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.