Fishing Lake Champlain in Late Fall: Tides, Weather, and Hot Spots for Bass, Pike, and Landlocked Salmon

If you're planning to hit Lake Champlain today, December 7, 2024, here's what you need to know:

First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, you're looking at a high tide at 2:07 AM and another at 2:45 PM, with low tides at 11:22 AM and 10:40 PM. The water levels are moderate, with highs around 5.38 feet and lows around 3.45 feet[2][5].

Weather-wise, it's a crisp winter day with sunrise at 7:19 AM and sunset at 4:02 PM. Make sure to bundle up as it can get chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Fish activity is still decent despite the cold. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and some landlocked Atlantic salmon. The bass fishing has been particularly good, with many anglers targeting them in the weedy bays and submerged structures[3].

For bass, use lures like crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics. For northern pike, try using spoons or large minnows. If you're after landlocked salmon, trolling with lead-core lines or deepwater jigging can be effective[3].

One of the hot spots right now is the area below Willsboro, especially during the spring and fall runs for landlocked salmon. Another good spot is the Saranac River and Boquet River tributaries, which are known for their salmonid fisheries[1][4].

In terms of bait, live bait like minnows and shad can work well for a variety of species. For trout and salmon, try using flies or small spoons.

Overall, Lake Champlain is offering some great fishing opportunities even in the late fall. Just make sure to check the local regulations and respect the catch limits to help maintain the healthy fish populations. Happy fishing