Braving the Chill: Fishing Lake Champlain in December

If you're planning to head out on Lake Champlain today, here’s what you need to know:

**Weather and Waves:**
Today, expect southwest winds shifting to north at 15 to 20 knots, with showers in the morning and afternoon. Waves will be 1 to 3 feet, building to 3 to 5 feet[3].

**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise is around 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at about 4:14 PM. If you're out early or late, you might catch some breathtaking sunrises or sunsets, with the mountains and lake reflecting the vibrant colors of the sky[4].

**Fish Activity:**
In December, fish activity slows down due to the cold temperatures. However, cool water species like yellow perch are still active during this period. They often feed on lake trout eggs, which are abundant from the fall spawning season. Cold water fish like lake trout will be deeper, avoiding the warmer surface waters[1].

**Types of Fish and Bait:**
For yellow perch, use small jigs or live bait like minnows or worms. For lake trout, try using deeper lures such as spoons or flies that mimic their natural prey. Muskellunge and walleye can also be targeted with larger lures like crankbaits or live bait like suckers[5].

**Hot Spots:**
Focus on areas like Cumberland Bay and Valcour Island, where the structure and depth changes can attract a variety of fish species. Shelburne Bay is another good spot, especially for yellow perch and walleye.

**Tidal Report:**
Lake Champlain does not have significant tidal changes, but water levels can fluctuate. Currently, the water levels are within average ranges, but you can check the latest levels on the National Weather Service site[2].

Given the weather and fish activity, dress warmly and be prepared for changing conditions. Good luck on the water