Fishing Lake Champlain in Winter: Tides, Fish Activity, and Hot Spots for Anglers

For December 28, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is looking promising despite the winter conditions. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Tides and Weather
Today, the tidal schedule for Lake Champlain is as follows: the first low tide is at 5:24 AM with a height of 0.84 meters (2.76 feet), followed by a high tide at 10:10 AM with a height of 1.09 meters (3.58 feet). The second low tide will be at 4:10 PM with a height of 0.82 meters (2.69 feet), and the final high tide of the day will be at 8:50 PM with a height of 1.38 meters (4.53 feet)[2].

The weather is expected to be cold, typical of late December, with sunrise at 7:32 AM and sunset at 4:09 PM. Moonrise is at 5:45 AM and moonset at 1:47 PM.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a good amount of activity for smallmouth bass, trout, and perch. Anglers reported catching several smallmouth bass in the deeper areas of Shelburne Bay and Town Farm Bay, where the water is a bit warmer and there's ample structure[4].

Trout, particularly lake trout, were active in the middle section of the main lake, around the areas from Westport to Cumberland Head. These fish are often caught by jigging or trolling over 100 feet below the surface[4].

Yellow perch were abundant in mud and muck-bottomed areas, as well as on rock piles and reefs. Bulwagga Bay near the south end of the lake was a hot spot for perch fishing.

### Best Lures and Bait
For smallmouth bass, using jigs with curly tail trailers or crankbaits that mimic baitfish can be very effective. In the colder waters, slower presentations tend to work better.

For trout, especially lake trout, spoons and deep-diving lures that can reach the bottom are recommended. Live bait such as rainbow smelt or minnows can also be very enticing.

For yellow perch, small jigs tipped with worms or minnows are excellent choices. Ice fishing gear with tiny spoons or jigging raps can also yield good results.

### Hot Spots
- **Shelburne Bay**: A great spot for smallmouth bass, with plenty of structure and warmer water.
- **Town Farm Bay**: Another excellent location for smallmouth bass, known for its diverse habitat.
- **Middle Section of the Main Lake**: From Westport to Cumberland Head, this area is a hotspot for lake trout.
- **Bulwagga Bay**: Near the south end of the lake, this bay is popular for yellow perch fishing.

Overall, it's shaping up to be a good day for fishing on Lake Champlain, with the right gear and knowledge of the hot spots. Stay warm and good luck on the water