"Winter Wonderland: Fishing Lake Champlain's Robust Winter Bite"

As of January 11, 2025, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is quite inviting despite the chilly winter conditions. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect today:

### Weather and Time
Today, January 11, the sunrise is at around 7:30 AM, and the sunset will be at about 4:30 PM. Expect cold winter weather with temperatures likely in the mid-20s to low 30s Fahrenheit.

### Fish Activity
Despite the cold, fish activity remains robust. Anglers reported catching a variety of species yesterday, including smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and panfish like bluegill and crappie. For cold-water enthusiasts, lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon are also active in the deeper waters.

### Best Lures and Bait
For smallmouth bass, dropshotting with soft plastics or using jig and jerkbait techniques have been successful. Rocky points and submerged structures are ideal spots for these methods. For northern pike and walleye, try using spoons or crankbaits that mimic baitfish. Panfish can be caught using small jigs tipped with live bait like worms or minnows. For cold-water species, deepwater jigging and downrigger trolling with lures that imitate smelt or other baitfish are recommended.

### Hot Spots
Weedy bays and shallow flats with access to deep water are hot spots, particularly around areas like the Champlain Bridge and the numerous rocky points along the shoreline. The Inland Sea, a large bay on the Vermont side, is also known for its diverse fish populations.

### Tidal Report
While Lake Champlain is not a tidal lake, water levels can fluctuate due to wind and other factors. Currently, the water levels are stable, but be aware of any changes in wind direction which could affect fishing conditions.

In summary, Lake Champlain offers a diverse and active fishery even in the winter months. Dress warmly, choose the right lures and bait, and head to those weedy bays and rocky points for a productive day of fishing.