Fishing Lake Champlain

AKA: Champlain Lake

Popular Fish Species
Lake Champlain Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Champlain, NY

Popular Fish Species Lake Champlain, NY

Lake Champlain Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Lake Champlain, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Largemouth bass also reside here in very good numbers. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Walleye Fishing

Lake Champlain is home to a hearty population of walleye. Plenty of forage in the lake have these walleye growing fat and healthy. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Lake Champlain Popular Fish - Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Fishing

Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Lake Champlain. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, white perch, yellow perch, chain pickerel, muskie, northern pike, sauger and sturgeon at Lake Champlain in New York.

Lake Champlain Fishing Video

Excellent fishing opportunities on Lake Champlain includes bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, trout, sunfish, perch, pike, muskie, sauger and sturgeon. This thriving fishery is a 271,000-acre lake on the northeastern border of New York State.

Lake Champlain, located on the border of New York and Vermont, is a renowned fishing destination that offers a remarkable angling experience. Known for its scenic beauty and vast expanse, Lake Champlain provides a diverse fishery with an abundance of species to target. Anglers can find a wide range of fish in its waters, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, lake trout, Atlantic salmon, and panfish.

Smallmouth bass fishing in Lake Champlain is particularly popular, with the lake being hailed as one of the top smallmouth bass fisheries in the country. Anglers can target smallmouth bass along rocky shorelines, submerged structures, and drop-offs. Techniques such as casting with jigs, soft plastics, or crankbaits are effective in enticing these hard-fighting and aggressive bass. Largemouth bass can also be found in certain areas of the lake, particularly near weed beds and in shallow bays.

Lake Champlain is also known for its exceptional northern pike fishing. These voracious predators can reach impressive sizes and provide thrilling battles for anglers. Anglers target northern pike using techniques such as trolling with large spoons, casting with swimbaits or spinnerbaits, or fishing with live bait.

Walleye and panfish species, including yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and crappie, are also abundant in Lake Champlain. Anglers can use a variety of techniques to target these species, such as jigging with minnows or soft plastics, trolling with worm harnesses, or fishing with live bait.

In summary, Lake Champlain provides a diverse and exciting fishing experience with its wide range of fish species. Whether targeting bass, pike, walleye, or panfish, anglers can enjoy the thrill of the chase and the rewards of a successful catch. Boaters and campers can also take full advantage of the recreational opportunities and scenic wonders that Lake Champlain has to offer, ensuring a memorable and fulfilling outdoor adventure.

Well over 100 miles of deep trolling channels and nearly 600 miles of shoreline set the stage for the fishing here. This big water is best fished from larger boats, but some areas can work for small craft, canoes and kayaks. Sections of shoreline are accessible from many locations around the lake. About a dozen boat launch ramps serve the public from the New York side and the Vermont side. Fishing charters and guides offer a wide variety of fishing packages, depending on the fish species you desire. This is a bass fishing haven, with numerous tournament held here annually. A dozen or more marinas, on the NY side serve the boating public with gas, supplies, dining and shopping. Take your pick from many campgrounds and RV parks, some at the waters edge.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Champlain

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Champlain Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Lake Champlain is not only a fantastic fishing destination but also offers opportunities for boating enthusiasts. The lake provides ample space for recreational boating, sailing, and kayaking. Boaters can explore the vastness of the lake, discover hidden coves, and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Valcour Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
518 420-9509

Westport Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats
518 962-4356

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Peru Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off US Highway 9, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Plattsburgh Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Dock Street, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Port Douglas Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Schuyler Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Port Henry Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Beach Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Ticonderoga Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Fort Ti Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Westport Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Home Port Lane, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Wilcox Dock Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Wilcox Dock Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Willsboro Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, in Willsboro Bay, off Boat Launch Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marinas

B&B Marina
2528 Lake Shore Rd.
Chazy, NY. 12921
518 298-4259

Barcombs Marina
90 Montgomery Street
Rouses Point, NY, 12979
518 297-6112

Bridgeview Harbour Marina
54 Harbour Lane
Port Henry, NY 12974
518 546-7400

Essex Marina
2272 Main Street
Essex, NY 12936
518 963-7222

Lighthouse Marina
62 Montgomery Street
Rouses Point, NY 12979
518 297-6392

Plattsburgh Boat Basin
5 Dock St
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518 561-2800

Port Henry Marina
40 Velez Road
Port Henry, NY 12974
518 546-4075

Treadwell Bay Marina & Resort
214 Bouchard Dr
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518 563-1321

Westport Marina
20 Washington Street
Westport NY 12993
518 962-4356

Fishing Guides On Lake Champlain

Relax-n-Reel Fishing Adventures - trout, walleye, bass

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a New York Fishing License.

Camping facilities are available near Lake Champlain, allowing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campers can enjoy peaceful evenings under the starry skies, prepare freshly caught fish over a campfire, and take advantage of the various amenities offered at campgrounds.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Kings Bay Resort Campground - 514 972-2272

Lakeview Campground - 518 297-2104

Monty's Bay Campground - 518 846-7342

Ausable Point Campground - 518 561-7080

Port Kent Campground - 518 834-9011

Iroquois Campground & RV Park - 518 643-9057

Ausable Chasm Campground - 518 834-9990

Shady Oaks RV Park - 518 562-0561

Plattsburgh RV Park - 518 563-3915

Ausable Pines Campground & RV Park - 518 561-1188

Crown Point Campground - 518 597-3603