Fishing Lake Champlain
AKA: Champlain Lake
Popular Fish Species Lake Champlain, VT
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Lake Champlain has been delivering great smallmouth bass fishing for decades. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.
Lake Trout Fishing
Year round, fishing for lake trout in Lake Champlain is often quite good, especially in the area between Cumberland Head and the Westport area. These large trout prefer water below 60 degrees, however they can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 30 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 150 feet or more during Summer and Winter. It is a monumental assistance to use fish finders, or other electronics to help in locating these roaming schools of lake trout. They feed on baitfish and other small fish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for big lake trout with spoons can deliver some great catches.
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, 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 Vermont.
Lake Champlain Fishing Video
Loaded with bass, catfish, crappie, trout, sunfish, perch, pike, muskie, sauger and sturgeon, Lake Champlain is a 271,000-acre lake on the northwestern border of VT. Nearly 600 miles of shoreline invite anglers to fish from the bank or from a boat.
Lake Champlain is a massive freshwater lake that straddles the border between Vermont and New York. In Vermont, the lake covers a significant portion of the western part of the state, making it one of the most iconic and cherished bodies of water in the region. With over 120 miles of length and countless bays and coves, Lake Champlain offers an incredible fishing experience.
Anglers flock to Lake Champlain year-round to target its diverse range of fish species. Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass are abundant and provide fantastic opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. The lake's clear waters are also home to rainbow trout, brown trout, and lake trout, making it a prime destination for trout enthusiasts looking for a challenge.
The northern pike population in Lake Champlain has been thriving, and these predatory fish are popular targets for those seeking an adrenaline-pumping catch. Additionally, chain pickerel and muskie add to the excitement, as both species are known for their aggressive nature and challenging fights.
For anglers interested in freshwater fishing for catfish, Lake Champlain doesn't disappoint. Channel catfish can be found in various parts of the lake and provide an excellent opportunity for a diverse fishing experience.
Yellow perch, white perch, and bluegill also call Lake Champlain home, offering fantastic opportunities for family fishing and those looking to catch a variety of fish.
Lake Champlain in Vermont is a gem for anglers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With its wide variety of fish species, including smallmouth and largemouth bass, trout, northern pike, and many more, the lake provides a rich fishing experience. Coupled with ample boating opportunities and scenic camping locations, Lake Champlain is a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable outdoor adventure in Vermont.
With over 100 miles of deep channels, there are untouched schools of fish looking for a meal. This large body of water is best fished from bigger boats, but some areas do work for small car-top boats, canoes and kayaks. Nearly a dozen boat launch ramps serve the public from the VT side of the lake. This is a storied bass fishing haven, where numerous tournaments are held annually. Nearly a dozen marinas, on the VT side serve the boating public with gas, supplies, dining and shopping. Choose from the many campgrounds and RV parks, some nearby the lake. For additional information about fishing on Champlain Lake, visit the VT Fish & Wildlife website.
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
Beyond fishing, Lake Champlain is a boater's paradise. The expansive waters are ideal for sailing, power boating, kayaking, and canoeing, providing endless possibilities for water-based activities.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Ladd's Landing Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
802 372-5320
North Hero Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
802 372-5953
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Burlington Waterfront Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Penny Lane, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Charlotte Fishing Access Boat Ramp Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Cedar Beach Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Keeler Bay Access Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side of the peninsula, off Sunrise Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Mallets Bay Access Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off W Lakeshore Drive, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
North Hero Causeway Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Bridge Lane, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Rock River Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Spring Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Saint Albans Bay Access Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Hathaway Point Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Sandy Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, at the east end of the N River Street Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Shelburne Bay Access Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Bay Road, this is two, one-lane, concrete ramps with docks and gravel parking.
Stony Point Access Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off W Shore Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Tauber Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Hog Island Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
West Shore Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side of the peninsula, off W Shore Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Marinas
Apple Island Marina
71 US-2
South Hero, VT 05486
802 372-3800
Bay Harbor Marina
278 West Lakeshore Drive
Colchester, Vermont 05446
802 862-4072
Burlington Harbor Marina
75 Penny Lane
Burlington, VT 05401
802 540-6869
Calm Cove Marina
106 Calm Cove Circle
Colchester, VT 05446
802 863-6980
Champlain Bridge Marina
7724 Vt. Rt 17W
Addison, VT, 05491
802 759-2049
Champlain Marina
982 W Lakeshore Dr
Colchester, VT 05446
802 658-4034
Ferry Dock Marina
1 King Street
Burlington, VT 05401
802 861-2019
Ladd's Landing Marina
412 US-2
Grand Isle, VT 05458
802 372-5320
Marina At Marble Island
1378 Marble Island Rd
Colchester, VT 05446
802 862-6804
Moorings Marina
332 W LakeShore Drive
Colchester, VT 05446
802 862-1407
North Hero Marina
2253 Pelots Point Rd
North Hero, VT 05474
802 372-5953
Point Bay Marina
1401 Thompson's Point Rd
Charlotte, VT 05445
802 425-2431
Saint Albans Bay Marina
15 Georgia Shore Road
St. Albans Bay, VT
802 524-0909
Fishing Guides On Lake Champlain
3rd Alarm Charters - trout, bass, pike
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 Vermont Fishing License.
Camping is a popular way to fully experience Lake Champlain's beauty. Several campgrounds and camping sites dot the shoreline, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Camping by Lake Champlain is a perfect way to relax and unwind while enjoying the natural beauty of Vermont.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
10 Acres Campground - 802 771-8757
Sportsman Cottages Campground - 802 759-2348
Shelburne Camping Area - 802 985-2540
North Beach Campground - 802 862-0942
Malletts Bay Campground - 802 863-6980
Lone Pine Campsites - 802 878-5447
Apple Island Campground & Marina - 802 372-3800
Keeler Bay Campground & Marina - 802 395-1113
Grand Isle State Park Campground - 802 372-4300
Champlain Valley Campground - 802 524-5146
Lakehurst Campground - 802 928-3266
Rivers Edge Cottages & RV Park - 802 475-2700
Lake Champlain VT Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Champlain
D.A.R. State Park, at Lake Champlain
6750 VT RT 17 W
Addison, VT 05491
802 759-2354
Fishing lakes in each state.
072324
Lake Champlain in Vermont.
VERMONT
Information about fishing lakes in Vermont
Fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, trout, sunfish, perch, pike, muskie, sauger and sturgeon at Lake Champlain in northwest VT.