Bass Fishing Vermont

{
  "id": "d64917c8-1e60-40f0-b286-37143073df98",
  "organizationId": "e76f5f5c-1f89-438f-8c64-d123df6c3818",
  "name": "Bass Fishing Vermont",
  "guideName": "Matt Applebaum",
  "slug": "matt-applebaum",
  "bio": "Matt Applebaum operates Bass Fishing Vermont out of Bethel, guiding anglers across Vermont's premier bass waters including Waterbury Reservoir, Arrowhead Mountain Lake, Lake Champlain, and a network of smaller ponds and reservoirs. He targets both smallmouth and largemouth bass year-round, with seasonal expertise spanning spring topwater action, summer tournament-class fishing on larger reservoirs, and aggressive fall feeding periods. His operation welcomes all skill levels and emphasizes lighter-tackle techniques across Vermont's diverse water systems.",
  "yearsExperience": null,
  "descriptionShort": "Bass Fishing Vermont offers guided bass fishing trips across Vermont's lakes and reservoirs, with Matt Applebaum specializing in smallmouth and largemouth bass. Operating from Bethel, VT, he targets everything from tournament-caliber smallmouth on Waterbury Reservoir to trophy largemouth on secluded ponds, with trips available spring through fall.",
  "descriptionLong": null,
  "editorialPitch": "Matt Applebaum chases tournament-class smallmouth across Vermont's pristine reservoirs and hidden ponds, where spring topwater explosions and fall feeding frenzies deliver aggressive bass fishing against a backdrop of New England wilderness.",
  "fishinessRating": 5,
  "rating": null,
  "reviewCount": 0,
  "vertical": "guide_service",
  "isOutfitter": false,
  "hasMultipleGuides": false,
  "guideType": "conventional_freshwater",
  "tripStyle": "serious_angler",
  "fishingTypes": [
    "bass fishing",
    "smallmouth bass fishing",
    "largemouth bass fishing"
  ],
  "bestFor": [
    "freshwater",
    "bass",
    "advanced",
    "intermediate",
    "beginner",
    "trophy-fish",
    "catch-and-release",
    "charter"
  ],
  "hasGoogleMaps": true,
  "qualityTier": "good",
  "thinData": false,
  "possiblyClosed": false,
  "city": "Bethel",
  "stateProvince": "VT",
  "countryCode": "US",
  "country": null,
  "timezone": "UTC-4",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://bassfishingvermont.com/",
  "tripAdvisorUrl": null,
  "googleMapsUrl": "https://maps.google.com/?cid=5815563181648443208&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA",
  "openMonths": [
    4,
    5,
    6,
    7,
    8,
    9,
    10
  ],
  "peakMonths": [
    5,
    6,
    7,
    8,
    9,
    10
  ],
  "fishingSeasonsNarrative": "My guiding season kicks off in the spring, typically around April, as the waters begin to warm and the bass become more active. This is a prime time for targeting both Smallmouth and Largemouth in the smaller ponds and reservoirs, where they often provide exciting action on lighter tackle. As summer arrives, the fishing intensifies across all our waters. The larger reservoirs like Waterbury and Arrowhead become hotspots for tournament-class Smallmouth, while the smaller, secluded ponds offer chances at truly giant Largemouth. Late season, particularly in September and October, brings a different kind of magic. The cooling waters signal a feeding frenzy for both species, and the fall colors provide a stunning backdrop to what can be some of the most aggressive bass fishing of the year. Waterbury Reservoir also offers some late-season crappie action as things cool down.",
  "meetingPoint": null,
  "providesGear": true,
  "gearNotes": "All fishing gear is provided, including rods, reels, and tackle. Clients of all skill levels are welcome, and the guide can accommodate personal equipment preferences if desired.",
  "kidFriendly": null,
  "skillLevel": "all levels",
  "cancellationPolicy": null,
  "licenseInfo": null,
  "whatToExpect": "Trips rotate between Vermont's larger reservoirs like Waterbury and Arrowhead for tournament-class smallmouth action, and secluded ponds offering chances at trophy largemouth. Spring and fall bring the most aggressive fishing, while summer intensifies across all waters. Days are tailored to conditions and target species, with lighter tackle emphasized throughout the season from April through October.",
  "status": "enriched",
  "profileTier": "standard",
  "pipelineId": 423,
  "createdAt": "2026-06-08T18:27:06.111Z",
  "updatedAt": "2026-06-08T18:27:06.111Z",
  "credentials": [],
  "geom": {
    "type": "Point",
    "coordinates": [
      -72.692554,
      43.827072
    ]
  },
  "tags": [
    {
      "slug": "beginner",
      "name": "Beginner",
      "tagType": "ability"
    },
    {
      "slug": "intermediate",
      "name": "Intermediate",
      "tagType": "ability"
    },
    {
      "slug": "advanced",
      "name": "Advanced",
      "tagType": "ability"
    },
    {
      "slug": "spin-fishing",
      "name": "Spin Fishing",
      "tagType": "fishing_style"
    },
    {
      "slug": "spring",
      "name": "Spring",
      "tagType": "season"
    },
    {
      "slug": "summer",
      "name": "Summer",
      "tagType": "season"
    },
    {
      "slug": "autumn",
      "name": "Autumn",
      "tagType": "season"
    },
    {
      "slug": "topwater",
      "name": "Topwater",
      "tagType": "technique"
    },
    {
      "slug": "charter",
      "name": "Charter",
      "tagType": "trip_format"
    },
    {
      "slug": "gear-provided",
      "name": "Gear Provided",
      "tagType": "trip_inclusion"
    },
    {
      "slug": "freshwater",
      "name": "Freshwater",
      "tagType": "water_type"
    }
  ],
  "faqs": [
    {
      "id": "625ec470-4aeb-47b6-97dd-dee30abb3658",
      "question": "Do you provide fishing gear?",
      "answer": "All baits, tackle, rods and reels provided, we only fish with the best St. Croix rods and high quality reels. All fishing done with custom artificial lures unless otherwise requested.",
      "category": "gear",
      "sortOrder": 0
    },
    {
      "id": "92634fb9-e781-4985-a815-cccf01aaf851",
      "question": "What is the catch and release policy?",
      "answer": "We practice and encourage fish C.P.R. (catch, photo, release). If you do decide to keep your catch, we will gladly clean or fillet any quarry you choose to keep.",
      "category": "fishing",
      "sortOrder": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "57411f72-abbe-405f-861a-0cbe0fa2b5c2",
      "question": "What are the rates for a fishing trip?",
      "answer": "For up to 2 people: Half day — up to 4 hours: $350. Full day — at least 6 hours: $450. For 3–4 people: + $50 per person.",
      "category": "booking",
      "sortOrder": 2
    },
    {
      "id": "ce3e035d-a1b8-481c-8bda-51be590d9725",
      "question": "Is there an extra fee for fishing special waters?",
      "answer": "An additional $50.00 is charged for expenses if you decide you want to fish these waters (Lake Morey/Lake Fairlee, Island Pond, Lake Seymore, Moore Dam Reservoir).",
      "category": "fishing",
      "sortOrder": 3
    },
    {
      "id": "dcf003c7-f4bc-4d52-92d8-1474bc0053a8",
      "question": "Do I need a fishing license?",
      "answer": "You absolutely need to have a valid Vermont fishing license for the day or days you fish.",
      "category": "fishing",
      "sortOrder": 4
    },
    {
      "id": "d3fb7f95-a25d-4f8f-b973-7b7a563e8ad8",
      "question": "What should I bring?",
      "answer": "Clothes to provide ample warmth throughout the day (there is plenty of dry storage in the boat), polarized sunglasses preferably with amber lenses to see beneath the surface better (Essential in the Spring!), food and drinks to keep you energized. If it's raining, bring a raincoat. If it's sunny, bring sunscreen.",
      "category": "trip",
      "sortOrder": 5
    }
  ],
  "destinations": [
    {
      "slug": "vermont",
      "name": "Vermont",
      "type": "state",
      "primary": true,
      "confirmed": true,
      "relationship": "in_region",
      "distanceMeters": null
    }
  ],
  "primaryDestinationSlug": "vermont",
  "accommodations": [],
  "species": [
    {
      "slug": "smallmouth-bass",
      "commonName": "Smallmouth Bass",
      "category": "freshwater",
      "availableMonths": [
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10
      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "Smallmouth are a staple, particularly in waters like Waterbury Reservoir and Lake Iroquois. They offer fantastic action throughout the operational season, with peak activity in the warmer months when they patrol the shallows and structures.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "largemouth-bass",
      "commonName": "Largemouth Bass",
      "category": "freshwater",
      "availableMonths": [
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10
      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "We hunt for giant Largemouth in the intimate settings of Curtis Pond and Great Hosmer Pond, as well as larger lakes like Memphremagog and Arrowhead. These fish are active from spring through fall, with opportunities for state-record contenders in special waters like Lake Morey.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "crappie",
      "commonName": "Crappie",
      "category": "freshwater",
      "availableMonths": [
        9,
        10
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
        9,
        10
      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "Late season crappie fishing is available in Waterbury Reservoir, offering a change of pace as the bass action begins to wind down.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "walleye",
      "commonName": "Walleye",
      "category": "freshwater",
      "availableMonths": [
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10
      ],
      "peakMonths": null,
      "seasonalityNotes": "Occasionally encountered in Arrowhead Mountain Lake, walleye provide a bonus catch for anglers targeting bass.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "northern-pike",
      "commonName": "Northern Pike",
      "category": "freshwater",
      "availableMonths": [
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10
      ],
      "peakMonths": null,
      "seasonalityNotes": "Northern Pike are an occasional bonus catch in Arrowhead Mountain Lake, adding an element of surprise to bass fishing trips.",
      "notes": null
    }
  ],
  "reviews": [],
  "avgRating": null,
  "imageUrl": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/matt-applebaum/hero.webp",
  "photos": [
    {
      "url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/matt-applebaum/hero.webp",
      "altText": "Angler on a bass boat holding a large Smallmouth Bass with a lake and distant shore",
      "caption": null,
      "sortOrder": 0,
      "purpose": "hero",
      "category": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/matt-applebaum/gallery-001.webp",
      "altText": "Angler on a boat holding a large Largemouth Bass with a lake in the background",
      "caption": null,
      "sortOrder": 1,
      "purpose": "gallery",
      "category": "action"
    },
    {
      "url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/matt-applebaum/gallery-002.webp",
      "altText": "Misty morning over a calm lake with forested shores and a distant mountain",
      "caption": null,
      "sortOrder": 2,
      "purpose": "gallery",
      "category": "environment"
    },
    {
      "url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/matt-applebaum/gallery-003.webp",
      "altText": "Golden sunset reflecting on the rippling surface of open water",
      "caption": null,
      "sortOrder": 3,
      "purpose": "gallery",
      "category": "environment"
    },
    {
      "url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/matt-applebaum/gallery-004.webp",
      "altText": "Wide view of a lake bordered by trees with bright autumn leaves under a clear blue sky",
      "caption": null,
      "sortOrder": 4,
      "purpose": "gallery",
      "category": "environment"
    },
    {
      "url": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/organization/matt-applebaum/gallery-005.webp",
      "altText": "Smiling angler in sunglasses holding a Smallmouth Bass over the side of a boat",
      "caption": null,
      "sortOrder": 5,
      "purpose": "gallery",
      "category": "action"
    }
  ]
}