Springtime Fishing on Lake Champlain: Targeting Bass, Pike, and Trout

Good morning anglers, this is your fishing report for Lake Champlain on April 2, 2025. Conditions are looking favorable for a productive day on the water, so get those rods ready.

Sunrise today is at 6:26 AM, and sunset will be at 7:20 PM, granting plenty of daylight for fishing. Expect mild spring weather with highs in the low 50s (°F) and moderate winds out of the west at 10-15 mph. The water is lightly stained, with temperatures averaging around 42°F, making it a great time to target cold-water species.

The tidal movement at Lake Champlain follows river-influenced patterns rather than ocean-like tides. Low tide is at 10:08 AM, and high tide will peak at 1:57 PM. These tidal times can influence fish activity, particularly around inflows and outflows.

Recently, the lake has been yielding solid catches of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, and lake trout. Smallmouth bass dominates the logs, with notable activity around rocky points and boulders. Anglers have also reported a good bite for yellow perch and lake whitefish near deeper humps and along drop-offs.

For bait and tackle, local anglers recommend finesse-style presentations for bass, including hair jigs and Ned rigs, especially around rocky structures. For northern pike, oversized spinnerbaits or jerkbaits have been productive, especially in shallow coves with submerged vegetation. Lake trout anglers have found success jigging with alewife-imitating baits or trolling with spoons. Live bait options, such as minnows and nightcrawlers, remain effective for a variety of species.

If you're looking for hotspots, try the area near the Champlain Bridge, where rocky structures hold smallmouth bass, or head to Missisquoi Bay to target northern pike in vegetated shallows. Another strong option is around the humps near Juniper Island, a known spot for lake trout and whitefish.

Overall, today is shaping up to be a rewarding day on Lake Champlain. Make sure to come prepared with a range of lures and bait to capitalize on the variety of fish active this time of year. Tight lines!