Fishing Lake Champlain in Late December: Tides, Weather, and Hot Spots for Trout, Salmon, and More

Today, December 27, 2024, if you're planning to hit Lake Champlain, here's what you need to know. First off, the tidal report shows a low tide at 4:37 AM with a height of 2.72 feet, followed by a high tide at 9:07 AM reaching 3.51 feet. The next low tide is at 3:25 PM with a height of 2.69 feet, and the final high tide of the day is at 8:14 PM, reaching 4.27 feet[2].

Weather-wise, the National Weather Service's recreational forecast is your best bet. Though the forecast isn't specifically detailed for today, it generally advises checking the latest updates, especially during winter months when conditions can change quickly. Expect cold temperatures, typical for late December, and possibly some wind and waves if you're out on the open lake[1].

Sunrise today is at 7:32 AM, and sunset is at 4:09 PM. Moonrise is early at 4:35 AM, and moonset is at 1:13 PM[2].

For fish activity, Lake Champlain is known for its robust winter fishery. This time of year, the fishing for salmon and trout is particularly good as the water gets colder. The magic temperature is around 42°F, which often brings active fish to the surface. Look to troll at depths covering multiple water levels, and adjust as the fish indicate their preferred depth. Trolling speeds between 1.8 and 2.5 mph are usually most effective[4].

Yesterday's catches likely included lake trout, salmon, and possibly some perch. Lake trout are often found in the middle section of the main lake, particularly between Westport and Cumberland Head. They can be caught by jigging or trolling over 100 feet below the surface. Salmon have been hitting well in the early morning and late evenings, especially at low light conditions[5].

For lures, dark color spoons in blue, purple, and green, along with stingers and Honeybees, have been successful. For bait, focusing on areas where rainbow smelt are present can be lucrative, as these are a main forage for many of the lake's fish species[5].

Hot spots include Shelburne Bay and Town Farm Bay for largemouth bass, and the Otter Creek area. For lake trout, the middle section of the main lake is a must-visit. Bulwagga Bay near the south end of the lake is also a popular spot, especially for perch and crappie during the ice fishing season[3].

Stay warm, and good luck on the water