Winter Fishing on Lake Champlain: Exploring Trout, Bass, and Perch Hotspots

As of December 13, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is quite intriguing despite the winter conditions. Here’s a local’s perspective on what you can expect today.

First, let's look at the tidal report. Today, the low tide is at 4:54 AM with a height of 2.99 feet, followed by a high tide at 8:07 AM reaching 4.56 feet. The next low tide will be at 4:45 PM with a height of 3.05 feet, and the final high tide of the day will be at 8:33 PM, reaching 5.61 feet[2].

The weather is chilly, with sunrise at 7:25 AM and sunset at 4:02 PM. Given the time of year, it's crucial to prioritize safety, wearing a PFD and monitoring the weather and wind forecast closely[4].

In terms of fish activity, Lake Champlain remains a productive spot even in winter. For those targeting lake trout, the middle section of the main lake, particularly between Westport and Cumberland Head, is a hotspot. These fish are often caught by jigging or trolling over deep structures, typically 80 to 100 feet below the surface[3].

For bass enthusiasts, areas like Shelburne Bay, Town Farm Bay, and the Otter Creek area are known for their largemouth bass populations. Although the bass bite might be slower in winter, using techniques like Texas rigs or swim jigs around submerged vegetation can still yield results[3].

Perch fishing is also promising, especially in mud and muck-bottomed areas or around rock piles and reefs. Bulwagga Bay and South Bay are good spots to check out[3].

As for the best lures and bait, for lake trout, consider using jigging spoons or trolling with lures that mimic their main forage, such as rainbow smelt. For bass, bladed jigs like the Z-Man Chatterbait Elite EVO or Texas rigs with soft plastics like the Z-Man Giant TRD can be effective[1].

Yesterday's catches included a mix of lake trout, perch, and some bass. The lake trout were active around the deeper structures, while perch were schooling in the shallower bays.

If you're heading out today, consider starting at Shelburne Bay for largemouth bass or the area between Westport and Cumberland Head for lake trout. Always keep an eye on the weather and ensure you're well-prepared for the cold winter conditions. Stay safe and enjoy your time on Lake Champlain.