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.