Lake Champlain Fishing Report: Early Season Action for Trout, Salmon, and Bass

Lake Champlain anglers are off to a promising start today, April 4, 2025. The weather has been cooperative so far this morning, with temperatures hovering in the mid-40s and expected highs in the mid-50s under partly cloudy skies. Winds are moderate at 5-10 mph from the southwest, which should offer decent conditions for boaters. Sunrise was at 6:22 AM, with sunset expected at 7:22 PM, providing a full day of fishing opportunities.

The tidal conditions indicate a high tide earlier at 3:18 AM and another expected at 3:48 PM. The mid-morning and early afternoon low tides at 11:17 AM may influence fish activity in the shallows, so timing your approach around these periods could yield better results.

Anglers have reported active lake trout and landlocked salmon, particularly in the central and northern stretches of the lake, where water temperatures are just starting to pick up. Lake trout have been biting well on deeper jigging setups, especially in waters ranging from 80 to 100 feet. Target smelt schools to increase your odds. For salmon, trolling near the mouths of rivers like the Saranac has proven productive, with fish weighing 2-4 pounds being common.

Largemouth and smallmouth bass are also becoming active in the warmer shallows. Northern sections such as Missisquoi Bay and areas near Rouses Point have been hotspots for smallmouth, particularly around rocky points and offshore reefs. Meanwhile, largemouths are holding in weedy bays like Shelburne Bay. Both species are responding well to crankbaits, jerkbaits, and soft plastics mimicking baitfish.

For those targeting crappie, the southern end of the lake, particularly South Bay and Bulwagga Bay, is showing strong early-season action. These fish are moving into shallow bays in preparation for the spawn. Small jigs tipped with minnows or a soft plastic grub are ideal in these warm, shallow pockets.

Recommended lures for today include jigging spoons and swimbaits for lake trout, bright-colored crankbaits for bass, and small chartreuse or white jigs for crappie. Live bait like minnows or smelt may also give you an edge, especially for panfish and trout.

If you’re looking for productive spots, Missisquoi Bay in the northeast corner offers consistent largemouth action, and the central section near Westport to Cumberland Head is prime for lake trout. Shelburne Bay remains a go-to site for bass anglers, while crappie fishing in South Bay cannot be overlooked this time of year.

Stay safe, and good luck out on the water today!