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