Lake Champlain Fishing Report June 18 2025: Steady Laker Bite, Smallies on the Chew

Artificial Lure here with your Lake Champlain fishing report for Wednesday, June 18th, 2025.

We greeted the day with a sunrise at 5:13 AM and can expect the sun to set tonight around 8:40 PM. Weather’s holding cool for mid-June—water temps are sitting right around 54°F in the main lake, according to the latest Orvis fly fishing report. These cooler temps have the fish a touch less aggressive but they’re still on the chew, especially in those shallower, sun-warmed bays and around submerged structure.

Right now, we’re seeing the tail end of the bass spawn in many spots, with smallmouth either guarding nests or cruising the flats. Reports from the central lake say anglers bagged up to 20 smallmouth yesterday—plus a couple of northern pike—by working shallows early and late with topwater frogs and switching to jerkbaits and Senko worms once the sun’s up. The PXR Mavrik 110 Jerkbait in Metallic Yellow Perch is turning heads, and a 5" Green Pumpkin Black Senko, Texas-rigged, is getting consistent bites, especially around rocky points and weed edges.

Largemouths are a bit slower, but the topwater bite is picking up as the weather stabilizes. Early morning and dusk are prime times. Try poppers and frogs tight to cover, especially in Missisquoi Bay and the South Bay flats.

Lake trout action remains steady in deeper water, particularly from Westport up to Cumberland Head. Anglers trolling 80–100 feet down are connecting with lakers—long narrow spoons and plugs that mimic rainbow smelt have been key. Electronics are crucial for tracking down those deep, roaming schools. According to the NYSDEC, slow trolling with downriggers or leadcore is the ticket as the summer thermocline sets up.

Don’t overlook the northern pike—cooler water means they’re still active in the shallows and mouths of the Otter Creek and Poultney River. Big flashy spoons, chartreuse spinnerbaits, and large fly patterns like Lefty’s Deceiver are working well. A floating or intermediate line and a bite wire leader will help you land those toothy critters.

Hot spots this week: The rocky stretches off Valcour Island have been consistent for smallmouth, while the weedbeds in Missisquoi Bay are holding both largemouth and pike. Westport to Cumberland Head remains the lake trout capital for now.

With the weather cooling things off, fish may hunker down midday, so plan on early morning or late evening sessions for the best shot at bigger bites. As always, keep a close eye on changing weather and wind—Champlain can kick up fast.

Thanks for tuning in to today’s Lake Champlain fishing report—don’t forget to subscribe for your daily bite updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.