Fall Fishing Forecast: Abundant Bass and Pickerel in Lake Champlain's Transitioning Waters

As of October 7, 2024, Lake Champlain is offering some fantastic fishing opportunities, despite the transitioning fall weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-60s. The water is slightly stained, which can be beneficial for catching bass. Since Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake, it does not have tidal conditions, so you don't need to worry about tides affecting your fishing.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 6:55 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:05 PM. These times are ideal for catching bass, as they tend to be more active during these periods.

### Fish Activity
Fish activity has been quite robust, especially for bass. Anglers reported catching bass in the 2-4 pound range, with some larger fish up to 6 pounds caught recently.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
The primary catches have been smallmouth and largemouth bass. In addition to bass, there have been reports of catching chain pickerel, particularly when using wacky worms in grass patches.

### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, wacky worms and soft plastics have been very effective, especially when tossed into grass patches throughout the lake. Jigs and crankbaits are also good options, especially in areas with stained water. For those targeting chain pickerel, using small jigs or spinners can be quite productive.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is the area around the Champlain Bridge, where the water transitions from deep to shallow. This area tends to attract both smallmouth and largemouth bass. Another good spot is the grass patches in the northern part of the lake, where wacky worms and soft plastics have been yielding good results.

Overall, Lake Champlain is in great shape for fishing this time of year, with plenty of active fish and favorable conditions. Make sure to keep your lines tight and enjoy the beautiful fall scenery while you're out on the water.