"Springtime Splendor on Lake Champlain: Bass, Trout, and More Await Anglers"

Lake Champlain delivered a fantastic April fishing experience today, April 14, 2025. Here’s your detailed local report straight from the water.

The weather is crisp and sunny, with temperatures in the mid-50s (Fahrenheit) by midday. Winds are light, which makes for smooth boating and excellent casting conditions. Sunrise was at 6:03 AM, and sunset will be at 7:36 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to fish. The tidal schedule shows a low tide at 8:21 AM with a high tide at 12:02 PM—perfect for targeting both morning and midday bites.

Recent fishing activity has been strong with smallmouth and largemouth bass dominating the catches. Over a thousand smallmouth and nearly as many largemouth were documented in recent tournaments, with many anglers reporting excellent results using drop-shot rigs. Key lures include black Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worms and Damiki Stingers in green pumpkin or watermelon candy colors. Additionally, jerkbaits like the Berkley Stunna and chatterbaits in white and chartreuse have been effective, especially when targeting largemouth in shallower, darker waters.

If you're aiming for other species, Lake Champlain offers an exceptional variety. Lake trout, northern pike, and Atlantic salmon are all active, though lake trout populations have been increasingly reliant on wild recruitment. Crappie, perch, and even the occasional trophy-sized musky are also available for anglers willing to explore.

For bait, live minnows and worms continue to perform well, especially for species like perch and trout. For bass, finesse plastics and underspin setups have been the go-to.

Hotspots today include the Inland Sea near Grand Isle and the Champlain Bridge area. The Inland Sea is particularly productive for bass and pike, while the waters around the Champlain Bridge often yield lake trout and salmon. For those looking to fish closer to the shore, the weed beds near Mallets Bay are another reliable location, especially for largemouth.

In summary, Lake Champlain is thriving with action this spring. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a weekend fishing enthusiast, today’s conditions and fish activity make it a prime day to hit the water. Tight lines!