Frozen Fury: A Glimpse into Lake Champlain's Winter Fishing Wonderland

As of January 12, 2025, Lake Champlain is in the midst of its winter fishing season, and the conditions are ideal for those brave enough to face the cold.

### Weather and Ice Conditions
The weather is chilly, with temperatures expected to be around the mid-teens to low twenties Fahrenheit. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect, with snow accumulations and gusty winds, but this doesn't deter the die-hard anglers. Ice coverage varies, but bays at the north and south ends of the lake are typically the first to freeze. Check the latest satellite imagery for precise ice coverage, but be cautious as some areas may have thin, clear ice[2].

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:30 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trip, especially when targeting species that are more active during these periods.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a lot of activity from cold-water species. Lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon were active, particularly in the deeper sections of the lake. Anglers reported catching lake trout over 15 pounds and salmon pushing or exceeding 10 pounds. These fish are often found in areas with deep structure, such as the middle section of the main lake between Westport and Cumberland Head[1][4].

### Best Lures and Bait
For lake trout, jigging or trolling over 100 feet below the surface with lures that mimic their main forage, such as rainbow smelt, is highly effective. Use quality topographic maps and fish finders to identify prime humps, reefs, and points. For salmon, trolling with lead-core lines and speeds between 1.8 and 2.5 mph are recommended. Grubs and maggots are also favored for smelt, which in turn attract trout and salmon[1][4].

### Hot Spots
- **Bulwagga Bay**: A popular spot near the south end of the lake, especially for perch and crappie during the ice fishing season.
- **Westport to Cumberland Head**: The heart of the lake trout fishery, offering excellent deep structure.
- **Shelburne Bay and Town Farm Bay**: Areas where bass in the 2-4 pound range have been caught recently[5].

### Additional Tips
For those targeting yellow perch, look for mud and muck-bottomed areas or rock piles and reefs. Crappies are starting to move into shallow bays and backwaters, especially in the southern part of the lake, and can be caught using live minnows and small jigs in bright colors[1].

Lake Champlain's winter fishery is as exciting as it is challenging. With the right gear, knowledge, and a bit of grit, you can enjoy some of the hottest fishing action of the year, even in the dead of winter.