Late Fall Fishing on Lake Champlain Holds Promise for Trout, Salmon, and Bass

Today, December 12, 2024, fishing on Lake Champlain is looking promising despite the late fall season. Here’s what you need to know:

### Tidal and Weather Conditions
This morning started with a low tide at 3:53 AM, with a height of 2.99 feet, followed by a high tide at 7:15 AM reaching 4.46 feet. The next low tide will be at 3:56 PM, and the final high tide of the day will be at 7:45 PM, reaching 5.22 feet[2].
The weather is chilly, with sunrise at 7:24 AM and sunset at 4:02 PM. Make sure to dress warmly and check the wind forecast, as it can get quite breezy.

### Fish Activity
Fish activity has been steady, especially for those targeting lake trout, salmon, and bass. Lake trout are often found in the middle section of the main lake, particularly between Westport and Cumberland Head. They tend to be deep, so be prepared to jig or troll over 100 feet below the surface[4].

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday saw a good catch of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and yellow perch. Smallmouth bass were active near rocky structures and underwater ledges, while largemouth bass were found in deeper flats and areas like Shelburne Bay and Town Farm Bay[3][4].
Lake trout and salmon were also caught, with lake trout holding 1 to 3 feet above the bottom chasing rainbow smelt.

### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, using streamers or lures that mimic baitfish like rainbow smelt can be effective. For lake trout, try jigging with spoons or trolling with deep-diving lures. Yellow perch can be caught using small jigs tipped with worms or minnows[4][5].

### Hot Spots
- For largemouth bass, head to Shelburne Bay or Town Farm Bay.
- For lake trout, the area between Westport and Cumberland Head is your best bet.
- For yellow perch, try the mud and muck-bottomed areas or rock piles and reefs, especially in bays like Bulwagga Bay[4].

Remember to stay safe, wear a PFD, and let someone know your fishing plans and expected return time. Enjoy your day on Lake Champlain