Explore Lake Champlain Fishing – Articles, Tips, Species & Seasons
Lake Champlain fishing is known for its vast array of fish species calling its waters home. These include yellow perch, white perch, sunfish, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, musky, rock bass, brown bullhead, lake trout, Atlantic salmon, walleye, and northern pike.
Located between the US states of Vermont and New York, Lake Champlain stands as a prime fishing destination. The lake, spanning approximately 490 square miles, is a prominent feature in the landscape of Clinton County, Essex County, and Warren County in New York and Grand Isle County, Franklin County, Chittenden County, and Addison County in Vermont.
The northern end of Lake Champlain extends into Canada in the province of Quebec with the Alburgh Vermont located on the tip of a peninsula extending down into the United States from Canada and splitting the lake to the east and west. In the west, on the New York side, the Richelieu River connects with Lake Champlain acting as a natural outlet flowing northward from the lake into Quebec, Canada. The Richelieu River connects Lake Champlain to the Saint Lawrence River, providing a navigable route from the lake to the Atlantic Ocean. On the eastern side, the lake extends into Canada and the Missisquoi Bay.
Lake Champlain’s southern tip is located near Whitehall, New York which is the southernmost town along Lake Champlain and is historically noted as the birthplace of the U.S. Navy.
This geographical positioning means that Lake Champlain serves as a natural bridge between the United States and Canada, enhancing its appeal and significance.
Charlotte, Vermont, and Essex, New York, mark the region where Lake Champlain reaches its greatest depth, plunging to 400 feet. The average depth of the lake is 64 feet.
The expanse of Lake Champlain extends over 107 miles in length and spans 14 miles at its widest point, offering a varied and expansive fishing terrain for anglers. Connected to the Richelieu River and ultimately the Saint Lawrence River, Lake Champlain’s waters are part of a larger network that enhances its ecological significance. The lake is flanked by the Adirondack Mountains in New York and the Green Mountains in Vermont, adding to its breathtaking scenery and ecological diversity.
More of NY’s Best Fishing Spots
South Lake
The South Lake segment of Lake Champlain is positioned at its southernmost point and is renowned for its warmer water temperatures. This section is conducive to the thriving of Lake Champlain fish species populations including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, and various panfish. Anglers in the South Lake area often enjoy pursuing a diverse range of fish species, taking advantage of the comfortable fishing conditions.
Main Lake (Broad Lake)
The Main Lake, also referred to as Lake Champlain’s Broad Lake, constitutes the central and widest part of Lake Champlain. Offering a diverse array of habitats, including deep channels and shallow bays, this segment of Lake Champlain is home to an assortment of fish species.
The Main Lake fishery offers varied opportunities, from lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon to walleye, northern pike, and various panfish. Its rich aquatic environment caters to anglers seeking varied fishing experiences.
Malletts Bay
Located on the eastern side of Lake Champlain north of Burlington, VT, Malletts Bay is characterized by relatively shallow waters and extensive wetlands. Largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, and panfish are commonly found in this segment. Anglers exploring Malletts Bay are drawn to its unique combination of habitats, making it a popular destination for those seeking diverse fishing challenges.
Just north of Mallett’s Bay between Clay Point and the point northeast of Camp Kiniya, northern pike fishing is quite good when trolling in toward the shore. South of the opening to Mallett’s Bay is Thayer Beach. Directly north of Thayer Beach, is a fairly rapid dropoff with depths changing from 10-15 feet to 40-80 feet rather abruptly. Fishing the drop off here can be promising.
Inland Sea (Northeast Arm)
The Inland Sea, situated on the northeastern part of the lake, is a narrower segment with a distinctive mix of shallows and deeper areas. Fishermen can target a variety of fish species in this region, including lake trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, northern pike, yellow perch, and panfish. The unique topography of the Inland Sea provides an intriguing fishery for anglers looking for a mix of fishing experiences.
Missisquoi Bay
Located in the northern reaches of Lake Champlain, in Canada, Missisquoi Bay stands out with its shallow, marshy areas and abundant aquatic vegetation. This bay is known for supporting populations of northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, and various panfish. Anglers who appreciate fishing Lake Champlain in more secluded and ecologically diverse settings often find Missisquoi Bay to be a rewarding destination.
Seasonal Fishing Guide for Lake Champlain
Spring (March to May)
During the spring months, largemouth bass fishing in Lake Champlain is exceptional, particularly in the shallows south of the Champlain Bridge. Anglers targeting bass often launch from Port Henry or Ticonderoga, where access to both largemouth and smallmouth bass habitats is convenient and productive.
As spring progresses and water temperatures fluctuate, lake trout and landlocked salmon also become active, offering exciting opportunities for multi-species outings. Anglers trolling deeper waters often rely on downriggers to precisely control lure depth and present baits in the strike zone, especially when targeting suspended salmon or trout along temperature breaks.
Local Lake Champlain fishing guides are a valuable asset during this transitional season, offering insight into fish patterns, effective techniques, and safety considerations specific to the lake’s spring conditions. Whether casting from the shore, dock, or boat—or trolling offshore—adaptability remains key to success.
For those venturing out by boat, safety should never be overlooked. All passengers should wear properly fitted personal flotation devices (PFDs) at all times, and every vessel should be equipped with a marine radio for communication in case of sudden weather changes or emergencies. Staying prepared allows anglers to focus on the fishing, while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on Lake Champlain.
Summer (June to August)
As summer unfolds, Lake Champlain solidifies its reputation as one of the premier bass fishing destinations in the Northeast. The shallows south of the Lake Champlain Bridge remain a top hotspot, consistently producing tournament-caliber largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Widely recognized among the best bass fisheries in the nation, Lake Champlain rewards anglers who use a variety of proven techniques—soft plastics, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits are especially effective in mimicking baitfish during the warmer months.
Anglers who explore the lake’s vast shoreline, weed beds, and rocky points benefit from using fish finders to locate productive structure and pinpoint schools of baitfish. Strategic use of boat anchors helps maintain precise positioning when fishing wind-exposed zones or holding over submerged cover.
For extended outings, launching from well-located access points like Port Henry or Ticonderoga offers convenient entry to prime waters. Those covering more distance on the water often rely on marine fuel bladders to extend range and ensure fuel availability in remote areas of the lake.
With a mix of skill, preparation, and the right gear, Lake Champlain’s summer bass fishery offers both consistent action and the thrill of landing big fish in one of the most scenic settings in the region.
Fall (September to November)
As autumn unfolds, fishing in Lake Champlain continues to offer excellent opportunities for anglers. While bass fishing remains productive through the season, the fall also marks the arrival of the highly anticipated landlocked salmon runs, particularly in areas just below Willsboro, NY.
The transition to cooler temperatures and the lake’s stunning foliage create a picturesque and invigorating backdrop for fall fishing. Anglers looking to adjust their approach will find success by exploring the northern stretches of Lake Champlain—especially north of Westport and around North West Bay—where lake trout and other deep-water species become increasingly active as the waters cool.
Whether casting from a boat or trolling along deeper channels, having the right tools on board makes a difference. Fish de-scalers come in handy for those keeping their catch, especially when preparing lake trout or salmon for the table. At the same time, the calm, crisp mornings of fall offer a final chance for multi-use lake days. Recreational boaters often take advantage of the conditions to enjoy water skis and wakeboards, adding a fun and fast-paced dimension to a fishing trip before winter sets in.
Winter (December to February)
Even during the winter months, Lake Champlain doesn’t lose its draw for dedicated anglers. Ice fishing becomes a popular activity, with nearby spots like Lincoln Pond offering the chance to catch tiger muskellunge, northern pike, bass, panfish, or bullhead. Anglers can experience the tranquility of frozen waters while enjoying the thrill of ice fishing.
For those preferring smaller ponds and lakes in the region, Tanaher Pond north east of Mineville, NY, provides a quieter and equally rewarding winter fishing experience. Local bait and tackle shops remain valuable resources, offering insights into winter ice fishing strategies and ensuring a successful outing on the frozen landscapes of Lake Champlain.
Popular Fish Species
Lake Champlain is home to a diverse array of fish species. Largemouth bass, renowned for their aggressive strikes, and smallmouth bass, prized for their fighting spirit, populate the lake’s shallows and rocky areas, providing exciting opportunities for anglers. Northern pike, with their predatory nature, add to the thrill of fishing in Lake Champlain’s deeper waters.
Among the prized catches in Lake Champlain are lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon. These species are known for their size and strength. Additionally, the lake supports a variety of panfish, including yellow perch and sunfish, offering a diverse range of targets for anglers of all preferences and skill levels.
Walleye, sought after for their flavor and fight, are another highlight of Lake Champlain’s fishery. Anglers exploring the lake’s rocky points and submerged structures may find these elusive predators, adding a layer of excitement to fishing in Lake Chaplain. With its mix of game fish and panfish, Lake Champlain stands as a prime fishing destination.
