Lake Champlain Fishing: Smallies on Fire, Largemouths Heating Up, Lakers Biting Deep

Artificial Lure here with your Lake Champlain fishing report for June 13, 2025. The sun rose this morning at 5:13 AM and will set tonight at 8:17 PM, with near-perfect summer fishing weather on tap—expect temps in the upper 60s to low 70s, light winds out of the south around 5-10 mph, and partly cloudy skies. No tides to worry about here in Vermont and New York, just classic inland lake action.

Bass have been the big story all week, with smallmouths absolutely firing across the lake. According to the latest creel surveys, bass remain the most targeted and caught species, and for good reason—anglers are regularly landing 2- to 4-pound smallies from rocky points, gravel flats, and along the edges of Valcour Island and Willsboro Bay. Tube jigs in green pumpkin and drop shot rigs with finesse worms are the top producers. For that extra edge, try the PXR Mavrik 110 Jerkbait in metallic yellow perch or a 5" Senko worm, Texas-rigged, around submerged rocks and docks.

Largemouth bass action is heating up in the southern bays and weed beds, with Shelburne Bay and the weed-choked arms of the Inland Sea leading the way. Early mornings are best for topwater—frog baits and walking plugs have picked up some chunky bucketmouths. A local angler recently reported a monster nearing 8 pounds on a Rat-L-Trap fished along the weed edge in St. Albans Bay, so keep your drag set for that possible trophy. For steady action, skip Senko worms or white spinnerbaits over emerging vegetation.

Lake trout are still biting deep. The main lake basin from Westport to Cumberland Head and the Burlington Ledges is producing consistent catches at 80 to 100 feet, where the trout are chasing rainbow smelt. Flashy spoons and flasher-fly combos in green and silver will get bit—just make sure you’re marking fish tight to humps and drop-offs.

Panfish are active for those looking for family-friendly action. Bulwagga Bay and Missisquoi Bay are giving up plenty of bluegills and the occasional slab crappie on small jigs tipped with worms.

Hot spots to check out today:
- Valcour Island’s rocky drop-offs and Willsboro Bay for smallmouth
- Shelburne Bay and St. Albans Bay for largemouth, especially around weed lines
- Deep water off Burlington Ledges for lakers

No tides, but fish activity will peak at sunrise and sunset, so get out early or stay late for your best shot at a big one.

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