Fall Fishing Bonanza on Lake Champlain: Bass, Walleye, and Salmon Await

As of October 10, 2024, Lake Champlain is offering some fantastic fishing opportunities despite the fall weather transition. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. While Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake and does not have tides, the water levels can fluctuate slightly due to wind and other environmental factors. Today, the wind is light, coming from the northwest at about 5 mph, which should make for a calm fishing experience.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise this morning was at 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at 6:04 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to enjoy your fishing trip.

### Fish Activity
Fish activity has been robust, especially with the cooler fall temperatures. Anglers reported a good catch of both smallmouth and largemouth bass yesterday. The bass are actively feeding on baitfish and other prey, making them more aggressive and easier to catch.

### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
Yesterday saw a significant number of bass caught, with many reaching trophy sizes. Smallmouth bass were particularly active in the rocky areas and drop-offs, while largemouth bass were found in the weed beds and near submerged structures. Some anglers also reported catching walleye and northern pike, although these were less common.

### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, the best lures to use right now include crankbaits, especially those that mimic baitfish, and soft plastic lures like curly tail grubs. Jigs with a trailer also worked well, especially in the deeper areas. For walleye, try using live bait such as minnows or nightcrawlers, and for northern pike, spoons and spinnerbaits are effective.

### Hot Spots
Two hot spots to consider are the areas around the Champlain Bridge and the rocky shores near Ticonderoga. The Champlain Bridge offers a mix of deep water and structure that attracts both smallmouth and largemouth bass. The rocky shores near Ticonderoga are ideal for smallmouth bass, which love the rocky terrain and drop-offs.

Additionally, if you're looking to target salmon, the Saranac and Boquet rivers, which are tributaries to Lake Champlain, are currently hosting Atlantic Salmon spawning runs. These rivers offer excellent opportunities for catching salmon, especially with the ongoing River Creel survey that is gathering data on angler use and fish populations.

Overall, Lake Champlain is in great shape for fishing right now, so grab your gear and head out to enjoy the fall fishing season.