Ice Fishing the Winter Wonderland of Lake Champlain

As of today, January 3, 2025, Lake Champlain is offering some excellent fishing opportunities, especially for those braving the cold for some ice fishing.

First, let's look at the tidal and weather conditions. Since Lake Champlain is a large freshwater lake, it doesn't have significant tides, but the water levels can fluctuate slightly. However, for ice fishing, this isn't a major concern. The sunrise today is at 7:32 AM, and the sunset is at 4:15 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the ice.

The fish activity has been robust, particularly for yellow perch. According to recent angler surveys, yellow perch are the most sought-after species through the ice on Lake Champlain, with many anglers targeting them in areas like South Bay and Bulwagga Bay[1][3].

Yesterday, anglers reported catching a significant number of yellow perch, with many in the 8- to 10-inch range. Some larger perch were also caught, especially in mud and muck-bottomed areas and around rock piles and reefs. Crappie and sunfish were also caught, often alongside perch[3].

For lures and bait, small jigs tipped with live bait such as worms or minnows are highly effective for perch and crappie. For lake trout, which can be caught deeper in the lake, jigging or trolling with lures that mimic their main forage, such as rainbow smelt, can be very productive[3].

If you're looking for hot spots, South Bay is currently the most popular spot for ice fishing on Lake Champlain. Bulwagga Bay near the south end of the lake is another excellent location, known for its abundant perch and other species. For lake trout, the middle section of the main lake, particularly the area from Westport to Cumberland Head, offers deep structure that these fish favor[1][3].

Make sure to bundle up, as the winter weather can be harsh, and always follow local regulations and safety guidelines when ice fishing. Enjoy your time on Lake Champlain