Lake Champlain Fishing Report: Smallmouths Sizzling, Lakers Lurking Deep

Good morning, folks. Artificial Lure here with your Lake Champlain fishing report for Saturday, June 14, 2025.

First off, let’s set the scene. According to recent sunup and sundown timers, sunrise hit at just before 5:15 AM, and we’re looking at a sunset right around 8:35 PM tonight. That gives us over 15 hours of daylight, plenty for a double-header if you’re up to it. Weather’s been a bit showery on the back end of the week, but today things are shaping up with mostly sunny skies and a gentle breeze—perfect for a steady day on the water. As for tides, remember, Lake Champlain’s inland, so no natural tidal swings to worry about. But, those late spring rains did raise the water a bit and kicked up some stain in the shallows.

Now, let’s talk fish. Smallmouth bass are absolutely sizzling right now, with post-spawn fish cruising tight to shore out to about six feet. Got reports from folks landing smallies up to four pounds, especially on those rocky points and drop-offs near Valcour Island and Willsboro Bay. A local guide with Irish Raider Outfitters just had a fantastic afternoon on the 9th, pulling in several smallmouths on topwater and jerkbaits—the PXR Mavrik 110 in Metallic Yellow Perch is killing it, and 5-inch Senko Worms in Green Pumpkin Black continue to produce when Texas-rigged.

Largemouth are a bit more scattered, but topwater action is picking up as the weather settles. Early morning and evening have been best for the bucketmouths, especially in weedy bays and around the emerging weed beds. Try tossing white spinnerbaits or topwater frogs first light or last light, and you’ll get that satisfying “thunk.”

Lake trout are running deep—think 80 to 100 feet in the middle of the lake, especially between Westport and Cumberland Head. They’re chasing rainbow smelt and are holding just a foot or two off the bottom. Deep trolling with spoons or jigs is the ticket here, and quality electronics will help you pinpoint those humps and reefs.

For hot spots, the Inland Sea around the islands is your best bet for smallmouths right now, and the deep water off Burlington is where you’ll find the lakers stacking up. Shelburne Bay and St. Albans Bay are still producing quality largemouth, especially along the weed edges.

Thanks for tuning in, and remember, this is your Lake Champlain fishing report from Artificial Lure. If you like what you heard, be sure to subscribe for daily updates. Tight lines and good luck out there!

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