Lake Champlain boasts 585 miles of shoreline, shared between New York, Vermont, and Quebec. Affectionately known as “The Sixth Great Lake,” these waters are home to some of the best Bass fishing in the country. In fact, this lake consistently shows up in the Bassmaster Tournament Series’ top 100 Bass fisheries. Lake Champlain fishing charters are about much more than Bass, however. Atlantic Salmon, Lake Trout, Walleye, Muskellunge, and scores of other game fish keep anglers here entertained year-round. If you’re lucky, you may even spot “Champ” while you’re at it, Lake Champlain’s equivalent of the Loch Ness Monster.
Where to Fish in Lake Champlain
It doesn’t take much persuasion to cast a line in Lake Champlain—the fishing speaks for itself! Deciding exactly where to go is another matter, however. Lake Champlain is divided into 5 zones. These areas have less to do with the fishing and more to do with wildlife management and regulations, but you’ll still hear some anglers referring to them by name when they talk about their favorite haunts. Consulting a local guide is always the best way to gain insight, but this brief run-down should help get you started.
Missisquoi Bay
Missisquoi Bay sits at the very top of Lake Champlain and reaches over the Canadian border into Quebec. The water is relatively shallow here and teeming with Walleye, Pike, Perch, and Largemouth Bass. Anglers fishing on the Canadian side of the bay must carry a Quebec fishing license. Those on the Vermont side need a VT state license.
Inland Sea
Below Missisquoi Bay sits Inland Sea, which is shielded on the west by the islands that form Grand Isle County. Here, anglers take advantage of a mixture of shallow and deep water, where Pike, Bass, Walleye, Yellow Perch, and Landlocked Salmon roam. You need a VT fishing license to cast your line in Inland Sea.
Mallets Bay
The waters just off the southeast coast of South Hero are known as Mallets Bay. Here, a long shallow flat is complemented by deep waters which exceed 100 feet in some places. This makes for a dynamic fishery, including Bass, Salmon, Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch. Anglers fishing Mallets Bay need to carry a VT state fishing license.
Main Lake
The vast section known as Main Lake includes both the widest and longest portions of Lake Champlain. At the center of Main Lake the water is deep (up to 400 feet) and cold, producing Champlain’s biggest Lakers and Salmon. Anglers fishing on the NY side can enjoy stellar fishing for Bass, especially in the northern part where it’s almost impossible not to catch a Smallmouth (many of them weighing as much as 5 lbs). In spring and fall, you can catch Salmon by fly fishing near shore as they make their way in and out of the tributaries. Anglers can fish in Main Lake with a license from either VT or NY.
South Lake
This narrow, southern portion of Lake Champlain features shallow waters and excellent fishing for Largemouth Bass along the bay and weeds. Anglers also catch Pike, Sauger, White Perch, Walleye, and Catfish in this area. You can fish most of South Lake with either a VT or NY license. The tail end of the lake known as South Bay requires a NY fishing license.
Need to Know
Techniques
The most common fishing techniques anglers use in Lake Champlain include jigging and trolling, mainly for Trout and Salmon. Trolling is most effective in spring and fall when the water surface if cooler.
Lake Champlain Bass fishing techniques vary widely depending on the season and exactly where you cast your line. Jigs, soft plastics, jerkbaits, crankbaits, and many other lures can be successful.
Ice fishing is a popular pastime in winter, especially for Walleye, Pike, and Perch. Lake Champlain ice fishing season typically runs from January to mid March.
Reguations
Lake Champlain fishing charters do not provide a fishing license for customers. Depending on what part of the lake you fish, anglers in your group will need licenses from Vermont, New York, or Quebec.
The Lake Champlain Reciprocal Agreement allows anglers to fish in Main Lake and South Lake with either a NY or VT fishing license. Other parts of the lake are not included in the agreement and anglers need to carry a license from the state they are fishing in.
Budget
Lake Champlain fishing trips range from $250-$550, depending on how long the charter lasts and the size of your group. A half day trip (4 hours) for 4 anglers costs $250-$350, while a ¾ day trip (6 hours) ranges from $325-$450. You can usually expect to pay $400-$550 for a full day trip (8 hours).
Getting There
Lake Champlain is easily accessible from major cities like New York, Boston, Syracuse, Buffalo, Toronto, Ottawa, and more. You can drive to the area from north or south using Interstate 87 and taking exits 28-34. From New England and departure points to the east, the region is accessible via the Lake Champlain Bridge (VT Route 17 to NY Route 185).
Amtrak’s Adirondack Line runs between Penn Station, NY and Gare Centrale, Montreal. You can hop off the train and explore the Lake Champlain area at 4 different places along this route: Port Kent, Westport, Port Henry, and Ticonderoga.
A number of ferries in the region can carry you from Shoreham, Charlotte, Burlington, Port Kent Essex, or Ticonderoga. Some ferries operate seasonally, so be sure to check the schedules ahead of time.
No matter where you fish on Lake Champlain or how you get there, you’re bound to have an action-packed adventure. Come aboard and see what “The Sixth Great Lake” has to offer!
Bass (Largemouth)
Bass (Smallmouth)
Brown Trout
Lake Trout
Perch (Yellow)
Pike (Northern)
Salmon (Atlantic)
Walleye
