Episodes

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

    Winter Fishing on Lake Champlain: Smallmouth, Walleye, and More
    Dec 1 2024
    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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    3 mins
  • "Thriving Smallmouth Bass and Trout Fishing on Lake Champlain in Late Fall"

    "Thriving Smallmouth Bass and Trout Fishing on Lake Champlain in Late Fall"
    Nov 30 2024
    As of November 30, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is thriving, especially for those targeting smallmouth bass. Here’s a local’s perspective on what you can expect today.

    ### Weather and Conditions
    Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a crisp fall chill in the air. Temperatures will range from the mid-30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit, making it ideal for late fall fishing. The wind is light, coming in from the northwest at about 5-10 mph, which should not significantly impact your fishing experience.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:53 AM, and sunset will be at 4:14 PM, giving you a good window to catch both morning and afternoon bites.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a lot of activity, particularly with smallmouth bass. These fish are actively feeding in the cooler waters, preparing for the winter months. Trout and salmon are also active, especially in the deeper areas and near the river mouths.

    ### Catches
    Anglers reported catching a significant number of smallmouth bass, with some reaching up to 4 pounds. Trout catches were also plentiful, with lake trout and landlocked salmon making appearances. Walleye were less common but still present in the deeper waters.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For smallmouth bass, use jigs with curly tail grubs or crankbaits that mimic baitfish. Soft plastics like plastic worms and lizards are also effective. For trout and salmon, try using spoons, spinners, or fly fishing with streamers that imitate smelt or other baitfish.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the best spots right now is the area around Willsboro, where the salmon runs are still active in the fall. Another hot spot is the southern end of the lake near Ticonderoga, where smallmouth bass are congregating in the rocky areas.

    ### Tidal Report
    Since Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake, there are no tidal changes to consider. However, the water levels can fluctuate slightly due to wind and precipitation, but this should not significantly affect your fishing today.

    Overall, it's a great day to be out on Lake Champlain, with plenty of fish to target and favorable conditions. Make sure to dress warmly and enjoy the beautiful fall scenery while you're out there.
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    3 mins
  • Smallmouth Dominance and Late Fall Fishing on Lake Champlain

    Smallmouth Dominance and Late Fall Fishing on Lake Champlain
    Nov 29 2024
    For November 29, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is looking promising, especially for those targeting smallmouth bass, which have been dominating the late fall fishing scene.

    ### Weather and Tidal Report
    Today, expect a crisp late fall day with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit. The skies will be partly cloudy, with a gentle breeze out of the northwest. Since Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake, tidal reports are not applicable, but water levels are currently stable.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:53 AM, and sunset will be at 4:14 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing trips.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a lot of activity from smallmouth bass, particularly in the deeper waters and structural areas like rock piles and drop-offs. Lake trout were also active, hitting on various lures. Here are some specifics:

    - **Smallmouth Bass**: These were the stars of the show, with many anglers reporting catches in the 2-4 pound range. They were found in depths of 20-40 feet.
    - **Lake Trout**: These were caught using inline silver and blue spinners, 4.3 Keitech swimbaits, and blade baits. They were active in deeper waters, typically around 50-70 feet.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For smallmouth bass, try using:
    - Jigs with curly tail trailers
    - Crankbaits in shad or baitfish patterns
    - Soft plastics like Keitech swimbaits

    For lake trout, the aforementioned inline silver and blue spinners, Keitech swimbaits, and blade baits were effective.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **The Palisades**: This area has been producing consistent results for smallmouth bass. Look for rocky structures and drop-offs.
    - **Valcour Island**: Known for its deep waters, this spot is ideal for targeting lake trout.
    - **The Inland Sea**: This area often sees a mix of both smallmouth bass and lake trout, especially around the numerous rock piles and weed beds.

    Overall, it's a great time to be out on Lake Champlain, with the cooler weather bringing the fish into more predictable patterns. Make sure to dress warmly and enjoy the beautiful late fall scenery while you're out on the water.
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    3 mins
  • "Promising Fall Fishing on Lake Champlain: Smallmouth Bass, Trout, and Walleye Bites"

    "Promising Fall Fishing on Lake Champlain: Smallmouth Bass, Trout, and Walleye Bites"
    Nov 28 2024
    For November 28, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is looking promising, especially with the fall conditions in full swing.

    ### Weather and Tidal Report
    Today, expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to low 50s, which is relatively mild for this time of year. The wind will be light, coming from the northwest at about 5-10 mph. Tides, although not a significant factor on Lake Champlain, will see a slight fluctuation due to the lake's connection to the Champlain Canal, but this won't drastically impact fishing.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:53 AM, and sunset will be at 4:14 PM, giving anglers a good window to catch both morning and late afternoon bites.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a mix of fish activity, particularly with smallmouth bass, trout, and walleye. The smallmouth bass have been active, especially in areas with rocky structures and drop-offs. Trout, including both lake trout and rainbow trout, have been biting well in deeper waters. Walleye have also been caught, often near weed beds and submerged logs.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
    Anglers reported catching several quality smallmouth bass, with some reaching up to 4-5 pounds. Trout catches included a few lake trout in the 3-4 pound range and some rainbow trout around 2-3 pounds. Walleye catches were fewer but still notable, with fish ranging from 2-4 pounds.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For smallmouth bass, dropshot rigs with soft plastics and crankbaits have been effective. Jigs tipped with minnows or curly tail grubs are also working well. For trout, spoons like Kastmaster or Rapala, and live bait such as minnows or nightcrawlers, are good choices. Walleye are biting on jigging spoons and live bait rigs with minnows or leeches.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots is the area around the Champlain Bridge, where the rocky structures and drop-offs attract a lot of smallmouth bass. Another good spot is the northern end of the lake near the town of Ticonderoga, where trout and walleye tend to congregate around the weed beds and submerged logs.

    Overall, it's a great day to be out on Lake Champlain, with the mild weather and active fish making for a rewarding fishing experience.
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    3 mins
  • Late Fall Fishing Bounty on Lake Champlain: Weather, Tactics, and Hot Spots for Trout, Salmon, and Bass

    Late Fall Fishing Bounty on Lake Champlain: Weather, Tactics, and Hot Spots for Trout, Salmon, and Bass
    Nov 24 2024
    As of November 24, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain remains vibrant despite the late fall season. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Tidal Report
    The weather is partly cloudy with a crisp chill in the air, typical for late November. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit, making it ideal for fall fishing. There are no significant tidal changes to note, as Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise today is at around 6:53 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:13 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trip, especially since many fish species are more active during these transitional periods.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a lot of activity from trout, salmon, and bass. Anglers reported catching a good number of lake trout, with some weighing up to 5 pounds. Salmon were also active, particularly in the deeper waters near the lake's drop-offs. Bass fishing was strong, with both smallmouth and largemouth bass being caught.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
    - **Lake Trout:** Several catches reported, with sizes ranging from 3 to 5 pounds.
    - **Salmon:** A few landlocked salmon were caught, mostly in the 2-4 pound range.
    - **Bass:** Both smallmouth and largemouth bass were plentiful, with sizes up to 3 pounds.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For trout and salmon, using spoons like the Acme Kastmaster or Rapala Countdowns has been effective. For bass, soft plastics like curly tail grubs and crankbaits are working well. Live bait such as smelt and shiners are also producing good results.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Palisades and Slack Line Areas:** These areas have been hot for bass and trout, with the structure providing a good habitat for these species.
    - **Deep Waters Near Drop-Offs:** These areas are ideal for targeting salmon and larger trout.

    Overall, the conditions on Lake Champlain are promising for a productive day of fishing. Make sure to dress warmly and take advantage of the early morning and late afternoon fishing windows for the best results.
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    3 mins
  • Bountiful Fishing on Lake Champlain Despite Late Fall Chill

    Bountiful Fishing on Lake Champlain Despite Late Fall Chill
    Nov 23 2024
    As of November 23, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is still vibrant despite the late fall season. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Tidal Report
    The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit. Winds will be moderate, around 10-15 mph, which is manageable for most anglers. Tides, although not as significant on a freshwater lake like Champlain, still influence fish behavior; expect a slight rise in water levels due to recent rainfall.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise today is at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:15 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trip, as many species are more active during these transitional periods.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a lot of activity from various species. Anglers reported catching a good number of northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and even some trophy lake trout. The pike were particularly active in the shallower areas, while bass were found in both shallow and deeper waters.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
    Several anglers reported catching multiple northern pike in the 20-30 inch range. Bass catches were also plentiful, with some largemouth bass reaching up to 5 pounds and smallmouth bass up to 4 pounds. Lake trout were caught in deeper waters, with some anglers landing trout in the 10-15 pound range.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For northern pike, inline silver and blue spinners, as well as 4.3 Keitech swimbaits, were highly effective. Bass were hitting on blade baits and soft plastics. Lake trout were attracted to inline silver and blue spinners and blade baits.

    ### Hot Spots
    Some of the hot spots include the areas around the Palisades and the Slack Line, where the structure and drop-offs attract a variety of fish. Another good spot is the northern end of the lake, particularly around the Missisquoi Bay, where the mix of shallow and deep waters supports a diverse fish population.

    Overall, it's shaping up to be a great day on Lake Champlain, with plenty of fish to be caught. Make sure to dress warmly and be prepared for the changing weather conditions. Good luck out there
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    3 mins
  • Late Fall Fishing Thrives on Champlain: Anglers Reel in Pike, Bass, and Trophy Trout

    Late Fall Fishing Thrives on Champlain: Anglers Reel in Pike, Bass, and Trophy Trout
    Nov 22 2024
    As of November 22, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is quite active, despite the late fall season.

    **Weather and Tidal Report:**
    The weather is crisp with temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s, typical for this time of year. Lake Champlain, being a freshwater lake, does not have tides, but water levels are slightly up, which is beneficial for fishing.

    **Sunrise and Sunset:**
    Sunrise is around 6:45 AM, and sunset is approximately 4:15 PM, giving anglers a good window to be out on the water.

    **Fish Activity:**
    Yesterday saw a lot of activity, particularly with pike, bass, and trout. The ideal water temperatures have kept the fish active, and the slightly higher water levels have made it easier to access various structures.

    **Types and Amounts of Fish Caught:**
    Anglers reported catching many pike and bass using tip-ups. There were also some trophy trout caught, along with good numbers of yellow perch, bluegills, and crappie. Light tackle jigging has been particularly effective for the panfish.

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For pike and bass, tip-ups with bait like smelt or shiners are working well. For trout, inline silver and blue spinners, 4.3 Keitech swimbaits, and blade baits have been successful. For panfish, small jigs with live bait such as worms or minnows are recommended.

    **Hot Spots:**
    One of the hot spots right now is the outer weed edges in 10-15 feet of water, where pike and largemouth bass are abundant. Another area is around the Champlain and Otter Creek Valley, where the structure and cover are attracting a variety of fish species.

    Overall, it's a great time to be out on Lake Champlain, with plenty of fish to target and favorable conditions. Just remember to dress warmly and enjoy the beautiful fall scenery.
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    2 mins
  • "Fishing the Fall Chill on Lake Champlain: Trout, Salmon, and More in Late November"

    "Fishing the Fall Chill on Lake Champlain: Trout, Salmon, and More in Late November"
    Nov 21 2024
    Today, November 21, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is looking promising, despite the late fall season. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect:

    **Weather and Tidal Report:**
    The weather is crisp with a high of around 45°F and a low of 30°F, typical for this time of year. Lake Champlain, being a freshwater lake, does not have tides, so you don't need to worry about tidal changes affecting your fishing.

    **Sunrise and Sunset:**
    Sunrise is at 6:54 AM, and sunset is at 4:14 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing.

    **Fish Activity:**
    Yesterday saw a decent amount of activity, particularly for lake trout and landlocked salmon. The lake trout were hitting on inline silver and blue spinners, as well as 4.3 Keitech swimbaits and blade baits[4].

    **Types and Amounts of Fish Caught:**
    Several anglers reported catching lake trout in the 3-5 pound range, and a few landlocked salmon were caught, mostly in the spring and fall runs. The trout fishing has been exceptional, with some anglers also catching walleye and bass, although these species are less active this time of year[1][4].

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For lake trout, use inline silver and blue spinners, 4.3 Keitech swimbaits, and blade baits. For landlocked salmon, try using spoons and streamers, especially in the spring and fall runs below Willsboro and farther upriver. Live bait such as smelt can also be effective for both trout and salmon[1][4].

    **Hot Spots:**
    One of the best spots right now is below Willsboro, where the landlocked salmon runs are active. Another hot spot is the area around the Palisades and Slack Line, known for its bass and trout fishing. The deeper corners of the lake, particularly around the 70 islands, are also worth exploring for lake trout[1].

    Overall, it's a great day to get out on Lake Champlain, with the cooler weather and changing seasons bringing out some of the lake's best fish. Just make sure to bundle up and enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake while you're out there.
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    3 mins