bass deeper during the day, but they return to shallow structure as light fades. Walleye fishing improves after dark. Midday fishing is generally slow unless you're targeting perch in deeper water off the pier's end.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring for overall productivity. Water temperatures drop back into the 50s and 60s, bass and walleye feed aggressively, and the pier sees steady action from dawn through mid-morning. This is also when pike become more active in the shallows. By late October, water temperatures drop into the 40s and fishing slows, though dedicated anglers still find success.

Winter (November through March) is unpredictable at Perkins Pier. Ice can form along the shoreline and make access difficult, and commercial operations may restrict public fishing. Some winters the pier remains accessible; others it does not. Call ahead or check with local tackle shops before making the trip.

What species live here and how to fish for them

Largemouth bass are the most common catch from Perkins Pier. They hold around the pier pilings and along the edges where structure meets open water. Use 4- to 6-inch soft plastic worms rigged Texas-style, crankbaits that mimic baitfish, or topwater plugs during low-light periods. Cast parallel to the pier structure and work the lure slowly. Spring and fall are best; summer requires evening sessions.

Smallmouth bass prefer the deeper water at the pier's end and the rocky bottom beyond. They respond to tube jigs, drop-shot rigs with live shiners, and small crankbaits. Fish deeper than you would for largemouths — 15 to 25 feet — and work the bottom slowly. Smallmouths bite consistently from late spring through fall.

Walleye are present but less predictable from the pier than bass. They feed primarily at dawn, dusk, and after dark. Live minnows under a slip bobber, jigging spoons, and small crankbaits all work. Fish the deeper channels just beyond the pier's end, and focus on low-light hours. Spring and fall produce the most consistent walleye fishing.

Yellow perch school heavily in spring and can be caught in large numbers using small jigs tipped with live minnows or perch eyes. They also bite on tiny crankbaits and spinners. Fish the shallower areas near the pier's base during spring, and expect action to slow significantly by midsummer.

Access, parking, and regulations

Perkins Pier is located at the foot of College Street in downtown Burlington, adjacent to the Lake Champlain Community Boathouse. There is no dedicated parking on the pier itself. Use the nearby Burlington waterfront parking areas — the Waterfront Park lot or street parking along Battery Street — and walk to the pier access point. Parking fills quickly on weekends and during peak season, so arrive early if you're fishing in spring or fall.

The pier is open to public fishing during daylight hours, but you must respect commercial fishing operations. If commercial fishermen are actively loading or unloading, move to another section of the pier or leave if asked. The pier can be closed temporarily for maintenance or during severe weather.

You must have a valid Vermont fishing license to fish Perkins Pier. Licenses are available online through the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife website, at local sporting goods retailers, and at some convenience stores. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you're visiting for a short trip. Catch-and-release is permitted for all species; if you keep fish, follow Vermont's size and bag limits, which vary by species and are listed on the license itself.

Gear and tackle recommendations

A medium-action spinning rod (6 to 6.5 feet) with 8- to 12-pound monofilament or braided line is ideal for Perkins Pier. The shorter rod helps when fishing from a crowded pier, and the line weight handles both largemouths and the occasional pike without being overkill for perch. Bring a small tackle box with soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms and tubes), small crankbaits, topwater plugs, and a few jigs in the 1/8- to 1/4-ounce range.

Live bait — shiners, minnows, or perch — can be highly effective, especially for walleye and smallmouth. Check with local tackle shops to see if they stock bait, or bring your own if you're familiar with local sources. A small net is useful for landing fish from the pier's height, and polarized sunglasses help you spot fish in the shallows during clear-water conditions.

When to fish and what to bring

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) is the most productive time at Perkins Pier, particularly in spring and fall. Water is calmest, light is low, and fish are actively feeding. Dusk (one hour before sunset through dark) is the second-best window, especially in summer when daytime fishing is slow. Midday fishing is generally slow except for perch in deeper water.

Bring sun protection — sunscreen, a hat, and polarized glasses — because the pier offers little shade. Water can be cold even in spring and fall, so wear layers you can remove as the day warms. Bring more water than you think you'll need and a small cooler if you plan to keep fish. A headlamp is essential if you're fishing dusk or after dark. Check the weather forecast before you go; wind can make the pier uncomfortable and reduce fishing success.

Nearby alternatives if Perkins Pier is crowded

If Perkins Pier is too busy or conditions are poor, North Beach in Burlington offers shoreline access to Lake Champlain about a mile north. It has parking, a sandy beach, and access to similar species, though structure is less defined than at the pier. Spring and fall fishing can be productive, and it's less crowded than downtown.

Shelburne Bay, about 10 miles south of Burlington, has public boat launch access and shoreline fishing for bass, walleye, and perch. It's a larger body of water with more variable conditions but often produces well in spring and fall. Kamp Kill Kare State Park on the lake's eastern shore also offers public access and similar species.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Perkins Pier, or can I fish from shore?

You can fish directly from the pier without a boat. The pier extends into the lake and provides direct access to water deep enough for bass, walleye, and perch. No boat is necessary.

What's the best time of day to fish Perkins Pier?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) is most productive year-round. Dusk through dark is the second-best window, especially in summer. Midday fishing is generally slow except for perch in deeper water.

Can I keep fish I catch at Perkins Pier?

Yes, you can keep fish if they meet Vermont's size and bag limits. These limits vary by species and are printed on your fishing license. Catch-and-release is also permitted for all species.

Is Perkins Pier accessible in winter?

Winter access is unreliable. Ice can form along the shoreline, and commercial operations may restrict public fishing. Call ahead or check with a local tackle shop before making a winter trip.

Where do I park when fishing Perkins Pier?

Use the Burlington waterfront parking areas near Battery Street or Waterfront Park. There is no dedicated parking on the pier itself. Parking fills quickly during peak season, so arrive early.