Artificial Lure here, bringing you the latest Lake Champlain fishing report for Thursday, November 20, 2025.

**Weather is crisp and classic for late fall in the Champlain Valley:** temperatures at sunrise hovered in the low 30s (°F), climbing just into the 40s by midday under overcast skies with a stiff north breeze. Local reports from Vermont Fish & Wildlife suggest the surface water’s starting the seasonal cool-down, clarity remains good, and recent, light rains haven’t muddied things up much.

**Sunrise hit at 6:51 AM with sunset set for 4:23 PM, so you’re working with a narrow bite window—get out early or stay tight for that golden-hour magic.**

There’s no tidal influence here—Champlain’s a lake, but the wind can stack water up along shorelines and in bays, potentially moving bait and concentrating fish.

**Fish activity has been solid, especially for smallmouth and a mix of post-spawn largemouth, with a few scattered bonus fish.** According to the Toyota Series recap from just nine days ago, anglers were hauling in impressive smallmouth catches, often in the 3.5 to 4.5-pound range, with the occasional 5-pounder showing up for the camera. More than one local guide called the bite “incredible for November,” with plenty of doubles and sustained action through the day.

**Best baits and techniques right now:**
- **Minnow-style plastics**—think Yamamoto Shad Shape Worms, Deps Sakamata Shad, Berkley MaxScent Flatnose Jerk Shad—on 3/16 to 5/16 oz jigheads are absolutely dominating for both smallies and largemouth. Anglers are catching good numbers in 10–25 feet, focusing on breaks, secondary points, and the edge of grass beds.
- **Ned rigs** with a small stickworm (Yamamoto Ned Senko, Keitech Easy Shiner) have been clutch when the bite slows.
- **Topwater**, like the Berkley J-Walker or even a Strike King Sexy Dawg, is still triggering aggressive strikes midday, especially when the wind calms.
- If you’re hunting the last of the largemouth, a slow-rolled **glide bait** or jerkbait on deep grass (think War Panda Nug or 6th Sense Ozzie) is turning up a few big green ones.
- For multispecies action, don’t overlook a drop-shot with a small shiner imitation—bonus perch and even the odd lake trout can show up.

**Recent catches**: Instagram user @vtfishandwildlife shared a shot yesterday of a Vermont Master Angler smallmouth caught while targeting lake trout, a classic November Champlain surprise. Multi-species catches are common, according to local posts—expect bonus pike, perch, and an occasional bruiser laker alongside your bass.

**Hot spots this week:**
- **Malletts Bay**—Still loaded with smallmouth chasing bait, especially at the breaks and near secondary points in 10–12 feet.
- **Inland Sea**—Active schools of smallmouth are tracking alewives, especially on the stair-step drop-offs and around isolated boulders.
- **Ti area (Ticonderoga)**—The deep grass is holding both largemouth and random smallmouth; worth the run for bonus green bass.
- **South Hero and around the causeways**—Current seams and pinch points are concentrating feeding fish; try tossing a minnow bait alongside the structure for quick action. Roland Martin swears by adding scent to your minnow baits here for better hold and hookup rates.

**Bait** shops are still stocking shiners if you’re after panfish or want to temp an old-school walleye or pike. A slip bobber and live shiner can produce when artificials won’t.

That’s your report for this brisk Champlain Thursday—bundle up, fish smart, and don’t forget to net your trophy before the ice locks us out!

Thanks for tuning in to Artificial Lure’s local fishing update. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a hot bite or breaking news from Lake Champlain! This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI