Vermont Fishing Trips

I was hoping to introduce my wife to fly fishing (my passion) in a way that wasn't overwhelming or where she felt uncomfortable in the water. Knowing this, Chuck designed our time with him to be not just instructional, but FUN. Thanks to his vast experience as a guide and a very "common sense" approach to the sport, our first outing ensured she'd want to be in a river for years to come. We'll be back every year...Thanks, Chuck.
May 12th, 2022

I have fished with Chuck several times a season for the last decade. Why did I keep coming back? Yes, I catch fish AND more importantly to me I learn how to be a better fly fisher! Before each trip Chuck will ask what I want to work on and then tailor the trip to meet the learning experience. Whether the technic is straight line nymphing, down and across, casting dry flies up stream, casting skills such as double hauling or knot tying; Chuck's instructional manor and full knowledge makes things much easier. Then to practice with him on my left providing any needed correct is worth the guide fee in itself. Thanks Chuck for all you have taught me! see you in April. Bruce Kennedy
Dec 13th, 2019

I first met Chuck about 12 years ago and he has been guiding our group ever since. Chuck is incredibly knowledgeable about the fishing all over Vermont and makes each trip memorable. He always has his clients best interest at heart. Fishing with Chuck and swapping stories while standing in the Battenkill is something i look forward to every year.
Oct 17th, 2019

I have fished with Chuck Kashner annually for 10 years. In that time, I have caught and released more gorgeous brown and rainbow trout than I can recall. However, an outing with Chuck is never just about fishing. It is an experience. First of all his personality is as large and warm as the Battenkill is long. His knowledge of the streams, techniques, flies, environment, local politics and, yes even mushrooms, are epic. Chuck carries on his chest what can only be described as a file cabinet of flies: all of which he has professionally tied and many are his own patterns. When selecting one, you would be wise to listen as to why. If you tie, ask Chuck to share the recipe and technique involved. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. I can not recommend a guide more highly! Tony Cahan Pound Ridge , NY
Feb 19th, 2022

My wife and I booked a last minute trip to Vermont, so I decided to surprise her with our first ice fishing trip. We are avid Bass anglers, but never fished through the ice before. We weren't sure what to expect. The second Chuck called me back and I got a chance to talk to him on the phone, I knew he was our guy. He was very straightforward and very down-to-earth. And, surprisingly, he was as outgoing as me and my wife. I could tell right away he wasn't the type to put on an act, and that he was just himself. I like and respect that. I was already excited. I could also immediately tell he was a pro. He listened to what we wanted and told me what he can do for us. We spoke about fly fishing, trout, panfish, etc. With every species, he knew exactly what he was talking about. I told him we wanted to catch some bass, and he told me no problem. I asked him a few questions, and he knew just how to answer. He said lake St. Catherine would be our best bet, and we were going to drill some holes on the live weedline where the bass might be hanging out. At that point, I knew for a fact he had just the knowledge I was looking for. He was extremely considerate to the fact that we wanted to do most of the stuff on our own so we could absord as much knowledge as possible to do it on our own later. Chuck ran through every piece of gear, and explained ice fishing down to the science. For all species! He let my wife and I drill our own holes, as well as help us drill some more. My main concern was location. We fish for bass regularly, quite obsessively, actually. Location is key, which is why I knew we needed a guide on a new body of water, especially being frozen. He thoroughly explained how to set the tip ups with shiners, as well as what rods and equipment we would need and how to fish through the ice. We've been fishing for quite a while, so we know that sometimes you get skunked.. and leave with nothing. Especially in cold weather. We didn't expect much, but it just so happened that the one day we were there it was about 15-20 degrees warmer than the entire previous week. I had a good feeling all morning. Sure enough, after about a half hour after setting the tip ups, a flag popped up. I ran over and heeded all of Chuck's advice on how to reel a fish in with my hands on light line.. he explained it thoroughly, and told me to let the fish run if it turns. So I did. Low and behold, I get the fish to the hole, and it's a Larry! I landed my first ice fish out of my first hole within a half hour with Chuck. And it was LM Bass! My intuition about him was right. After that, I started jigging for panfish. Again, he thoroughly explained how to fish the jig and how to land a fish. He said we'll be lucky if we get some bluegill, because they're tough to catch. I ended up hooking and reeling in 5 after my first bass. I never imagined jigging for bluegill would be so much fun! Now to my wife... A flag popped up, we all got excited. She ran over, grabbed the line, but the fish let go pretty quick. This was during my jigging for panfish. So about an hour-and-a-half went by, and another flag popped up. I told her take it, because she missed the last one. So, she started pulling and pulling, and then the fish decided to turn and run. She let it go and gave it some slack just like Chuck said. Probably a pike, Chuck says. CMON BASS!, I said. A second later I seen a huge flash of green. Ah! Then we seen it all. It was a pig! My wife pulled her out, and it ended up being almost a 5-pound fish! What a perfect trip. We could not have asked for a better guide. Whenever I go to Vermont, I will be contacting Chuck. We're already planning a fly fishing trip, as well as having Chuck on my boat when we visit again in the spring to show me where all the beasts hang out. Anytime we visit Vermont, we will be calling our new permanent fishing guide. Not only is Chuck a professional, knowledgeable fishing guide, but he is a pleasure to be around. Lots of laughs and an unforgettable time! It was epic! You will not be disappointed booking with Chuck!
Jan 2nd, 2020