Fishing Lake Champlain's Winter Bounty: Trout, Salmon, Bass, and Perch

If you're planning to hit Lake Champlain today, December 8, 2024, here's what you need to know:

First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, the high tide is at 3:06 AM and 3:46 PM, with heights of 5.02 feet and 4.36 feet respectively. The low tides are at 12:15 PM and 11:47 PM, with heights of 3.28 feet and 3.22 feet[2][5].

The weather is looking relatively calm, with sunrise at 7:20 AM and sunset at 4:02 PM. This time of year, the water is cold, but that's perfect for targeting some of the lake's renowned species.

Lake Champlain is a fisherman's paradise, with over 80 species of fish. Right now, you're likely to catch lake trout, landlocked salmon, bass, and perch. For lake trout, focus on the middle section of the main lake, particularly around Westport to Cumberland Head. These fish are often caught by jigging or trolling over 100 feet below the surface. Use lures that mimic their main forage, such as rainbow smelt[3].

Bass fishing is also excellent, especially in areas like Shelburne Bay, Town Farm Bay, and the Otter Creek area. For bass, try using soft plastics or crankbaits that can reach the deeper weed beds and rocky reefs[3].

If you're after perch, Bulwagga Bay and the northern bays are great spots. Perch tend to favor mud and muck-bottomed areas but can also be found schooling on rock piles and reefs. Small jigs tipped with minnows or worms work well for perch[3].

For landlocked salmon, the spring and fall runs are the best times, but you can still catch them in the deeper parts of the lake. Cast below Willsboro for the best chances[1].

Given the cold weather, ice fishing is also a viable option, especially in the bays that are starting to freeze. However, be cautious and check the ice coverage before venturing out[4].

In summary, today's fishing on Lake Champlain promises to be good, especially if you target the right spots and use the right gear. Enjoy your time on the water