With more than 585 miles of shoreline, 70 islands to explore, and over 100 miles of deep trolling channels, Lake Champlain is one of the premier fishing destinations in the northeastern United States. Consistently ranked among the top bass fisheries in the country, the lake draws both casual anglers and serious tournament competitors from across the region.
But bass are just the beginning. Lake Champlain supports a remarkable range of species year-round, giving anglers something worth chasing no matter the season.
Fish Species on Lake Champlain
Smallmouth & Largemouth Bass
Bass are the stars of Lake Champlain. Smallmouth are the most sought-after species on the lake, and fish over three pounds are common, with trophy smallmouths exceeding five pounds caught regularly. As a general rule, smallmouth are more dominant in the northern half of the lake, while largemouth are most common in the southern half, though both species coexist throughout.
Spring and early summer are prime time for bass as they move into shallow water to spawn. Rocky points, rip rap, weed edges, and submerged structure all produce well. In summer, deeper jigging and drop-shot rigs around Horseshoe Shoal and similar structures become more productive. Smallmouth move shallow again in September as water cools, making fall an excellent time to fish minnow imitations along rocky flats.
Top spots include Valcour Island, Providence Island, the Gut, Alburgh Passage, Trombley Bay, Point Au Fer Reef, and throughout the Inland Sea.
Northern Pike
Lake Champlain fishing has a well-earned reputation for northern pike, particularly in Missisquoi Bay at the lake’s northern end, where relatively shallow, weedy water creates ideal pike habitat. Large pike are a realistic target here, and fall is considered peak season for trophy fish.
Spinnerbaits, large jerkbaits, and live bait fished near weed lines and underwater structure are reliable producers. Pike fishing holds up through winter, making it a popular ice fishing target as well.
Walleye
Walleye are present throughout the lake in healthy numbers, with Missisquoi Bay and the northern sections being particularly productive. These nocturnal feeders are most active at dawn and dusk, and jigs, crawler harnesses, and live minnows fished near rocky points and submerged structures are classic presentations. Ice fishing for walleye can be very productive on Lake Champlain in winter.
Lake Trout & Landlocked Atlantic Salmon
For anglers seeking coldwater species, Lake Champlain delivers. Lake trout are native to the lake, and a robust stocking program coordinated by NYSDEC and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has helped restore the population to fishable levels. They’re taken by deepwater jigging and downrigger trolling in the main basin.
Landlocked Atlantic salmon are one of the lake’s most exciting seasonal fisheries. Spring and fall are peak times, and salmon also run into tributary streams in autumn; an excellent opportunity for fly anglers. Check New York or Vermont regulations before fishing salmon in tributaries, as rules vary by location.
Yellow Perch & Panfish
Yellow perch, bluegill, crappie, and pumpkinseed are abundant throughout the lake. Perch fishing is particularly popular during winter ice fishing season. Panfish can be found near docks, weed beds, and anywhere with structure, and they’re a great option for families with younger anglers.
Other Species
Lake Champlain also supports solid populations of walleye, musky (a resurgent fishery worth targeting in the right seasons), channel catfish, white perch, rock bass, brown bullhead, and even common carp for anglers looking for a different kind of challenge.
Fishing Licenses
A valid fishing license is required for Lake Champlain fishing. The lake is shared by New York, Vermont, and Quebec, so the license you need depends on where you’re fishing from:
- New York waters: A valid New York State fishing license is required
- Vermont waters: A valid Vermont fishing license is required
- Canadian waters (Missisquoi Bay north of the border): A Quebec fishing license is required
Reciprocal license agreements exist between New York and Vermont for some portions of the lake; check with each state’s fish and wildlife agency for current details before you head out.
- New York Fishing Licenses – NYSDEC
- Vermont Fishing Licenses – Vermont Fish & Wildlife
- Quebec Fishing Licenses – Gouvernement du Québec
Best Times to Fish Lake Champlain
Spring:
Bass (spawning), landlocked Atlantic salmon, northern pike
Summer:
Bass (deeper structure), walleye (early morning/evening), panfish
Fall:
Northern pike (trophy season), lake trout, salmon (tributary runs), bass
Winter (likely ice fishing):
Walleye, yellow perch, pike, lake trout
What Boat to Bring on Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is a big lake with open stretches that can develop significant chop and waves quickly. Most areas are best fished from a stable, larger vessel such as a bowrider, fishing boat, or deck boat that can handle the open water comfortably. Some sections of the Inland Sea and sheltered bays are productive from smaller craft and even kayaks.
If you’re in the market for a boat that can handle everything Lake Champlain fishing has to offer, the team at Boats By George can help. Our Lake George showroom is just a short drive from the lake, and we carry new and pre-owned boats suited for every style of fishing on the water.
Shop Fishing-Friendly Boats at Boats By George
Tips Before You Go
- Use an updated chartplotter. Lake Champlain has numerous submerged rocks and shallow areas that older charts don’t accurately reflect. An up-to-date GPS/chartplotter is essential.
- Check the weather. Lake conditions can change rapidly. What starts as a calm morning can turn into whitecap conditions within hours. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio on 162.400 MHz (Burlington, VT broadcast) or check the NWS Burlington forecast before heading out.
- Clean your boat. Invasive species including zebra mussels and spiny waterflea are present in Lake Champlain. Thoroughly clean, drain, and dry your boat before and after every trip.
- Know which state’s waters you’re in. Regulations, including license requirements, size and bag limits, and seasonal restrictions vary between New York and Vermont.
- Watch the ferry crossings. Active car ferries run between New York and Vermont at multiple points. Stay aware and give them plenty of room.