Lake Champlain Fishing Report: Smallies, Largemouth & Lakers Biting Strong

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Lake Champlain fishing report for Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

Sunrise crested the horizon at 6:02 AM, painting the Adirondacks and Green Mountains while a hint of mist drifted above the main lake. Sunset tonight is at 7:47 PM, giving you a full day to chase linesides and bass before the last light slips away. No tidal swings here, but water levels remain steady, with winds light out of the north and temperatures expected to hit the high 70s by midday—ideal conditions for a variety of bites.

Recent action around the lake is sizzling. The Bassmaster Elite crowd packed up last week as Ed Loughran took top honors—locals and pros alike have continued hauling *two and three pound smallmouth* and *largemouth bass*[Lake Champlain Instagram]. In the shallows, smallmouth remain active, taking advantage of the lingering forage: bluegill, perch, goby, and especially crayfish. Kayak anglers, like those on the Serious Angler Podcast, have been subtle in their approach: spybaits such as the Duo Realis Spinbait 80 and classic hair jigs like the Beast Coast Superfly have produced bites even from finicky shallow bass[Wired2Fish].

Best bet for smallmouth this morning is keeping your presentation low-key. Make long casts with a medium-light set-up, five-pound braid to an eight-pound fluoro leader. Hair jigs in natural patterns, fished slow along rocky drop-offs or the inside weed edges, remain a reliable ticket. Spybaits in shad or perch colors track well in clear water and are drawing strikes near Split Rock and out from Port Douglas.

If you’re after largemouth or just want variety, plastic stick worms rigged weightless—think green pumpkin or watermelon—have proved solid on inside weed mats and docks at Malletts Bay and Sand Bar. The new Slim Minnow by Big Bite Baits in Chart/White Laminate has also become a star performer for both bass species throughout the weekend. Several anglers reported consistent catches around rocky points and submerged timber, especially north of Burlington[Lake Champlain Instagram].

Lake trout are still showing off deep. Local reports highlight orange tubes and swim baits tipped with F.A.T Sauce, with over 30 lakers boated in the Catskills region just yesterday[Fishupnorth Instagram]. Here on Champlain, drop these setups to forty feet or deeper near Thompson’s Point or the ferry channel for your best shot. Pair an orange tube with a stinger hook for bonus bites.

Perch and panfish abound for families and casual sessions. Small jigging spoons or live bait (minnows and worms) work wonders along Bayside and the shallow coves of Carry Bay. Set your hook quickly; pressured waters mean fish are savvy.

Two hot spots for today:
- **Split Rock, NY side:** Steep rocky shelves where smallmouth and lakers are patrolling—perfect for those who want variety.
- **Malletts Bay, VT side:** Thick weedlines, docks, and scattered rock clusters make it a largemouth haven, with chances for decent smallies too.

Be aware—environmental crews have flagged further hemlock woolly adelgid invasive spread near Port Douglas. Stay on the lookout for changes in shoreline vegetation, especially where these insects might impact long-term shoreline cover[Outdoor News]. And don’t forget, black bears are active around the lake’s south end, so stash your sandwiches, keep boats tidy, and enjoy the wild backdrop.

Thanks for tuning in, folks. Subscribe for more reports and stay sharp out there—keep hooks sharp, leaders fresh, and remember every cast brings the next big story.

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