Episodes

  • 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
  • Autumn Fishing on Lake Champlain: A Local's Perspective on Promising Cold-Water Catch

    Autumn Fishing on Lake Champlain: A Local's Perspective on Promising Cold-Water Catch
    Nov 17 2024
    As of November 17, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is looking promising, especially for those targeting cold-water species. Here’s a local’s perspective on what you can expect today.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 45°F and a low of 32°F, making it a crisp autumn day. Since Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake, it does not have tides, but water levels can fluctuate based on precipitation and human management. Currently, the water level is stable, which is favorable for fishing.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise today is at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 4:14 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing trips.

    ### Fish Activity
    Fish activity has been strong in recent weeks, particularly for cold-water species. Brown trout, salmon, and walleye have been active, especially in the deeper waters. The recent calm after the wind storms in August has allowed the fish to settle back into their usual patterns.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
    Yesterday saw a good number of brown trout and salmon caught, with some anglers reporting catches of up to 5-7 fish per trip. Walleye and muskie are also present, though they are a bit more elusive. Smallmouth and largemouth bass, while not as active in the cold, can still be caught in the warmer areas of the lake.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For trout and salmon, using spoons, spinners, and flys mimicking baitfish have been effective. Walleye are biting on jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers. For muskie, large crankbaits and jerkbaits are recommended. Bass anglers have had success with soft plastics and crankbaits.

    ### Hot Spots
    Some of the best spots to try today include the areas around the Champlain Bridge, where the structure attracts a variety of species. The Mexico Bay area has also been productive, especially for trout and salmon. For bass, the rocky shores and weed beds around Grand Isle and the Inland Sea are worth exploring.

    Overall, it's a great day to be out on Lake Champlain, with plenty of fish to target and favorable conditions. Just make sure to dress warmly and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery.
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    3 mins
  • "Fall Fishing Forecast on Lake Champlain: Trout, Salmon, and More Await Anglers"

    "Fall Fishing Forecast on Lake Champlain: Trout, Salmon, and More Await Anglers"
    Nov 16 2024
    As of November 16, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is looking promising, especially for those targeting cold-water species. Here’s what you can expect today:

    The weather is partly cloudy with a high of around 48°F and a low of 38°F. Winds are moderate, coming in from the northwest at about 10-15 mph. Since Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake, there are no tidal reports to consider, but water levels are currently stable.

    Sunrise today is at 6:34 AM, and sunset will be at 4:23 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing trips.

    Fish activity has been robust, particularly for species like lake trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, walleye, and muskie. Yesterday saw a decent amount of fish activity, with anglers reporting catches of lake trout weighing up to 10 pounds, especially in the deeper sections of the lake.

    For lures, consider using spoons, jigs, and crankbaits that mimic the natural baitfish in the lake. Live bait such as smelt, shiners, and even nightcrawlers can also be very effective, especially for trout and walleye.

    Some hot spots to consider include the areas around the Champlain Bridge, where the structure and currents tend to congregate fish, and the deeper waters off the shores of Grand Isle and Cumberland Head. These areas have been known to hold a good number of lake trout and salmon.

    Overall, the fall season brings these fish into more active feeding patterns as they prepare for the winter months, making this a great time to be out on Lake Champlain. Dress warmly and enjoy the crisp fall fishing experience.
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    2 mins
  • Lake Champlain Fishing Update: Trout, Salmon, and the Best Lures for Fall Fishing

    Lake Champlain Fishing Update: Trout, Salmon, and the Best Lures for Fall Fishing
    Nov 15 2024
    As of November 15, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is quite active despite the cooler weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Conditions
    The current lake level is at 93.70 feet, and the water temperature is around 50 degrees[1]. The weather forecast indicates a mix of cloudy and sunny conditions, with winds expected to be moderate. Sunrise today is at about 6:45 AM, and sunset will be around 4:15 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    Fish activity has been steady, particularly in the early morning and late evening hours. Lake Trout and Atlantic Salmon are the main targets this time of year. Yesterday, anglers reported catching Lake Trout in the 8-12 pound range and Atlantic Salmon weighing between 3-5 pounds[2].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For Lake Trout, dark-colored spoons such as those in blue, purple, and green have been effective. Using rigs and sliders with these spoons can increase your chances. For Atlantic Salmon, small spoons from 25 to 40 feet down, especially in copper, orange, and rainbow colors, have been successful[2].

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots is the deep water humps and reefs, particularly those areas where the thermocline is around 50-60 feet over 200 feet of water. The western shores of Lake Champlain, near Vermont, have also been productive for both Lake Trout and Atlantic Salmon[2][4].

    ### Tidal Report
    While Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake and does not have tides in the traditional sense, water levels can fluctuate due to wind and other weather conditions. Currently, the lake level is stable, but it's always a good idea to check the latest updates from the USGS gages at Rouse's Point, NY, or Burlington, VT[1].

    In summary, if you're heading out to Lake Champlain today, focus on the early morning and late evening hours, target the deep water humps and reefs, and use dark-colored spoons for Lake Trout and small spoons in copper and orange for Atlantic Salmon. Stay safe and enjoy the fishing
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    3 mins
  • Fishing at Lake Champlain: Fall Bounty and Vibrant Ecosystems

    Fishing at Lake Champlain: Fall Bounty and Vibrant Ecosystems
    Nov 14 2024
    As of November 14, 2024, here’s a local’s perspective on fishing at Lake Champlain, which straddles the Vermont and New York border.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Today, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 48°F and a low of 38°F. Lake Champlain, being a freshwater lake, does not have tidal conditions, so you don't need to worry about tides affecting your fishing.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:43 AM, and sunset is at 4:23 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    In the fall, fish activity can be quite active as species like bass, walleye, and northern pike prepare for the winter. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of largemouth and smallmouth bass, with some walleye and northern pike also being landed.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    The bass fishing has been strong, with many anglers catching limits of both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Walleye have also been active, particularly in the deeper waters. Northern pike are always a possibility, especially in areas with weed beds and structure.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For bass, the top lures have included soft plastics like curly tail grubs and plastic worms, as well as crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Jigs tipped with minnows or crawdads have also been effective. For walleye, jigging with minnows or using live bait like nightcrawlers has been successful. Northern pike are often caught using spoons, spinnerbaits, and large minnows or suckers[3].

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots has been the area around the Champlain Bridge, where the structure and current create ideal conditions for bass and walleye. Another spot is the northern end of the lake near Missisquoi Bay, known for its abundant weed beds and northern pike.

    Overall, Lake Champlain is offering some great fall fishing opportunities, so make sure to bundle up and take advantage of the active fish populations.
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    2 mins
  • Fall Fishing Frenzy on Lake Champlain - Landlocked Salmon, Bass, and More Await Anglers

    Fall Fishing Frenzy on Lake Champlain - Landlocked Salmon, Bass, and More Await Anglers
    Nov 10 2024
    As of November 10, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is quite lively, especially with the fall season in full swing. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect today:

    **Weather and Tidal Conditions:**
    The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 48°F and a low of 38°F. Since Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake, tidal conditions are not a factor, but water levels can fluctuate slightly due to wind and precipitation.

    **Sunrise and Sunset:**
    Sunrise today is at 6:34 AM, and sunset will be at 4:27 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing.

    **Fish Activity:**
    Yesterday saw a decent amount of fish activity, particularly in the tributaries like the Saranac and Boquet rivers, which are popular for salmonid species. Anglers reported catching a mix of landlocked salmon, trout, and bass.

    **Types and Amounts of Fish Caught:**
    In the tributaries, anglers caught several landlocked salmon, with some reports indicating fish in the 3-5 pound range. In the main lake, bass fishing was also productive, with many anglers landing smallmouth and largemouth bass. The bass were mostly caught using white 1/2-ounce Chatterbaits tipped with a Zako trailer[1].

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For bass, the white 1/2-ounce Chatterbait tipped with a Zako trailer has been very effective. For salmon and trout in the tributaries, using streamers or small spinners can be highly productive. Live bait such as smelt or shiners can also work well for these species.

    **Hot Spots:**
    One of the hot spots right now is the area below Willsboro, where the fall runs of landlocked salmon are active. Another good spot is the Palisades and Slack Line areas, known for their bass fishing[3][5].

    Overall, it's a great time to be out on Lake Champlain, with a variety of species active and the fall scenery adding to the beauty of the experience. Make sure to check the local regulations and respect the catch limits to help maintain the health of the fishery.
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    2 mins
  • Lake Champlain's Promising Fishing Scene: A Fall Angler's Guide

    Lake Champlain's Promising Fishing Scene: A Fall Angler's Guide
    Nov 9 2024
    As of November 9, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is looking quite promising, especially for those targeting cold-water species. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect today.

    **Weather and Conditions:**
    The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 48°F and a low of 38°F. Winds will be moderate, coming in from the northwest at about 10 mph. These conditions are ideal for a productive day on the water.

    **Sunrise and Sunset:**
    Sunrise today is at 6:38 AM, and sunset will be at 4:23 PM, giving you a good window to catch both morning and evening bites.

    **Tidal Report:**
    While Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake and does not have tides, water levels can fluctuate due to wind and other factors. Currently, the water level is stable, which should help in locating fish.

    **Fish Activity:**
    Yesterday saw a lot of activity from cold-water species. Anglers reported catching a significant number of lake trout, walleye, and salmon. The lake trout were particularly active in the deeper waters, while walleye were found in the rocky structures and drop-offs. Salmon were caught near the surface, especially during the early morning and late evening hours.

    **Types and Amounts of Fish Caught:**
    Several lake trout in the 3-5 pound range were landed, along with walleye averaging 2-4 pounds. Salmon catches included both landlocked salmon and a few coho salmon, with some fish weighing up to 6 pounds.

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For lake trout, using deep-diving lures such as spoons and jigs tipped with minnows or smelt has been effective. Walleye are biting well on jigging rapalas and live bait like nightcrawlers and minnows. For salmon, try using flashers and dodgers with flies or small spoons.

    **Hot Spots:**
    Two hot spots to consider today are the Palisades area and the Slack Line near the Champlain Bridge. The Palisades have been producing good numbers of walleye and lake trout, while the Slack Line has seen a surge in salmon activity.

    Overall, with the right gear and knowledge of the hot spots, you should have a successful day fishing on Lake Champlain. Make sure to dress warmly and enjoy the beautiful fall scenery while you're out there.
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    3 mins