As of November 22, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is quite vibrant, despite the late fall season.
### Weather and Tidal Report
The weather is seasonably warm for this time of year, with forecasted partly cloudy skies and a high of around 50°F. There is a chance of measurable precipitation by the end of the week, but for now, conditions are agreeable for fishing. Lake Champlain, being a freshwater lake, does not have tides, so anglers can focus on other environmental factors.
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at approximately 6:45 AM, and sunset will be around 4:15 PM, giving anglers a good window of daylight to hit the water.
### Fish Activity
Fish activity on Lake Champlain is robust, especially for species like pike, bass, and trout. Recent reports indicate that pike and bass are active, particularly on the outer weed edges in 10-15 feet of water. Light tackle jigging has been successful for catching yellow perch, bluegills, and some crappie[1].
### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday saw a good number of pike and bass caught using tip-ups. There were also reports of trophy trout being picked up. The lake's water temperatures are ideal, supporting a diverse catch that includes trout, salmon, bass, and pike[1].
### Best Lures and Bait
For pike, using pike minnows or casting out Cleos or Kastmaster spoons has been effective. For bass, jigs and 3-way rigs outfitted with MagLips or live bait are recommended. Light tackle jigging with small grubs, especially chartreuse ones with a paddle tail, has been successful for perch and other panfish[2][5].
### Hot Spots
Some hot spots to consider include the outer weed edges of Lake Champlain, particularly in areas around 10-15 feet of water. The north end of the lake, near the Vermont-New York border, has also been productive for bass and pike. Additionally, the areas around the Champlain and Otter Creek Valley are known for good numbers of various fish species[1].
Overall, Lake Champlain is offering some excellent late fall fishing opportunities, and with the right gear and knowledge of the hot spots, anglers can expect a rewarding day on the water.