Kent Pond
Kent Pond in Killington is a 99-acre trophy trout reservoir at the headwaters of the Ottauquechee River, bordered by Gifford Woods State Park with the Appalachian Trail passing along its shore.
Overview
Kent Pond sits high in Killington beside Gifford Woods State Park, a 99-acre impoundment created by a 1965 dam at the head of the Ottauquechee River drainage. The Appalachian Trail skirts the shoreline, and the state promotes the pond as a family fishing destination — but the 2026 trophy program stocking of 400 two-year-old rainbows and 200 two-year-old brook trout means the fishing is far better than the easy access suggests.
The pond is shallow, topping out around 18 feet, so trout distribute widely and stay catchable on floating and intermediate lines all season. The proven zones are the dam breast along the east side and the Kent Brook inflow by the access area on the west, where cold water enters and fish stack in the warm months. Damselfly and midge activity over the weed flats provides steady sight fishing, and the mountain elevation keeps mornings cool even in July.
Depth & Character
- Surface Area
- 99acres
- Max Depth
- 18ft
Bathymetric depth chart — click to open the full PDF. Source: Vermont DEC.
Source: Vermont DEC
Water Characteristics
A shallow mountain impoundment reaching about 18 feet, with weed flats, a rocky dam face, and the cold Kent Brook inflow. The Ottauquechee River begins at its outlet.
Stocking
| Species | Size | Number | Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | 2-year-old | 400 | Trophy Trout Program (2026) |
| Brook Trout | 2-year-old | 200 | Trophy Trout Program (2026) |
Access & Boats
A Vermont Fish and Wildlife access area with a boat launch sits on the west shore off Route 100, adjacent to Gifford Woods State Park's campground. Shore fishing is practical along the dam and the access frontage.
Ice Fishing
Open to ice fishing; stocked trout and perch are the winter catch.
Fishing Pressure & Local Tips
Moderate. The roadside access and state park draw steady family traffic; fly anglers do best early, late, and midweek.
Local Knowledge
In July and August, anchor within casting distance of the Kent Brook mouth — the coldwater plume concentrates every trophy trout in the pond, and a Damselfly Nymph on a long leader picks them off.
Species Present
Rainbow Trout
The rainbow trout is Montana's most widespread and popular gamefish, celebrated for its explosive surface strikes, aerial acrobatics, and willingness to take a well-presented dry fly. Native to Pacific Coast drainages from Alaska to Mexico, rainbows were first introduced to Montana's waters in the late 1800s and have since established thriving populations in nearly every major river system in the state. On legendary waters like the Madison, Missouri, and Bighorn, wild rainbow trout grow fat on prolific insect hatches and provide some of the finest dry-fly fishing in North America. Rainbow trout in Montana display remarkable variation depending on their home water. Fish in nutrient-rich tailwaters like the Missouri River below Holter Dam can exceed 20 inches with regularity, their deep bodies and broad tails reflecting the abundant food supply. Freestone river rainbows, such as those in the upper Madison and Gallatin, tend to be leaner and more athletic, shaped by faster currents and colder water temperatures. In many Montana rivers, rainbows spawn in the spring from March through June, and anglers should be mindful of spawning redds during this period to protect future generations of fish. Rainbows are arguably the most versatile trout species for fly anglers. They respond well to dry flies during hatches, aggressively chase streamers, and feed heavily on nymphs subsurface throughout the year. Their fighting ability is legendary: a hooked rainbow will often launch itself completely out of the water multiple times during a battle. Montana's catch-and-release regulations on many blue-ribbon streams have produced exceptional rainbow trout fisheries with high densities of large, healthy fish that continue to draw anglers from around the world.
Brook Trout
The brook trout is widely considered the most beautiful freshwater fish in North America, and catching one in a pristine Montana mountain stream is an experience that captures the essence of backcountry fly fishing. Despite their common name, brook trout are not true trout at all; they are a species of char (genus Salvelinus), more closely related to lake trout and Arctic char than to rainbows or browns. Native to eastern North America from Georgia to Hudson Bay, brook trout were among the first salmonids introduced to Montana's waters in the late 1800s and have since established self-sustaining populations in cold, high-elevation streams and lakes throughout the state. In Montana, brook trout thrive best in small, cold headwater streams and high mountain lakes where competition from larger trout species is minimal. In these environments, they are often the dominant, or only, salmonid present. The trade-off is size: Montana stream-dwelling brook trout typically range from 6 to 10 inches, with fish over 12 inches considered noteworthy in most waters. What they lack in size, however, they more than make up for in beauty and willingness to eat a fly. Brookies are aggressive feeders that will strike attractor dry flies, nymphs, and small streamers with enthusiasm, making them an ideal species for beginning fly anglers and a delightful quarry for anyone who appreciates small-stream fishing. Brook trout do present a conservation paradox in Montana. While they are a beloved and beautiful gamefish, they are non-native and can negatively impact native species, particularly Yellowstone and westslope cutthroat trout. In headwater streams, brook trout often outcompete cutthroats for food and spawning habitat due to their higher reproductive rate and earlier maturation. As a result, Montana FWP has implemented brook trout removal projects on some streams to restore native cutthroat populations. In many waters, liberal harvest limits for brook trout are encouraged to reduce their numbers and benefit native fish. Anglers can enjoy excellent brook trout fishing while actively helping conservation by keeping a few for the pan.
Food Sources & Hatches
| Insect | Suggested Fly | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Damselflies morning | Damselfly Nymph | ||||||||||||
Chironomids (midges) morning | Chironomid (Bomber) | ||||||||||||
Callibaetis Mayflies afternoon | Parachute Adams |
Damselflies: The pond's signature stillwater fishing: nymph migrations across the weed flats.
Chironomids (midges): Consistent over the deeper water off the dam breast; sizes 14-16.
Callibaetis Mayflies: Afternoon duns over the flats; match with a Parachute Adams 14-16.
Recommended Flies
Damselfly Nymph
Top PickDamselfly Nymph on the weed flats and at the Kent Brook mouth; the pond's signature fly.
Best in summer
Chironomid (Bomber)
Top PickChironomids off the dam breast where the deepest water lies.
Best in spring
Also Effective
Access Points & Boat Launches
Kent Pond Fishing Access
Boat LaunchEasyVermont Fish and Wildlife launch on the western shore off Route 100, adjacent to Gifford Woods State Park. The Kent Brook inflow enters near the access, and the dam breast across the pond is the other proven zone. Shore fishing is practical along the access frontage.
Regulations
Regulations
Designated trophy trout water: 2-fish daily limit on trout with no length minimum. General season runs from the second Saturday in April through October 31. Vermont fishing license required. Verify current rules at vtfishandwildlife.com.
Always verify current regulations with Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department before fishing.
Quick Facts
- Surface Area
- 99 acres
- Max Depth
- 18 ft
- Lake Type
- Reservoir
- Region
- Central Vermont / Rutland County
- Best Seasons
- spring, summer, fall
- Species
- Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Depth Chart
- Download PDF
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