Lake Champlain Fishing Heats Up with Smallmouth and Largemouth Action

Hey there, fellow anglers! This is Artificial Lure coming at you with your Lake Champlain fishing report for this beautiful Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Let me tell you, the fishing's really heating up around the big lake as we edge toward May. Water temps are starting to climb into the mid-40s in most areas, especially in the shallower bays and coves.

The smallmouth action is getting downright exciting! Those bronzebacks are starting to move in from their deeper winter haunts toward the shorelines. They're particularly active around rocky points and boulder-strewn areas. Just yesterday, anglers were reporting quality smallies hitting blade baits, though they should be chomping on jerkbaits any day now. Several catches exceeding 4 pounds have been reported this past week.

For you largemouth enthusiasts, they're starting to get active around flooded brush. Grass jigs imitating bluegill have been particularly effective. If you're targeting largemouth, focus on points and vegetation edges as the water continues to warm.

Lake trout fishing has been steady, with some nice catches reported. The big news is that lake trout have rebounded so well that hatchery stocking is no longer needed - a real conservation success story! The sea lamprey control program has really paid off for our lake trout population.

Don't sleep on the walleye and salmon action either. Both species have been active this month according to recent reports.

As for gear recommendations, your best bets right now are:
1. Blade baits for smallmouth around points
2. Hard jerkbaits (Megabass 110+1 jr in Mat Shad color has been hot)
3. Drop shot rigs with small plastics
4. Ned rigs and tubes, worked slowly in the northern sections
5. Grass jigs for largemouth

Hot spots to try today:
The rocky points near Willsboro Bay have been producing nice smallies. Also, the boulder fields off Valcour Island are worth checking out. For largemouth, try the flooded brush areas in Missisquoi Bay.

The northern end of the lake is warming faster, hitting the 50s in spots, but the bite there still requires a slow presentation with Ned rigs or tubes.

Remember that the fishing should only improve as we move toward the weekend. The smallies will be more aggressive as the water warms a few more degrees.

That's your Lake Champlain report for today, April 30th. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines, everyone!