Fishing Report for Lake Champlain - April 4, 2025

Spring fishing is officially underway on Lake Champlain, and today’s conditions are primed for angling success. Sunrise was at 6:22 AM, with sunset at 7:22 PM, offering extended daylight for fishing enthusiasts. The tidal schedule shows a high tide at 3:18 AM, a low tide at 11:17 AM, and another high tide at 3:48 PM—ideal for targeting various fish species throughout the day.

The weather is mild and mostly sunny, with temperatures in the mid-50s (°F). Winds are light, creating calm water conditions perfect for casting. The water temperature is still cool, typical for early April, encouraging springtime activity among cold-water species like lake trout and salmon.

Recent catches include lake trout, salmon, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. The pre-spawn bass bite is improving, with anglers reporting catches of 50 to 75 bass per day in staging areas along rocky shorelines and submerged vegetation. Northern pike and crappie have also been active in the weedy shallows and back bays, such as South Bay and Bulwagga Bay.

Recommended lures and techniques include:
- **Bass:** Swim jigs, bladed jigs, and shallow-diving crankbaits for staging pre-spawn fish.
- **Lake Trout:** Jigging with dead alewife on deep humps, focusing on depths around 20 feet.
- **Crappie:** Small jigs or live minnows in shallow, brushy areas.
- **Northern Pike:** Large spoons and live bait in weedy coves.

Hot spots include the southern end of the lake near Chimney Point and the sheltered bays of Malletts Bay to the north. Shelburne Bay is another top location, especially for bass enthusiasts, with its rocky structure and marshy inlets fostering prime fish habitats.

Whether you’re trolling for lake trout or tossing jigs for staging bass, today promises great action for anglers on Lake Champlain. Good luck and tight lines!

Good morning anglers! Here’s your up-to-date fishing report for Lake Champlain on Friday, April 4, 2025.

It’s shaping up to be a fine day on the water, with sunrise at 6:22 AM and sunset at 7:22 PM. The tides today set up nicely for fishing: the first high tide occurred at 3:18 AM, followed by a low tide at 11:17 AM, and a second high tide at 3:48 PM. The current weather forecast calls for partly cloudy skies and mild temperatures in the mid-50s, with light winds expected to pick up slightly by the afternoon. Perfect conditions to get out there!

Fish activity has been strong lately. Anglers are reporting good catches of landlocked salmon between 2 to 4 pounds, particularly near tributary mouths. Lake trout are active as well, especially in the middle section of the lake from Westport to Cumberland Head, where jigging or trolling in deeper water (80 to 100 feet) is proving successful. In the southern reaches of Lake Champlain, crappie fishing is picking up in shallow weedy areas like South Bay, as these fish prepare for their spawning season. Northern pike and largemouth bass are also active in weedy bays and warmer flats, while yellow perch are abundant around mud-bottomed areas and rocky reefs.

For tackle, consider trolling with spoons like Little Cleos and using stickbaits such as Smithwicks for salmon and trout. Anglers targeting lake trout should focus on deep jigging setups with white or chartreuse artificial lures. For bass and pike in the shallows, spinnerbaits and soft plastics in natural colors are top choices, while live minnows and nightcrawlers remain excellent bait options for crappies and yellow perch.

If you’re looking for hotspots, head to Shelburne Bay south of Burlington for largemouth bass and northern pike action, or try Bulwagga Bay in the southern end for perch and crappies. Up north, the Missisquoi Bay area and the rock piles near Rouses Point are excellent for targeting both largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Whether you’re drop-shotting for bass or trolling for trout, now’s the time to hit the water. Tight lines, and happy fishing!

Lake Champlain anglers, April 4, 2025, promises a good day on the water. Sunrise is at 6:22 AM, and sunset at 7:22 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours to wet a line. The weather is mild and calm, with temperatures in the mid-50s°F, light overcast skies, and manageable winds around 5-10 mph. Expect high tide at 3:18 AM and 3:48 PM, with low tide at 11:17 AM—timing your trips around these tidal shifts could enhance your fishing success.

Spring fishing is heating up, especially for landlocked Atlantic salmon and lake trout. Anglers have reported salmon catches averaging 2-4 pounds near tributary mouths and around the Inland Sea and Missisquoi Bay. Lake trout are active in deeper parts of the central lake, from Cumberland Head to Westport. They are holding from 30 to 60 feet deep, making trolling spoons or jigging with heavy lures ideal.

Largemouth and smallmouth bass anglers should target the warming shallows now that temperatures are rising. Shelburne Bay and Missisquoi Bay are excellent spots for early-season largemouths, where vegetation and rocks provide structure. Meanwhile, Rouses Point and the Inland Sea offer smallmouth bass action on rocky flats and drop-offs. Spinnerbaits, soft plastics, and chatterbaits are productive for largemouths, while tube jigs and jerkbaits are proven smallmouth gear.

Perch, one of Lake Champlain’s most abundant species, are biting well. Yellow perch in the 8-10 inch range can be found over mud-bottomed areas or around remaining vegetation. Use small live minnows or worms on jig heads to attract these tasty panfish. Anglers targeting crappies should head to shallow, reedy areas such as South Bay, where these fish are staging for their spawning season. Small jig setups with chartreuse or white plastics work wonders for crappies.

For those seeking hotspots, the Inland Sea remains a reliable choice, especially around the Grand Isle Causeway for smallmouths and salmon. Shelburne Bay is a great pick for largemouths and panfish. Another solid bet is Bulwagga Bay near the south end of the lake, where perch and crappie action is consistent.

Lure recommendations include silver spoons, stickbaits, and lead-core rigs for salmon and trout. For bass, a mix of soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and jerkbaits should cover the bases. When targeting panfish, opt for small jigs tipped with live bait or tiny plastics.

Overall, Lake Champlain is showing early spring activity across various species. With improving weather and warming waters, now is a great time to explore the lake’s rich fishing opportunities! Enjoy your day on the water and tight lines!

The fishing scene at Lake Champlain today, April 4, 2025, offers promising opportunities for anglers, as spring conditions are setting the stage for an active day on the water. With sunrise at 6:22 a.m. and sunset at 7:22 p.m., there is plenty of daylight to enjoy the vibrant fishing activity in and around this vast lake.

**Tidal Report and Weather**
High tide occurs at 3:18 a.m. and 3:48 p.m., while low tide is at 11:17 a.m., with tidal heights ranging from 4.72 to 6.82 feet. Weather conditions forecast cool, early spring temperatures, with mild winds and partly cloudy skies, which should make fishing comfortable and productive. The water remains cool, favoring species like lake trout and salmon that thrive in these conditions.

**Recent Fish Activity and Hotspots**
Recent reports indicate excellent catches of lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon, particularly in the middle section of the lake around Westport to Cumberland Head. Anglers have been hauling in 2-4 pound salmon near tributary mouths, which are hotspots for spring runs. The Saranac River estuary has been particularly active thanks to the experimental pen-rearing project for salmon, which is expected to boost local populations further[3][7][10].

Meanwhile, Missisquoi Bay and the Inland Sea in the north end of the lake continue to provide great action for bass, including early-season largemouth and smallmouth. If you’re targeting perch or crappie, head to the southern areas like Bulwagga Bay, where these species are moving into shallow water to feed and prepare for spawning[3][6].

**Best Baits and Lures**
For landlocked salmon and trout, trolling with spoons like Little Cleos or Stingray-sized lures has been effective, especially at varying depths. A fish finder can help locate schools of smelt, their primary forage. When targeting crappie in shallow, reed-filled areas, try small jigs tipped with minnows. For bass, use soft plastics or spinnerbaits near grassy or rocky structures. A topographic map will be invaluable for locating humps, points, and reefs.

**Recommendations for Anglers**
For those seeking consistent action, focus on the middle lake for deep-water trout and salmon, or head north toward Missisquoi Bay for largemouth. The mouth of the Saranac is a must-visit, given the active stocking work and recent improvements to salmon populations. If you’re after perch or crappie, the flats in Bulwagga Bay are teeming with activity.

Lake Champlain is undoubtedly delivering a quality spring fishing experience today. Pack your gear, and don’t forget to try trolling in deeper waters early, then transition to shallow flats later in the day as the water warms up slightly. Tight lines!

Lake Champlain anglers are off to a promising start today, April 4, 2025. The weather has been cooperative so far this morning, with temperatures hovering in the mid-40s and expected highs in the mid-50s under partly cloudy skies. Winds are moderate at 5-10 mph from the southwest, which should offer decent conditions for boaters. Sunrise was at 6:22 AM, with sunset expected at 7:22 PM, providing a full day of fishing opportunities.

The tidal conditions indicate a high tide earlier at 3:18 AM and another expected at 3:48 PM. The mid-morning and early afternoon low tides at 11:17 AM may influence fish activity in the shallows, so timing your approach around these periods could yield better results.

Anglers have reported active lake trout and landlocked salmon, particularly in the central and northern stretches of the lake, where water temperatures are just starting to pick up. Lake trout have been biting well on deeper jigging setups, especially in waters ranging from 80 to 100 feet. Target smelt schools to increase your odds. For salmon, trolling near the mouths of rivers like the Saranac has proven productive, with fish weighing 2-4 pounds being common.

Largemouth and smallmouth bass are also becoming active in the warmer shallows. Northern sections such as Missisquoi Bay and areas near Rouses Point have been hotspots for smallmouth, particularly around rocky points and offshore reefs. Meanwhile, largemouths are holding in weedy bays like Shelburne Bay. Both species are responding well to crankbaits, jerkbaits, and soft plastics mimicking baitfish.

For those targeting crappie, the southern end of the lake, particularly South Bay and Bulwagga Bay, is showing strong early-season action. These fish are moving into shallow bays in preparation for the spawn. Small jigs tipped with minnows or a soft plastic grub are ideal in these warm, shallow pockets.

Recommended lures for today include jigging spoons and swimbaits for lake trout, bright-colored crankbaits for bass, and small chartreuse or white jigs for crappie. Live bait like minnows or smelt may also give you an edge, especially for panfish and trout.

If you’re looking for productive spots, Missisquoi Bay in the northeast corner offers consistent largemouth action, and the central section near Westport to Cumberland Head is prime for lake trout. Shelburne Bay remains a go-to site for bass anglers, while crappie fishing in South Bay cannot be overlooked this time of year.

Stay safe, and good luck out on the water today!

Good morning anglers, this is your fishing report for Lake Champlain on April 2, 2025. Conditions are looking favorable for a productive day on the water, so get those rods ready.

Sunrise today is at 6:26 AM, and sunset will be at 7:20 PM, granting plenty of daylight for fishing. Expect mild spring weather with highs in the low 50s (°F) and moderate winds out of the west at 10-15 mph. The water is lightly stained, with temperatures averaging around 42°F, making it a great time to target cold-water species.

The tidal movement at Lake Champlain follows river-influenced patterns rather than ocean-like tides. Low tide is at 10:08 AM, and high tide will peak at 1:57 PM. These tidal times can influence fish activity, particularly around inflows and outflows.

Recently, the lake has been yielding solid catches of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, and lake trout. Smallmouth bass dominates the logs, with notable activity around rocky points and boulders. Anglers have also reported a good bite for yellow perch and lake whitefish near deeper humps and along drop-offs.

For bait and tackle, local anglers recommend finesse-style presentations for bass, including hair jigs and Ned rigs, especially around rocky structures. For northern pike, oversized spinnerbaits or jerkbaits have been productive, especially in shallow coves with submerged vegetation. Lake trout anglers have found success jigging with alewife-imitating baits or trolling with spoons. Live bait options, such as minnows and nightcrawlers, remain effective for a variety of species.

If you're looking for hotspots, try the area near the Champlain Bridge, where rocky structures hold smallmouth bass, or head to Missisquoi Bay to target northern pike in vegetated shallows. Another strong option is around the humps near Juniper Island, a known spot for lake trout and whitefish.

Overall, today is shaping up to be a rewarding day on Lake Champlain. Make sure to come prepared with a range of lures and bait to capitalize on the variety of fish active this time of year. Tight lines!

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake Champlain fishing report for March 31, 2025. The sun's peeking over the horizon at 6:30 AM today, and we'll see it dip back down around 7:17 PM. Weather-wise, we're looking at partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-40s Fahrenheit. There's a light breeze coming from the northwest at about 10-15 mph.

Now, onto the fishing! The ice is finally off most of the lake, and the fish are starting to get active. Water temps are hovering around 40°F, which means we're seeing some good action, especially for cold-water species.

Tides aren't a huge factor on Champlain, but there is a slight fluctuation. We've got a high tide at 12:29 PM and a low at 9:34 PM.

Lake trout and landlocked salmon have been the stars of the show lately. Anglers are reporting good success trolling with spoons in 40-60 feet of water. The Sutton 71 in copper or silver has been a hot lure. For you salmon chasers, try working the mouths of tributaries with stick baits or small spoons.

Bass fishing is picking up, with some nice smallmouth being caught on drop shots and hair jigs in 15-25 feet of water. The Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worm on a drop shot has been killer. Largemouth are starting to move into shallower water, so don't be afraid to throw some spinnerbaits or jigs around emerging weed beds.

Pike fishing has been steady, with some big girls being caught in the shallows. Large spoons and swimbaits are your best bet for these toothy critters.

As for hot spots, I'd check out Mallets Bay for a mix of species, or head up to the Inland Sea area for some good smallmouth action. The Champlain Bridge area has also been producing some nice lake trout.

Remember, folks, the key to success this time of year is to fish slow and deep. Don't be afraid to switch up your presentations if you're not getting any bites. And always keep an eye on the weather – it can change quickly out there.

That's all for now, anglers. Stay safe, have fun, and tight lines!

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake Champlain fishing report for Sunday, March 30, 2025. The sun's peeking over the horizon at 6:32 AM today, and we'll see it dip back down around 7:16 PM. Weather-wise, we're looking at partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-30s Fahrenheit. There's a light west wind around 10 to 15 knots.

Now, onto the fishing. The ice is finally off most of the lake, and the fish are starting to get active. Water temps are hovering around 38°F, which means we're seeing some good action, especially for cold-water species.

Tides aren't a huge factor on Champlain, but there is a slight fluctuation. We've got a low tide at 8:21 AM and a high at 11:48 AM. The lake level is holding steady at about 95 feet.

Lake trout and landlocked salmon have been the stars of the show lately. Anglers are reporting good success trolling with spoons in 40-60 feet of water. The Sutton 71 in copper or silver has been a hot lure. For you salmon chasers, try working the mouths of tributaries with stick baits or small spoons.

Bass fishing is starting to pick up, especially for smallmouth. They're hanging out on deep drop-offs and near rocky structure. Jerkbaits and hair jigs have been producing well. A few anglers have been catching some nice largemouth in the shallower bays using chatterbaits or slow-rolling spinnerbaits.

Pike fishing has been excellent in the shallow bays. Big spoons and swimbaits are the ticket here. We've seen some real monsters come in from Missisquoi Bay and the Larabee's Point area.

For you panfish enthusiasts, yellow perch are biting well in 15-20 feet of water. Small jigs tipped with minnows or worms are working great.

As for hot spots, I'd recommend checking out Mallets Bay for a mix of species. The Inland Sea area has been producing some nice lakers and smallmouth. If you're after salmon, try trolling near the mouth of the Boquet River.

Remember, folks, the key to success this time of year is to fish slow and deep. Don't be afraid to switch up your presentations if you're not getting any bites.

That's all for now, anglers. Stay safe out there, and tight lines!

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake Champlain fishing report for March 29, 2025. Let's dive right in!

First off, we're looking at a partly cloudy day with temperatures in the mid-30s Fahrenheit. There's a light west wind around 10 to 15 knots. Sunrise was at 6:34 AM, and we're expecting sunset around 7:14 PM. As for tides, we've got a low tide at 7:43 AM, high tide at 11:09 AM, another low at 8:02 PM, and the final high tide at 11:29 PM.

Now, onto the fishing! The lake level is holding steady at about 95 feet. We've got some decent action despite the cooler temps. Anglers have been having good luck with lake trout and landlocked salmon in the deeper parts of the main lake. I've heard reports of some nice catches near Valcour Island and off the shores of Burlington.

Bass fishing has been a bit slow, but a few anglers are still pulling in some decent smallmouth using drop shots and jerkbaits in 15 to 25 feet of water. The Inland Sea area has been producing some nice catches.

For you pike enthusiasts, the shallow bays are starting to warm up, and we're seeing some early season action. Try throwing some large spoons or swimbaits in areas like Missisquoi Bay or the Larabee's Point area.

Lure-wise, I'd recommend having a mix of jerkbaits, drop shot rigs, and some larger swimbaits for the pike. The Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worm on a drop shot has been a killer for smallmouth. For lake trout and salmon, try trolling with spoons like the Sutton 71 in copper or silver.

If you're looking for some hot spots, I'd suggest checking out Malletts Bay for a mix of species, or head up to the Inland Sea area for some good smallmouth action. The Champlain Bridge area has also been producing some nice lake trout.

Remember, folks, the key to success this time of year is to fish slow and deep. Don't be afraid to switch up your presentations if you're not getting any bites.

That's all for now, anglers. Stay safe out there, and tight lines!

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake Champlain fishing report for March 28, 2025. Let's dive right in!

First off, sunrise today was at 6:36 AM, and we're looking at sunset around 7:13 PM. Weather-wise, it's a bit chilly with temperatures hovering in the mid-30s Fahrenheit. We've got partly cloudy skies and a light west wind at about 10 to 15 knots.

Now, onto the fishing! The lake level is holding steady at about 95 feet. We're seeing some decent action despite the cooler temps. Anglers have been having good luck with lake trout and landlocked salmon in the deeper parts of the main lake. I've heard reports of some nice catches near Valcour Island and off the shores of Burlington.

Today's tide forecast shows a low tide at 7:04 AM, high tide at 10:33 AM, another low at 7:12 PM, and the final high tide at 10:51 PM. Remember, folks, these tides can affect fish movement, especially in the northern and southern parts of the lake.

Bass fishing has been picking up lately. A few anglers are pulling in some decent smallmouth using drop shots and jerkbaits in 15 to 25 feet of water. The Inland Sea area has been producing some nice catches.

For you pike enthusiasts, the shallow bays are starting to warm up, and we're seeing some early season action. Try throwing some large spoons or swimbaits in areas like Missisquoi Bay or the Larabee's Point area.

Lure-wise, I'd recommend having a mix of jerkbaits, drop shot rigs, and some larger swimbaits for the pike. The Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worm on a drop shot has been a killer for smallmouth. For lake trout and salmon, try trolling with spoons like the Sutton 71 in copper or silver.

If you're looking for some hot spots, I'd suggest checking out Malletts Bay for a mix of species, or head up to the Inland Sea area for some good smallmouth action. The Champlain Bridge area has also been producing some nice lake trout.

Remember, folks, the key to success this time of year is to fish slow and deep. Don't be afraid to switch up your presentations if you're not getting any bites.

That's all for now, anglers. Stay safe out there, and tight lines!