Episodes

  • Autumn Chill on Lake Champlain: Trout, Salmon, and Bass Biting in the Crisp Conditions

    Autumn Chill on Lake Champlain: Trout, Salmon, and Bass Biting in the Crisp Conditions
    Nov 23 2024
    For November 23, 2024, here’s your Lake Champlain fishing report:

    Today, the weather is partly cloudy with a crisp autumn chill, perfect for a day on the water. Sunrise was at 6:53 AM, and sunset will be at 4:13 PM. The water temperature is cooling down, which is ideal for cold-water species.

    Yesterday saw a lot of activity from trout, particularly lake trout and rainbow trout. Salmon were also active, and bass were biting well in the fall conditions. Anglers reported catching a good number of lake trout using inline silver and blue spinners, 4.3 Keitech swimbaits, and blade baits[3][4].

    For today, you can expect similar conditions. The best lures to use include those mentioned above, as well as spoons and flashers with dodgers for targeting trout and salmon. Live bait such as smelt and shiners are also effective, especially for bass and walleye.

    Hot spots include the Palisades area and the Slack Line, which have been producing good catches of trout and bass lately. The South Bay, despite the recent discovery of invasive golden clams, is still a viable spot for catching a variety of species[5].

    Tidal influences are minimal on Lake Champlain since it is a freshwater lake, so you don't need to worry about tidal changes affecting your fishing.

    Overall, it's a great day to be out on Lake Champlain, with plenty of fish activity and favorable weather conditions. Good luck on the water
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    2 mins
  • Fall Fishing Frenzy on Lake Champlain's Vibrant Bite

    Fall Fishing Frenzy on Lake Champlain's Vibrant Bite
    Nov 22 2024
    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.
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    3 mins
  • Fishing Forecast for Lake Champlain: Cooler Temps, Abundant Trout, Salmon, and More

    Fishing Forecast for Lake Champlain: Cooler Temps, Abundant Trout, Salmon, and More
    Nov 17 2024
    As of November 17, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is looking exceptionally promising, especially with the cooler weather setting in. 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. There is a light breeze out of the northwest at about 5 mph. Since Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake, tidal reports are not applicable, but water levels are currently stable.

    ### 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
    Yesterday saw a lot of activity from cold-water species. Trout, particularly lake trout and rainbow trout, were very active. Salmon, both landlocked and coho, were also biting well. Walleye and bass were also caught in decent numbers.

    ### Catch Reports
    Anglers reported catching several lake trout in the 3-5 pound range, with some larger ones up to 7 pounds. Salmon catches ranged from 2-4 pounds. Walleye were mostly in the 1-3 pound range, and bass were generally smaller, around 1-2 pounds.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For trout and salmon, using spoons like the Len Thompson or Blue Fox Vibrax, and flashers with dodgers have been very effective. Live bait such as smelt and shiners are also working well. For walleye, jigging with minnows or using crankbaits that mimic baitfish have been successful. Bass anglers have had luck with soft plastics and small jigs.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots right now is the area around the Palisades and Slack Line, where the structure and drop-offs are attracting a lot of fish. Another good spot is the northern part of the lake near the Champlain Bridge, where the deeper waters are holding trout and salmon.

    Overall, it's a great time to be out on Lake Champlain, with plenty of fish to target and favorable weather conditions. Make sure to dress warmly and enjoy the beautiful fall scenery while you're out there.
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    3 mins
  • Cooler Weather, Promising Fishing on Lake Champlain: Trout, Salmon, and Bass Thrive in Fall Conditions

    Cooler Weather, Promising Fishing on Lake Champlain: Trout, Salmon, and Bass Thrive in Fall Conditions
    Nov 16 2024
    As of November 16, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is looking exceptionally promising, especially for those targeting cold-water species. Here’s what you can expect today:

    The weather is crisp and cool, feeling very much like fall, with partly cloudy skies and 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. Sunrise was at 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at about 4:15 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and late afternoon fishing.

    Since Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake, tidal conditions are not a factor, but water levels are currently a bit high due to recent rainfall. However, this has not deterred the fish from biting.

    Yesterday saw steady action, particularly for Lake Trout and Atlantic Salmon. Lake Trout were caught in depths of about 50-60 feet over 200 feet of water, with dark color spoons such as blue, purple, and green stingers performing well. Atlantic Salmon were also active, especially during low light conditions, and were caught using small spoons from 25 to 40 feet down. Anglers reported catching several Lake Trout in the 3-5 pound range, along with a few Atlantic Salmon.

    For bait, using lures that mimic baitfish, such as Honeybees and other stinger-type spoons, has been effective. Copper and orange, or rainbow trout and green spoons, have also been successful. Live bait like smelt or shiners can also be very productive for all these species.

    Smallmouth bass fishing was also good, with many fish caught in the shallower areas using soft plastics and crankbaits.

    Hot spots include the area around the Palisades and Slack Line, known for its rocky structures that attract both bass and trout. Another good spot is the northern part of the lake near the Champlain Bridge, where the deeper waters are home to Lake Trout and Atlantic Salmon. The western Vermont lakes, ponds, and bays of Lake Champlain, particularly around the Inland Sea, have also been particularly productive.

    Overall, it's an excellent time to get out on Lake Champlain, with the cooler weather and stable water conditions making it ideal for targeting these cold-water species. Just be sure to dress warmly and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
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    3 mins
  • "Fishing Forecast: Trout and Salmon Biting on Lake Champlain's Scenic Waters"

    "Fishing Forecast: Trout and Salmon Biting on Lake Champlain's Scenic Waters"
    Nov 15 2024
    As of November 15, 2024, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing scene at Lake Champlain:

    The weather today is crisp and cool, feeling very much like fall, which is ideal for fishing. Sunrise was at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at about 4:15 PM, giving us a good window for both morning and late afternoon fishing.

    Tidal conditions are not a significant factor on Lake Champlain, but water levels and clarity can affect fishing. Currently, the water levels are a bit high due to recent rainfall, but this has not deterred the fish from biting.

    Yesterday saw steady action, particularly for Lake Trout and Atlantic Salmon. The early morning hours were the most productive, with fish hitting deep water humps and reefs. Lake Trout were caught in depths of about 50-60 feet over 200 feet of water, with dark color spoons such as blue, purple, and green stingers performing well. Atlantic Salmon were also active, especially during low light conditions, and were caught using small spoons from 25 to 40 feet down.

    For bait, the thermocline being down around 50-60 feet suggests that using lures that mimic baitfish, such as Honeybees and other stinger-type spoons, would be effective. Additionally, fishing with copper and orange, or rainbow trout and green spoons, has been successful.

    Hot spots include the western Vermont lakes, ponds, and bays of Lake Champlain. The areas around the Inland Sea and the Champlain Bridge have been particularly productive. For those looking to target Lake Trout, focusing on the deeper water humps and reefs is a good strategy.

    Overall, the fishing on Lake Champlain is hot right now, and with the cooler weather setting in, it’s an excellent time to get out on the water and catch some of these beautiful fish. Just remember to dress warmly and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
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    2 mins
  • Promising Fishing on Lake Champlain During Fall Spawning Run

    Promising Fishing on Lake Champlain During Fall Spawning Run
    Nov 10 2024
    As of November 10, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is quite promising, especially with the fall spawning run in full swing.

    ### 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. The winds are light, coming in from the northwest at about 5 mph. Tidal influences are minimal since Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake, but water levels can fluctuate due to rainfall and human management. Currently, the water levels are slightly above average due to recent rainfall.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise today is at 6:43 AM, and sunset is at 4:27 PM, providing ample daylight for both morning and evening fishing trips.

    ### Fish Activity
    The fall season brings an increase in fish activity, particularly for salmonids. Atlantic salmon, landlocked salmon, and trout are active during this period. Yesterday's reports indicated a steady catch of Atlantic salmon and lake trout. Anglers targeting the tributaries, such as the Saranac and Boquet rivers, reported catching Atlantic salmon in the 3 to 5-pound range.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
    Yesterday, anglers caught a mix of Atlantic salmon, landlocked salmon, and lake trout. The catch rates were moderate, with several anglers reporting multiple catches per trip. The size structure of the catch included salmonids ranging from 2 to 7 pounds.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For targeting Atlantic salmon and lake trout, dark-colored spoons such as those in blue, purple, and green are highly effective. Honeybee and stinger lures also performed well. When fishing in the tributaries, using small spoons from 25 to 40 feet down can be very productive. For bait, live bait like smelt or alewives can attract larger fish.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the best spots to fish right now is below Willsboro in the spring areas, but during the fall, the focus shifts to the upper reaches of the tributaries. The Saranac and Boquet rivers are particularly hot, with anglers reporting good catches near the first impassable barriers upstream. Another good spot is the deep water humps and reefs in the main lake, where lake trout are often found.

    Overall, the conditions are favorable for a productive day of fishing on Lake Champlain. Make sure to check the local regulations and respect the fishery to ensure sustainable fishing practices.
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    3 mins
  • Lake Champlain Fishing Report: Trout and Salmon Thrive in Cooler Conditions

    Lake Champlain Fishing Report: Trout and Salmon Thrive in Cooler Conditions
    Nov 9 2024
    As of November 9, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is looking very 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 lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon. These cold-water species have been active in the deeper sections of the lake. Yesterday, anglers reported catching several lake trout in the 3-5 pound range, along with a few landlocked Atlantic salmon. Smallmouth bass fishing was also good, with many fish caught in the shallower areas.

    For lake trout and Atlantic salmon, using spoons like the Vision 110+1jr or similar deep-diving lures has been effective. For smallmouth bass, soft plastics and crankbaits are working well. Live bait such as smelt or shiners can also be very productive for all these species.

    Some of the hot spots right now include the area around the Palisades and Slack Line, known for its rocky structures that attract both bass and trout. Another good spot is the northern part of the lake near the Champlain Bridge, where the deeper waters are home to lake trout and Atlantic salmon.

    Overall, it's a great day to get out on Lake Champlain, with the cooler weather and stable water conditions making it ideal for targeting these cold-water species. Just be sure to dress warmly and be prepared for the moderate winds.
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    2 mins
  • Fishing Forecast for Lake Champlain - Partly Cloudy with Promising Bass, Trout, and Walleye Conditions

    Fishing Forecast for Lake Champlain - Partly Cloudy with Promising Bass, Trout, and Walleye Conditions
    Nov 8 2024
    As of November 8, 2024, Lake Champlain is offering a mixed bag of fishing conditions, making it an exciting day for anglers.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 50°F and a low of 40°F. Winds are light, coming in from the northwest at about 5 mph. Tidal conditions are relatively stable, which is favorable for fishing.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:34 AM, and sunset is at 4:24 PM, providing a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing trips.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a decent amount of fish activity, particularly for bass and trout. Anglers reported catching a mix of smallmouth and largemouth bass, along with some lake trout and walleye.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
    Several smallmouth bass in the 2-4 pound range were caught, along with a few largemouth bass up to 5 pounds. Lake trout were also active, with some catches reported in the 3-6 pound range. Walleye were less abundant but still present, with a few catches in the 2-3 pound range.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For bass, the top 10 baits from recent tournaments include soft plastic lures like curly tail grubs and plastic worms. Jigs and crankbaits also performed well. For lake trout, spoons and deep-diving lures were effective. Walleye were caught using live bait such as minnows and nightcrawlers, as well as perch-patterned jigs.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots is the area around the Palisades and Slack Line, where the structure and drop-offs attract a variety of fish species. Another good spot is the northern part of the lake near the New York-Vermont border, where the deeper waters are home to lake trout and walleye.

    Overall, Lake Champlain is in good shape for fishing today, with favorable weather and tidal conditions. Make sure to check the local fishing reports and adjust your tactics based on the latest catches and fish behavior.
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    2 mins