Explore Lake Champlain Fishing – Articles, Tips, Species & Seasons
Lake Champlain fishing is known for its vast array of fish species calling its waters home. These include yellow perch, white perch, sunfish, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, musky, rock bass, brown bullhead, lake trout, Atlantic salmon, walleye, and northern pike.
Located between the US states of Vermont and New York, Lake Champlain stands as a prime fishing destination. The lake, spanning approximately 490 square miles, is a prominent feature in the landscape of Clinton County, Essex County, and Warren County in New York and Grand Isle County, Franklin County, Chittenden County, and Addison County in Vermont.
The northern end of Lake Champlain extends into Canada in the province of Quebec with the Alburgh Vermont located on the tip of a peninsula extending down into the United States from Canada and splitting the lake to the east and west. In the west, on the New York side, the Richelieu River connects with Lake Champlain acting as a natural outlet flowing northward from the lake into Quebec, Canada. The Richelieu River connects Lake Champlain to the Saint Lawrence River, providing a navigable route from the lake to the Atlantic Ocean. On the eastern side, the lake extends into Canada and the Missisquoi Bay.
Lake Champlain’s southern tip is located near Whitehall, New York which is the southernmost town along Lake Champlain and is historically noted as the birthplace of the U.S. Navy.
This geographical positioning means that Lake Champlain serves as a natural bridge between the United States and Canada, enhancing its appeal and significance.
Charlotte, Vermont, and Essex, New York, mark the region where Lake Champlain reaches its greatest depth, plunging to 400 feet. The average depth of the lake is 64 feet.
The expanse of Lake Champlain extends over 107 miles in length and spans 14 miles at its widest point, offering a varied and expansive fishing terrain for anglers. Connected to the Richelieu River and ultimately the Saint Lawrence River, Lake Champlain’s waters are part of a larger network that enhances its ecological significance. The lake is flanked by the Adirondack Mountains in New York and the Green Mountains in Vermont, adding to its breathtaking scenery and ecological diversity.
More of NY’s Best Fishing Spots
South Lake
The South Lake segment of Lake Champlain is positioned at its southernmost point and is renowned for its warmer water temperatures. This section is conducive to the thriving of Lake Champlain fish species populations including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, and various panfish. Anglers in the South Lake area often enjoy pursuing a diverse range of fish species, taking advantage of the comfortable fishing conditions.
Main Lake (Broad Lake)
The Main Lake, also referred to as Lake Champlain’s Broad Lake, constitutes the central and widest part of Lake Champlain. Offering a diverse array of habitats, including deep channels and shallow bays, this segment of Lake Champlain is home to an assortment of fish species.
The Main Lake fishery offers varied opportunities, from lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon to walleye, northern pike, and various panfish. Its rich aquatic environment caters to anglers seeking varied fishing experiences.
Malletts Bay
Located on the eastern side of Lake Champlain north of Burlington, VT, Malletts Bay is characterized by relatively shallow waters and extensive wetlands. Largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, and panfish are commonly found in this segment. Anglers exploring Malletts Bay are drawn to its unique combination of habitats, making it a popular destination for those seeking diverse fishing challenges.
Just north of Mallett’s Bay between Clay Point and the point northeast of Camp Kiniya, northern pike fishing is quite good when trolling in toward the shore. South of the opening to Mallett’s Bay is Thayer Beach. Directly north of Thayer Beach, is a fairly rapid dropoff with depths changing from 10-15 feet to 40-80 feet rather abruptly. Fishing the drop off here can be promising.
Inland Sea (Northeast Arm)
The Inland Sea, situated on the northeastern part of the lake, is a narrower segment with a distinctive mix of shallows and deeper areas. Fishermen can target a variety of fish species in this region, including lake trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, northern pike, yellow perch, and panfish. The unique topography of the Inland Sea provides an intriguing fishery for anglers looking for a mix of fishing experiences.
Missisquoi Bay
Located in the northern reaches of Lake Champlain, in Canada, Missisquoi Bay stands out with its shallow, marshy areas and abundant aquatic vegetation. This bay is known for supporting populations of northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, and various panfish. Anglers who appreciate fishing Lake Champlain in more secluded and ecologically diverse settings often find Missisquoi Bay to be a rewarding destination.
Seasonal Fishing Guide for Lake Champlain
Spring (March to May)
During the spring months, largemouth bass fishing in Lake Champlain is outstanding. The prime location for targeting these fish is the shallows south of the Champlain Bridge. Fishermen keen on bass fishing can launch their boats strategically from Port Henry or Ticonderoga, gaining direct access to the preferred smallmouth bass habitat.
Early spring also presents opportunities for trout fishing, with lake trout and landlocked salmon becoming active. To maximize success, anglers adapt their strategies by gradually shifting towards deeper waters as the spring season progresses. Utilizing local Lake Champlain fishing guides proves beneficial, offering valuable insights into the changing dynamics of the lake and enhancing the chances of a productive outing.
Whether casting from the shore, dock, or pier, trolling, or drift fishing, anglers can capitalize on the dynamic springtime fishery of Lake Champlain. The focus on specific areas and adapting techniques to the evolving conditions of the season is key for those targeting bass during this time.
Summer (June to August)
As summer unfolds, Lake Champlain solidifies its reputation as a premier bass fishing destination. The shallows south of the Lake Champlain Bridge remain a favored Lake Champlain fishing spot, attracting anglers with the promise of tournament-winning bass.
The lake consistently ranks among the top bass spots in the nation. Techniques such as using soft plastics, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits prove effective in targeting these sought-after species.
For those venturing out, exploring the vast shoreline and utilizing boat launches in strategic locations like Port Henry and Ticonderoga enhances the chances of a successful summer fishing expedition on Lake Champlain.
Fall (September to November)
As autumn unfolds, fishing in Lake Champlain presents anglers with enticing fishing prospects. While the productivity of bass fishing endures, the fall fishing season on Lake Champlain introduces the potential of landlocked salmon runs below Willsboro, NY.
The autumnal transition brings about cooler temperatures and a vibrant display of foliage, creating an ideal setting for fishing on Lake Champlain. To capitalize on the changing dynamics, exploring the northern reaches of the lake, particularly north of Westport, NY and North West Bay, becomes advantageous for lake trout fishing other deep-water species. The cooling waters prompt these species to become more active.
Winter (December to February)
Even during the winter months, Lake Champlain doesn’t lose its draw for dedicated anglers. Ice fishing becomes a popular activity, with nearby spots like Lincoln Pond offering the chance to catch tiger muskellunge, northern pike, bass, panfish, or bullhead. Anglers can experience the tranquility of frozen waters while enjoying the thrill of ice fishing.
For those preferring smaller ponds and lakes in the region, Tanaher Pond north east of Mineville, NY, provides a quieter and equally rewarding winter fishing experience. Local bait and tackle shops remain valuable resources, offering insights into winter ice fishing strategies and ensuring a successful outing on the frozen landscapes of Lake Champlain.
Popular Fish Species
Lake Champlain is home to a diverse array of fish species. Largemouth bass, renowned for their aggressive strikes, and smallmouth bass, prized for their fighting spirit, populate the lake’s shallows and rocky areas, providing exciting opportunities for anglers. Northern pike, with their predatory nature, add to the thrill of fishing in Lake Champlain’s deeper waters.
Among the prized catches in Lake Champlain are lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon. These species are known for their size and strength. Additionally, the lake supports a variety of panfish, including yellow perch and sunfish, offering a diverse range of targets for anglers of all preferences and skill levels.
Walleye, sought after for their flavor and fight, are another highlight of Lake Champlain’s fishery. Anglers exploring the lake’s rocky points and submerged structures may find these elusive predators, adding a layer of excitement to fishing in Lake Chaplain. With its mix of game fish and panfish, Lake Champlain stands as a prime fishing destination.
