Lake Champlain is a large freshwater lake located on the border of New York and Vermont. It is the sixth largest freshwater lake in the United States and is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, pike, walleye, and trout. As an avid angler, I have had the pleasure of fishing Lake Champlain on multiple occasions and have developed a few tips and tricks that I’d like to share with you.
Getting Started
Before you head out onto the lake, there are a few things you need to know. First, you will need a valid fishing license for either New York or Vermont, depending on which side of the lake you plan to fish. Second, be sure to check the fishing regulations for the lake, as there are specific rules regarding catch limits and size requirements for certain species.
In terms of gear, I recommend bringing a variety of rods, reels, and lines to accommodate different fishing conditions. A medium-heavy baitcasting rod with a fast action is ideal for fishing with crankbaits or spinnerbaits, while a medium spinning rod with a moderate action is great for finesse fishing with soft plastics or jigs. Braided line with a fluorocarbon leader is recommended for its sensitivity and low visibility in the water.
Bait and Lures
When it comes to bait and lures, there are a variety of options to choose from. For bass fishing, I’ve had success with a variety of lures, including crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater baits. In particular, a Strike King Red Eye Shad lipless crankbait has been my go-to lure for catching largemouth and smallmouth bass.
For pike fishing, I’ve had success with large spoons and swimbaits. The Johnson Silver Minnow and the Mepps Aglia are both popular choices for pike fishing on Lake Champlain. For walleye fishing, a jig tipped with a minnow or crawler is a popular choice. The Northland Buckshot Rattle Spoon is another effective lure for catching walleye.
For trout fishing, I recommend using spoons, plugs, and live bait like smelt or shiners. Silver or gold spoons are a popular choice for catching lake trout in Lake Champlain. Be sure to also bring a variety of colors and sizes, as fish can be picky depending on the day and time.
Fishing Spots
Lake Champlain is a large lake with plenty of fishing spots to explore. Here are a few of my favorite areas to fish:
Missisquoi Bay – located in the northern section of the lake, this area offers excellent fishing for bass, pike, and walleye, with plenty of shallow weed beds and rocky structures to explore.
Inland Sea – located between Grand Isle and North Hero, this area is another hotspot for bass and pike fishing, with plenty of submerged rock piles and weed beds to target.
South Bay – located on the New York side of the lake, this area is known for its excellent largemouth bass fishing.
Willsboro Bay – located on the New York side of the lake, this area is known for its excellent smallmouth bass fishing.
Burlington Harbor – located on the Vermont side of the lake, this area is a popular spot for fishing for lake trout and landlocked salmon.
Fishing Techniques
When fishing Lake Champlain, it’s important to vary your techniques and experiment with different bait and lures until you find what works best. Here are a few techniques to try:
Trolling – trolling with spoons, plugs, or live bait is an effective technique for covering a large area of water and targeting multiple species. Use a downrigger or planer board to keep your lure at the desired depth.
Casting and Retrieving – this technique involves casting your lure and retrieving it back to you at a steady pace. Vary the speed and pattern of your retrieve until you find what works best. This technique is particularly effective when fishing around structures like weed beds or rocky areas.
Jigging – jigging involves dropping a lure to the bottom and then quickly lifting and dropping it to mimic a struggling prey. This technique is effective for catching walleye and other bottom-dwelling species.
Topwater – topwater lures like poppers and frogs can be effective for catching bass and pike during early morning or late evening when the water is calm.
Final Tips
When fishing Lake Champlain, it’s important to be prepared for changing weather conditions. The lake can be prone to sudden storms and strong winds, so be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out and bring appropriate rain gear and safety equipment.
Also, be mindful of the regulations and practice ethical fishing practices, such as catch-and-release for certain species. Lake Champlain is a beautiful natural resource that we should all strive to preserve for future generations.
In conclusion, fishing Lake Champlain can be an exciting and rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels. By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to catching some of the many fish species that call this lake home. So, grab your gear, get out there, and enjoy all that Lake Champlain has to offer!
