Frosty Fishing on Lake Champlain: Trout, Bass, and Perch Await the Hardiest Anglers

Today, January 19, 2025, Lake Champlain is offering some exciting winter fishing opportunities despite the chilly conditions. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your day on the water.

### Tidal Report and Weather
As of today, the tidal report for Lake Champlain shows a high tide at 1:43 AM with a height of 1.53 meters (5.02 feet), followed by a low tide at 10:25 AM at 0.91 meters (2.99 feet). The next high tide will be at 2:03 PM at 1.36 meters (4.46 feet), and the final low tide of the day will be at 10:19 PM at 0.87 meters (2.85 feet)[2].

The weather is cold, with temperatures expected to remain in the mid-teens to low twenties Fahrenheit. Sunrise is at 7:25 AM, and sunset will be at 4:35 PM.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw some great catches on Lake Champlain. Anglers reported catching a good number of lake trout, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. The lake trout were active in the deeper sections, particularly around the middle part of the main lake, where depths range from 80 to 100 feet. These fish are often caught by jigging or trolling, with active fish typically 1 to 3 feet above the bottom chasing rainbow smelt[3].

### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
Yesterday, several lake trout were caught, with some weighing up to 25 pounds. Smallmouth bass were also plentiful, especially in the weedy bays and around rocky reefs. Yellow perch were abundant in the mud and muck-bottomed areas, as well as on rock piles and reefs.

### Best Lures and Bait
For lake trout, using jigs or trolling with spoons and lures that mimic rainbow smelt is highly effective. For smallmouth bass, soft plastics and crankbaits work well, especially in the weedy bays. For yellow perch, small jigs tipped with minnows or worms are excellent choices.

### Hot Spots
One of the best spots for lake trout is the area between Westport and Cumberland Head, where the deep structure provides ideal habitat. For smallmouth bass, Kings Bay at the mouth of the Great Chazy River is a top location. For yellow perch, Bulwagga Bay near the south end of the lake is a popular spot, especially during the ice fishing season but also productive in open water[3].

### Additional Tips
Winter fishing on Lake Champlain can be serene and rewarding. Make sure to dress warmly and use enclosed cabins or canvas tops on your boat for comfort. Trolling speeds between 1.8 and 2.5 mph are often most effective, and having good quality electronics to mark bait and fish can significantly improve your chances[4].

Enjoy your day on the water, and stay warm