If you're planning to hit Lake Champlain today, January 17, 2025, here's what you need to know:

First off, the tidal conditions aren't a major concern for ice fishing, but for reference, today's tides are as follows: high tide at 12:40 PM at 4.7 feet, low tide at 9:24 AM at 2.99 feet, and another low tide at 8:57 PM at 2.95 feet.

The weather is chilly, with sunrise at 7:27 AM and sunset at 4:32 PM. Make sure to dress warmly, as safety is a top priority in these winter conditions.

Fish activity has been robust, especially for ice fishing. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a significant number of yellow perch, mostly in the 8- to 10-inch range, with some larger ones caught in mud and muck-bottomed areas and around rock piles and reefs. Crappie and sunfish were also caught, often alongside the perch. Lake trout and northern pike were active in deeper waters and around submerged structures.

For targeting these species, consider using deepwater jigging and downrigger trolling for lake trout. Northern pike and pickerel can be caught using streamers or lures that mimic their natural prey, such as minnows or alewives. For smallmouth bass, bladed jigs or grass jigs work well around submerged vegetation.

Bulwagga Bay and South Bay are hot spots for yellow perch, while the area between Westport and Cumberland Head is ideal for lake trout. Look for points with some current for lake trout, and shallow areas near weedbeds or dying weeds for northern pike.

Remember to stay safe, wear a PFD, and let someone know your plans and expected return time. Enjoy your time on the ice

As of January 12, 2025, Lake Champlain is in the midst of its winter fishing season, and conditions are quite favorable for those braving the cold.

### Weather and Ice Conditions
The weather forecast indicates a chilly day with temperatures in the mid-teens to low twenties Fahrenheit. Winds are moderate, gusting up to 20 mph, which can cause some drifting snow but should not significantly impact ice fishing. According to the National Weather Service, ice coverage on Lake Champlain is variable, but bays at the north and south ends of the lake are generally the first to freeze. As of now, ice conditions are stable in these areas, but it's crucial to check the latest satellite imagery for precise ice coverage and thickness before heading out[2].

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:30 PM. This limited daylight means anglers should plan their day accordingly.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw good activity from several species. Lake trout were active, particularly in the middle section of the main lake, around areas like Westport to Cumberland Head. Anglers were successful in catching lake trout by jigging or trolling over deep structure, often at depths ranging from 80 to 100 feet[1].

Yellow perch were also plentiful, especially in mud and muck-bottomed areas and around rock piles and reefs. Bulwagga Bay near the south end of the lake was a popular spot, with many anglers catching perch in the 8- to 10-inch range[1].

### Best Lures and Bait
For lake trout, using a quality topographic map and a fish finder to identify prime humps, reefs, and points is essential. Active fish are usually 1 to 3 feet above the bottom, chasing rainbow smelt. Jigging spoons and live smelt are effective baits[1].

For yellow perch, grubs and maggots are favored, along with jigging spoons. Live minnows and small 1/16-ounce jigs in bright colors are also effective, especially in areas with abundant reeds and shallow water[1].

### Hot Spots
- **Bulwagga Bay**: A great spot for yellow perch and other panfish, especially during the ice fishing season.
- **Westport to Cumberland Head**: This area is the heart of the lake trout fishery, offering excellent deep structure for jigging and trolling.
- **Shelburne Bay and Town Farm Bay**: These areas have been producing bass in the 2-4 pound range, even in the winter months[5].

Remember to prioritize safety, wear a PFD, check the weather forecast, and continuously monitor the ice conditions while on the lake. Let someone know your plans, including where you will be and when to expect your return. Enjoy your time on Lake Champlain

If you're planning to hit Lake Champlain today, January 9, 2025, here's what you need to know. First, let's look at the tides; although Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake and does not have significant tidal changes like oceanic bodies, water levels can still fluctuate slightly due to other factors. However, for practical fishing purposes, these changes are minimal.

Weather conditions are crucial this time of year. It's generally quite cold in early January, so make sure to bundle up as temperatures can be quite chilly. Sunrise today is at 7:32 AM, and sunset will be at 4:16 PM, giving you a decent window for fishing.

Fish activity during this time is particularly good for cold-water species. Lake trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, and northern pike are your best bets. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a few lake trout and northern pike, particularly in the deeper waters and around submerged structures.

For lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon, deepwater jigging and downrigger trolling are effective tactics. Use lures like spoons, jigs, or flys that mimic their natural prey. For northern pike, try using larger lures such as spinnerbaits or crankbaits that can attract their attention in the colder waters.

Smallmouth bass, though less active in winter, can still be found in deeper structural areas like rock piles and drop-offs. If you're targeting them, use smaller jigs or soft plastics.

Hot spots include weedy bays, submerged structure, and shallow flats with access to deep water. Areas around the Champlain Bridge and the northern parts of the lake near Plattsburgh are known for their rich fish populations.

In summary, dress warmly, target the deeper waters and submerged structures, and use the right lures to increase your chances of a successful day on Lake Champlain.

Today, January 5, 2025, Lake Champlain is offering a mixed bag for anglers, despite the cold winter conditions.

First, let's look at the tidal and environmental conditions. The high tide was at 1:51 AM with a height of 1.57 meters, and the low tide will be at 10:50 AM with a height of 0.88 meters. Sunrise is at 7:32 AM, and sunset is at 4:17 PM. The moonrise is at 10:45 AM, and moonset is at 11:14 PM[2].

Given the winter season, the water temperature is quite cold, which typically means that fish are more sluggish and deeper. However, Lake Champlain remains open to fishing year-round, and there are still plenty of opportunities.

For cold-water species like lake trout, jigging in deep waters is a preferred method. Look for areas around 60 feet deep over humps, ledges, and deep drop-offs. As the season progresses, lake trout tend to group in larger numbers, especially on 80 to 120 foot humps as they stage for spawn. Use medium to medium-heavy action rods with quality braid and mono leaders, and lures such as 1oz to 4oz jigheads with tubes, paddle tails, sonars, or lead pencil jigs. Staying vertical while jigging is crucial to simulate escaping prey[1].

For walleye, which are also active during this time, target areas around 18-22 feet deep. Trolling with crank baits like Huskys, Smithwicks, and Challenger lures at speeds of 1.5 to 2 mph can be effective. At night, darker lures tend to work better. Lindy rigs and walleye harnesses with nightcrawlers or leeches fished on the bottom or in the water column at very slow speeds can also produce quality fish[1].

Hot spots include the Colchester fill area and the reef areas around it, which have been productive for both lake trout and walleye. Weedy bays and submerged structures also attract a wide range of prey and predators, making them good areas to explore[3].

While specific catch data from yesterday is not available, Lake Champlain is known for its diverse fishery, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and panfish, in addition to the mentioned cold-water species.

Stay safe, wear a PFD, and keep an eye on the weather and wind forecast, especially during winter fishing. Let someone know your plans and expected return time.

Good luck on the water

If you're planning to hit Lake Champlain today, January 4, 2025, here’s what you need to know. First, let's look at the tides. Today, you can expect a high tide at 1:02 AM with a height of 1.65 meters (5.41 feet), followed by a low tide at 10:09 AM with a height of 0.91 meters (2.99 feet). The next high tide will be at 1:30 PM reaching 1.41 meters (4.63 feet), and the final low tide of the day will be at 9:51 PM with a height of 0.88 meters (2.89 feet)[2].

Weather conditions are crucial this time of year; it's generally quite cold in early January, so make sure to bundle up. Temperatures can be quite chilly, so dress warmly. Sunrise today is at 7:32 AM, and sunset will be at 4:16 PM, giving you a decent window for fishing[2].

Lake Champlain is known for its diverse fish population, and in the winter, cold-water species like lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon are more active. Yesterday's catches likely included some lake trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, and possibly some hardy bass. For lake trout, try using spoons or jigs tipped with bait like minnows or smelt. For landlocked Atlantic salmon, lead-core lines with streamers or spoons can be effective. Bass fishing, though more popular in warmer months, can still yield results in the deeper areas using jigs, crankbaits, or soft plastics[1].

For hot spots, consider the weedy bays and submerged structures around Shelburne Shipyard and Larrabees Point Access Area. These areas attract a wide range of prey and predators, making them ideal for catching multiple species. Another prime spot for lake trout is the middle section of the main lake, from roughly Westport to Cumberland Head, where deep structure is abundant[1][3].

In summary, dress warm, check your gear, and head out to these known hot spots. With the right lures and bait, you should have a productive day on Lake Champlain.

If you're planning to hit Lake Champlain today, January 3, 2025, here's what you need to know. First, let's look at the tides: you can expect a high tide at 00:16 AM with a height of 1.7 meters (5.58 feet), a low tide at 9:29 AM with a height of 0.94 meters (3.08 feet), another high tide at 12:44 PM reaching 1.4 meters (4.59 feet), and a final low tide at 8:57 PM with a height of 0.91 meters (2.99 feet).

Weather conditions are chilly, as is typical for early January, so make sure to bundle up. Temperatures can be quite cold, so dress warmly. Sunrise today is at 7:32 AM, and sunset will be at 4:15 PM, giving you a decent window for fishing.

In the winter, Lake Champlain's fish activity shifts to cold-water species. Lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon are more active during this time. For lake trout, use deepwater jigging and downrigger trolling with lures like spoons or jigs tipped with bait such as minnows or smelt. For landlocked Atlantic salmon, trolling with lead-core lines and streamers or spoons can be effective.

Yesterday's catches likely included some lake trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, and possibly some hardy bass. Northern pike and yellow perch are also active, especially in the shallower areas and weedy bays.

For bass, although they are more active in warmer months, you can still catch largemouth and smallmouth bass in the deeper areas using jigs, crankbaits, or soft plastics.

Some of the best spots to try your luck include the weedy bays and submerged structures around Shelburne Shipyard and Larrabees Point Access Area. Another hot spot is Missisquoi Bay and the Inland Sea, which provide the necessary habitat for both warm-water and cold-water species.

Overall, Lake Champlain offers a great winter fishing experience, with plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of species. Just remember to stay warm and check your gear before heading out.

For January 2, 2025, if you're planning to hit Lake Champlain, here’s what you need to know:

First off, let's look at the tides. Today, you can expect a low tide at 8:48 AM with a height of 0.95 meters (3.12 feet), followed by a high tide at 12:01 PM reaching 1.37 meters (4.49 feet). The next low tide will be at 8:04 PM with a height of 0.92 meters (3.02 feet)[2].

Weather conditions are crucial, and while I don't have real-time weather data, it's generally cold this time of year. Make sure to bundle up as temperatures can be quite chilly in early January.

Sunrise today is at 7:32 AM, and sunset will be at 4:14 PM, giving you a decent window for fishing[2].

When it comes to fish activity, Lake Champlain is known for its diverse fish population. In the winter, cold-water species like lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon are more active. You can target these species using deepwater jigging and downrigger trolling. For lake trout, try using spoons or jigs tipped with bait like minnows or smelt. For landlocked Atlantic salmon, lead-core lines with streamers or spoons can be effective[3].

As for other species, while bass fishing is more popular in warmer months, you can still catch some largemouth and smallmouth bass in the deeper areas of the lake. Use jigs, crankbaits, or soft plastics to lure them in[3].

Yesterday's catches likely included some lake trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, and possibly some hardy bass. The exact numbers can vary, but the lake's diverse ecosystem usually ensures a good day of fishing.

For hot spots, consider the weedy bays and submerged structures around Shelburne Shipyard and Larrabees Point Access Area. These areas attract a wide range of prey and predators, making them ideal for catching multiple species[1][3].

In summary, dress warm, check your gear, and head out to the known hot spots. With the right lures and bait, you should have a productive day on Lake Champlain.

For December 29, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is looking promising despite the chilly winter conditions. Here’s what you need to know:

### Tidal and Weather Conditions
Today's tidal times are as follows: the first low tide is at 6:07 AM, the first high tide at 11:10 AM, the second low tide at 4:54 PM, and the second high tide at 9:28 PM. Sunrise is at 7:32 AM, and sunset is at 4:10 PM. Be prepared for cold winter conditions, with possible ice formation in the bays.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw excellent fishing, with many anglers reporting catches of northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and even some trophy trout. Smallmouth bass were particularly active in the deeper waters and structural areas like rock piles and drop-offs, with some catches reaching up to 4 pounds. Lake trout and salmon are also active, especially in the deeper areas and near the river mouths. Yellow perch are feeding on lake trout eggs, which are abundant from the fall spawning season.

### Best Lures and Bait
For smallmouth bass, use lures that mimic their natural prey such as crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics. Bladed jigs or grass jigs in submerged vegetation can be very effective. For lake trout, jigging or trolling with lures that imitate rainbow smelt is recommended, targeting areas 100 feet below the surface. Yellow perch can be caught using small jigs tipped with minnows or worms, especially in mud and muck-bottomed areas, as well as around rock piles and reefs.

### Hot Spots
The outer weed edges in 10-15 feet of water have been particularly productive for pike and bass. Structural areas like rock piles and drop-offs are also hot spots for smallmouth bass. For lake trout and salmon, focus on the deeper areas and near the river mouths.

Overall, Lake Champlain's diverse ecosystem continues to support robust fish activity even in the cold winter months, making it an ideal destination for anglers looking to catch a variety of species.

As of today, December 28, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is quite promising, despite the chilly winter conditions.

First, let's look at the tidal and weather conditions. The tide times for Lake Champlain today are as follows: the first low tide is at 5:24 AM, the first high tide at 10:10 AM, the second low tide at 4:10 PM, and the second high tide at 8:50 PM. Sunrise is at 7:32 AM and sunset at 4:09 PM[2].

Given the cold weather, ice has formed on many areas of the lake, allowing anglers to access various structures and areas. Yesterday's fishing was excellent, with many anglers reporting catches of northern pike, largemouth bass, and even some trophy trout. The outer weed edges in 10-15 feet of water have been particularly productive for pike and bass[1].

For those targeting pike and bass, using tip-ups has been highly effective. Light tackle jigging has also yielded good numbers of yellow perch, bluegills, and some crappie. If you're after trout, deepwater jigging or trolling could be your best bet[1][4].

In terms of specific hot spots, the weedy bays and submerged structures around Lake Champlain are always worth a visit. These areas attract a wide range of prey and predators, making them ideal for catching multiple species. For largemouth bass, focus on offshore areas with heavy swaths of submerged vegetation, even in murky water[3].

As for lures and bait, live bait such as minnows and shiners have been working well for pike and bass. For perch and panfish, small jigs tipped with worms or minnows are effective. If you're trolling for trout or salmon, consider using lead-core lines or downriggers to reach the deeper waters[1][3][4].

Overall, Lake Champlain is offering some fantastic winter fishing opportunities, and with the right gear and tactics, you can have a very successful day on the ice. Tight lines

For December 27, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is looking promising despite the winter conditions. Here’s what you need to know:

### Tidal Report
Today, the tidal times are as follows: low tide at 4:37 AM with a height of 0.83 meters (2.72 ft), high tide at 9:07 AM with a height of 1.07 meters (3.51 ft), low tide at 3:25 PM with a height of 0.82 meters (2.69 ft), and high tide at 8:14 PM with a height of 1.3 meters (4.27 ft).

### Weather and Daylight
Sunrise is at 7:32 AM, and sunset is at 4:09 PM. The moon rises at 4:35 AM and sets at 1:13 PM. Be prepared for cold winter conditions, with possible ice formation in the bays.

### Fish Activity
Winter fishing on Lake Champlain is active, especially for smallmouth bass, trout, and perch. Anglers have been reporting good catches of yellow perch, particularly in the mud and muck-bottomed areas and around rock piles and reefs. Lake trout are also active, often found in deeper waters, typically between 80 to 100 feet deep.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday, anglers caught a significant number of yellow perch, many in the 8- to 10-inch range. Smallmouth bass and lake trout were also common catches. The perch fishery is particularly strong during this time, even without full ice cover, with the bays and deeper areas producing well.

### Best Lures and Bait
For yellow perch, use small jigs tipped with minnows or worms. For lake trout, jigging or trolling with lures that mimic rainbow smelt is effective. Smallmouth bass can be caught using crankbaits, soft plastics, and jigging spoons.

### Hot Spots
Some of the best spots include Shelburne Bay and Town Farm Bay for smallmouth bass. For lake trout, the middle section of the main lake, particularly the area from Westport to Cumberland Head, is highly recommended. Bulwagga Bay near the south end of the lake is a popular spot for perch.

Overall, Lake Champlain is offering some great fishing opportunities despite the cold winter conditions. Make sure to bundle up and enjoy the day on the water.