Lake Champlain Fishing Report: Warming Temps, Changing Ice, and Productive Bites

Hey there, Artificial Lure here with your Lake Champlain fishing report for March 11, 2025.

The ice is finally starting to break up on the big lake, but we've still got some solid ice in the bays and sheltered areas. Water temps are hovering around 34 degrees. Today's looking partly cloudy with a high of 42 and light winds out of the southwest. Sunrise was at 6:12 AM and sunset will be at 5:54 PM.

Tides aren't a huge factor on Champlain, but there is a slight fluctuation. We've got a low tide at 7:47 AM and a high at 11:06 AM. Another low comes in at 7:14 PM.

As for the fishing, it's been a bit slow with the cold water, but things are starting to pick up. Ice anglers have been doing well on perch and crappie in the shallower bays. A few reports of some nice pike coming through the ice too.

For open water fishing, the salmon bite has been decent near the mouths of tributaries. Trolling with spoons or stick baits has been productive. Lake trout are starting to move shallower as the water warms up. Jigging with blade baits or tubes in 40-60 feet of water has been the ticket.

Bass fishing is still pretty slow, but a few anglers are catching smallmouth on deep drop-offs with jerkbaits or hair jigs.

For bait, live minnows are always a good bet this time of year. But if you're looking to throw artificials, I'd suggest sticking with slower presentations. Blade baits, hair jigs, and suspending jerkbaits have all been producing.

As for hot spots, I'd check out Mallets Bay for some good perch action through the ice. For open water, try trolling near the mouth of the Boquet River for salmon. The Inland Sea area has been producing some nice lakers too.

Remember to be careful out there with the changing ice conditions. Tight lines, everyone!