Lake Dunmore, a 985-acre lake up to 105 feet deep in Salisbury and Leicester, has a mix of habitats: soft-bottomed, weedy coves at both ends, rocky points and reefs mid-lake, and steep drop-offs in deep water. That variety supports 11 fish species, from bass and pike to lake trout and landlocked salmon. Dunmore is also one of Vermont's loon success stories: a pair visited for years before finally nesting in 2007, helped along by a dedicated local volunteer.
By Vermont Lake Collection · Last reviewed: October 2026
The Short Answer
What fish are in Lake Dunmore?
Black crappie, brown bullhead, lake trout, largemouth bass, landlocked Atlantic salmon, northern pike, panfish, rainbow smelt, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass and yellow perch, according to Vermont Fish & Wildlife.
Are there loons on Lake Dunmore?
Yes. Loons visited from the mid-1990s and first nested on the lake in 2007. Local volunteer Mike Korkuc, known as the "Loon Ranger," has watched over them ever since.
Where can you fish Lake Dunmore from shore?
At Branbury State Park. Vermont Fish & Wildlife suggests wading west from the swimming area, and motorboats can launch at the nearby Magoon Access Area.
Where the Fish Are
Vermont Fish & Wildlife describes three kinds of habitat. Look for largemouth bass and panfish in the shallow, weedy coves at the north and south ends. Smallmouth bass like the rocky points and reefs mid-lake. Trout and salmon stay over the steep, hard-bottom drop-offs in deep water, where baitfish gather. Docks, overhanging trees and submerged brush all hold panfish and bass. Lake trout are stocked here.
The Loons of Lake Dunmore
A pair of common loons visited Dunmore from the mid-1990s but didn't nest until 2007. That year, Leicester resident Mike Korkuc saw a chick in danger from boat traffic and started watching over them. He has patrolled the lake ever since on a pontoon boat called the Loonatic, maintained floating nesting rafts, taken tens of thousands of photographs, and recruited more than 300 volunteers. In 2022 he received the Green Mountain Power–Zetterstrom Environmental Award for his work.
Statewide, loons have made a strong recovery: they were removed from Vermont's endangered list in 2005, and in 2025 the Vermont Center for Ecostudies counted 115 nesting pairs and more than 360 adult loons. The biggest remaining threats are lead fishing tackle, discarded fishing line, and boats and paddlers getting too close to nests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep is Lake Dunmore?
About 105 feet at its deepest, across 985 acres.
Is Lake Dunmore stocked?
Yes. Vermont stocks lake trout, and the lake also holds landlocked salmon and rainbow trout.
How can I help Lake Dunmore's loons?
Give loons and nests plenty of space, use lead-free tackle, and pack out all fishing line.
Shop the Collection
Explore our Lake Dunmore collection, including the Lake Dunmore "Fish • Boat • Swim" Tee.