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.