Late-August Lake Champlain Fishing Report: Smallies, Largemouth, and More Stirring in the Shallows

Lake Champlain woke up humid and warm today, with balmy southwest breezes stirring the water before sunrise at 6:07 a.m. Expect temps to climb into the mid-80s with patchy morning fog giving way to sun, a classic late-August pattern here in the valley. The sunset will be at 7:44 p.m., and the air feels crisp under the lingering glow of August’s Sturgeon Moon, which is just beginning to wane—no tidal swings to speak of since this is freshwater, but the moon’s pull is still stirring plenty of life in the shallows, especially early and late.

Recent outings have been hot! According to social media reports from locals and visiting anglers, smallmouth bass have been lighting up the bite since the weekend, with several catches over 23 pounds for five-bass tournament limits, especially around rocky shoals and deeper humps near the Four Brothers Islands and north of Burlington. Anglers have also scored well along the New York shore near Plattsburgh and Rouses Point, mixing in chunky largemouth bass from weed beds and docks. Spinnerbaits and curly tail grubs have been the ticket for smallies, with dark colors working best as the water remains a touch stained after recent rains.

If you’re targeting largemouth, stick to the classic Bruiser Baits Crazy Craw—locals say there’s not a spot on the lake where it won’t get crushed, especially when fished slow near milfoil patches or around boat launches in Missisquoi Bay. For numbers, work topwater poppers at first light and switch to Senkos or minnows as the sun climbs. As always, live nightcrawlers and shiners are producing solid multi-species action, with bonus yellow perch and the occasional northern pike showing up in the mix. Fresh-cut bait is drawing catfish near the mouths of the Lamoille and Saranac rivers.

Reports from fish camps wrapping up last week suggest panfish are abundant—look for tight schools of bluegill and sunfish around sheltered marinas and shallow coves, perfect for young anglers. No word on sturgeon encountered, but with the Sturgeon Moon overhead, folks have staked out deeper flats just in case.

If you’re planning a trip, two current hot spots stand out: the broad flats just east of Valcour Island are holding roaming smallmouth, and the weed edges at Sand Bar State Park attract both bass and pickerel as baitfish move in at dawn. Don’t overlook the historic shoreline near Fort Ticonderoga—aside from great fishing, you’ll enjoy unbeatable views and maybe catch a reenactment on the water.

Best bets today:
- Smallmouth: deep humps and shoals, spinnerbaits, curly tails, crayfish imitations.
- Largemouth: weed beds and docks, paddle-tails, Crazy Craws, live shiners.
- Pike and pickerel: off weed edges, spoons, jerkbaits.
- Panfish: shallow coves, worms, small jigs or bobber setups.

Fish are active across the lake, with most bites strongest at dawn and again at dusk. The weekend should only get better as the moon wanes and water temps remain stable.

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