Chilly Winter Fishing on Lake Champlain: Targeting Trout, Salmon, and Pike

Today, January 18, 2025, Lake Champlain is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the chilly winter weather. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your day on the water.

### Tidal and Weather Conditions
As of today, the tidal report shows a high tide at 00:58 AM with a height of 1.64 meters, followed by a low tide at 9:58 AM with a height of 0.92 meters. The next high tide will be at 1:21 PM, and the final low tide of the day will be at 9:39 PM[2].

The sunrise is at 7:26 AM, and the sunset is expected at 4:33 PM. The weather is cold, typical of January, but this is ideal for targeting cold-water species.

### Fish Activity
This time of year, cold-water species such as lake trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, and northern pike are more active. These fish are your best bets, especially as the water temperature drops. Lake trout are often found in the deeper sections of the lake, particularly in the middle section from Westport to Cumberland Head, where depths range from 80 to 100 feet or more[4].

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday, anglers reported catching a good number of lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon. The lake trout were mostly caught by jigging or trolling over deep structures, while the salmon were targeted using lead-core lines and trolling at speeds between 1.8 and 2.5 mph[5].

### Best Lures and Bait
For lake trout, using jigs or spoons that mimic their main forage, such as rainbow smelt, is highly effective. Trolling with downriggers or using deep-diving lures can also yield good results. For landlocked Atlantic salmon, trolling with lead-core lines and lures that imitate baitfish is recommended[4].

### Hot Spots
One of the best spots for lake trout is the area between Westport and Cumberland Head, where the deep structure and humps attract these fish. For landlocked Atlantic salmon, the central basin of the lake, particularly where it is widest and deepest, is a hotspot. Additionally, areas like Kings Bay at the mouth of the Great Chazy River and Bulwagga Bay near the south end of the lake are known for their diverse fish populations[4].

### Safety and Access
Remember to dress warmly and use appropriate gear, including enclosed cabins and propane space heaters if you're fishing from a boat. Good quality electronics are crucial for marking bait and identifying high-percentage zones to troll at[5].

With the right gear and knowledge, today promises to be an excellent day for fishing on Lake Champlain. Stay warm and tight lines