• Winter Fishing on Lake Champlain: Smallmouth, Walleye, and More

  • Dec 1 2024
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

Winter Fishing on Lake Champlain: Smallmouth, Walleye, and More

  • Summary

  • As of December 1, 2024, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing scene at Lake Champlain:

    Today, the sun rose over Lake Champlain at about 6:58 AM, and it will set around 4:13 PM. The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 42°F and a low of 28°F, making it a crisp winter day for fishing.

    Since Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake, there are no tidal reports to consider, but the water temperature is crucial. Currently, the water temperature is around the mid-40s, which is typical for this time of year.

    Yesterday's fishing reports indicated good activity for smallmouth bass and walleye. Several anglers reported catching smallmouth bass in the 1-3 lb range, particularly around submerged vegetation and near docks. Walleye were also active, with some catches reported in the deeper areas of the lake.

    For smallmouth bass, the best techniques included using drop shots, Texas rigs, and bladed jigs. Lures like the Z-Man Chatterbait Elite EVO and Missile Baits Baby D Stroyer were popular choices. For walleye, jigging with minnows or using crankbaits that mimic baitfish worked well.

    If you're targeting landlocked salmon, the spring and fall runs are usually the best times, but some late-season salmon can still be found, especially below Willsboro. However, this time of year, the salmon activity is generally slower.

    Hot spots to consider include the areas around Willsboro and the numerous islands scattered throughout the lake. The shoreline near Ticonderoga and the deeper sections of the lake, especially around 20-30 feet deep, have also been productive.

    Remember to check the local fishing regulations, as there are specific rules for different species and times of the year. For example, black bass (both largemouth and smallmouth) are under catch-and-release only from December 1 to June 14, with artificial lures only[4].

    Overall, it's a great time to bundle up and enjoy the winter fishing on Lake Champlain, with plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of species.
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