As of October 8, 2024, Lake Champlain is offering some excellent fishing opportunities despite the transitioning fall weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.
### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 62 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 48 degrees. There is a gentle breeze out of the northwest at about 5 mph. Since Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake, it does not have tides, so you don't need to worry about tidal fluctuations.
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 6:53 AM, and sunset is at 5:53 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and evening fishing.
### Fish Activity
Fish activity has been robust, especially for bass and pickerel. The fall transition has these species actively feeding as they prepare for the colder months. Yesterday saw a lot of action with largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as northern pike and pickerel.
### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
Anglers reported catching a significant number of largemouth bass in the 2-4 pound range, with some smallmouth bass up to 5 pounds. Pickerel and northern pike were also common catches, with some pike reaching up to 10 pounds.
### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, soft plastics like curly tail grubs and plastic worms are working well. Jigs with a minnow or crawdad trailer are also effective. For pickerel and northern pike, spoons and spinnerbaits are good choices. Live bait such as minnows and shiners is also producing results.
### Hot Spots
Some of the hot spots include the areas around the Boquet River mouth in New York, which is known for its bass and pike activity. The Winooski and Missisquoi rivers in Vermont are also good spots, though be aware that these areas are scheduled for lampricide treatments to control sea lampreys, so check for any fishing restrictions before heading out. Another good spot is the shoreline around Grand Isle, where the structure and weed beds attract a variety of species.
Overall, Lake Champlain is in great shape for fishing right now, so grab your gear and take advantage of the fall fishing season.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
