The Pogue Fishing near Hartford, Vermont

• Overview

  Within Windsor County, Vermont, you have The Pogue. The bank is 1,171 feet above sea level. Small at around 14 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. The closest town, Hartford, is 10 miles distant. Then White River Junction, 11 miles, and Wilder, 12 miles. Others worth noting: Vondell Reservoir just 1.6 miles, Cox Reservoir out at 1.6 miles, Carlton Reservoir just 2.4 miles, Crystal Pond out at 4.3 miles and Lake Pinneo just 5.7 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on The Pogue

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Records held for Windsor County cover brook trout, rainbow trout and white sucker. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. On The Pogue the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 67°F and January near 17°F on the long-run figures. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near early April. Averages suggest open water from about early April through to roughly early December. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Plan any trip to The Pogue around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. For a change of water, Vondell Reservoir is 1.6 miles distant. Treat access at The Pogue as something to verify.