Champlain Fishing Report: Bass Blitz, Laker Lurks, and Panfish Prowl

Artificial Lure here with your Lake Champlain fishing report for June 11, 2025.

Sunrise hit the lake this morning at 5:13 AM, and we’re riding into a classic early summer pattern on Champlain. The weather’s been cooperative—with daytime temps in the mid-60s to low 70s, light northwest winds at 5-10 mph, and mostly clear skies setting the scene for a top-notch day on the water, according to local Spreaker and Apple Podcasts reports.

Bass are the main story right now, and the action is hot. Smallmouths are still doing their post-spawn dance along the rocky points and drop-offs, especially near Valcour Island, Willsboro Bay, and up around the Inland Sea. I’m hearing reports of anglers landing 20-plus smallies a day, with plenty in the 3-4 pound range and even a few 5-pound trophies. The bite’s best out to about 6 feet of water—target those beds and tight shorelines. You’ll want to throw PXR Mavrik 110 Jerkbaits in Metallic Yellow Perch or work a 5" Senko Worm in Green Pumpkin Black on a Texas rig for consistent hookups. Tube jigs in green pumpkin and finesse drop-shot rigs are also money in these spots.

Largemouth bass are picking up steam in the bays and weed beds—Shelburne Bay and St. Albans Bay have been hot. If you’re chasing bucketmouths, white spinnerbaits along the weedlines or topwater frogs at first light are turning heads. Texas-rigged soft plastics through emerging weed beds are also getting the job done. Local chatter even has a recent 7.5-pound largemouth being pulled from St. Albans Bay.

Lake trout are still stacked deep, most active in that 70-100 foot range, especially between Westport and Cumberland Head. Trolling with spoons and electronics to pinpoint those humps and reefs pays off—planer boards and downriggers set a few feet above the bottom will get you bit. Burlington Ledges and Port Henry are proven spots for lakers, and you’ll also find some action for salmon between Split Rock and Shelburne Point—try green/silver flasher and fly combos or Michigan Stinger spoons at 40-60 feet.

For panfish, bluegill and crappie bites are steady in Bulwagga Bay and Missisquoi Bay on small jigs tipped with worms.

Hot spots for today:
- Valcour Island and Willsboro Bay for smallmouth bass.
- Shelburne Bay for largemouth.
- Burlington Ledges for lake trout.
- Bulwagga Bay for panfish.

Tidal movement isn’t a factor here, but keep an eye on that wind—anything kicking up out of the south funnels waves into those open basins, so pick your launch and your drift smart.

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