Tell me about fishing Champlain?

[kawishiwi]

I know some Winni fishers have experiences fishing Lake Champlain.
Would you share what you think of Champlain and of how it compares to fishing Winni?
Any and all comments appreciated!

[Kamper]

I boated up there once. I didn't have a chart but they have fishing maps that are just as good as nav charts. I found this out when I did get the chance to pick up some real charts. I don't have them anymore but I'm sure you can get directed by any marina.

Compared to Winni it is huge! Enjoy!

[Rob M]

Depends what you are fishing for and what end of the lake you are going to. It is an amazing warm water fishery, way better than Winni. For cold water species it is not as good in my opinion, they do get larger fish, but they are not as plentiful. The cool thing about Champlain is you will see and catch fish that you have never seen before such as Sheepshead, fresh water drum, bowfin, and gar. They also have channel catfish that can get pretty big. If you want to fish for pike, you can catch as many as you want if you are in the right areas. Bass fishing is outstanding.

I go up at least once a year, used to go up much more often.

[kawishiwi]

Originally Posted by Rob M

Depends what you are fishing for and what end of the lake you are going to. It is an amazing warm water fishery, way better than Winni. For cold water species it is not as good in my opinion, they do get larger fish, but they are not as plentiful. The cool thing about Champlain is you will see and catch fish that you have never seen before such as Sheepshead, fresh water drum, bowfin, and gar. They also have channel catfish that can get pretty big. If you want to fish for pike, you can catch as many as you want if you are in the right areas. Bass fishing is outstanding.

I go up at least once a year, used to go up much more often.

I am a Smallmouth fan first, but miss Minnesota style multi-species fishing particularly the option to catch something big & nasty like Pike. Seems like the north half is more smallmouth oriented.
So you say bigger Salmon but fewer than Winni? Wasnt expecting that.

[KPW]

Please beware of invasive species. Zebra mussels are just one of many invasive species in Lake Champlain. Clean boats and trailers well before putting into Winni!!

[Rob M]

Originally Posted by kawishiwi

I am a Smallmouth fan first, but miss Minnesota style multi-species fishing particularly the option to catch something big & nasty like Pike. Seems like the north half is more smallmouth oriented.
So you say bigger Salmon but fewer than Winni? Wasnt expecting that.

Smallie fishing is world class from Chimney Point northward. I have actually caught 4lb smallies down in Ticonderoga frog fishing the weed mats. You can also catch big largemouth up North. Pike can be caught all over the lake.

I have stayed in Ticonderoga and spent the week catching mostly largemouth and pike, stayed at Apple Tree Resort in South Hero and can go for either Largemouth or Smallies, or stayed up in Lakewood Campground in Swanton and fished for Smallies and Largies. If you have time you can spend a night or two south and then a night of two up north and see a wide variety of fishing techniques.

Unbelievable fishery and lots of beautiful scenery. Just have to pay attention to the weather, because when the wind kicks up to 15mph or more the lake becomes like an Ocean and you have to stick to the small bays. But there are always places that are protected from the wind that you can launch at. One of the best things about the lake is the amount of good boat launches...and they are all free for the most part.

[Rob M]

I have never fished for Salmon or Lakers up there, just talked to some guides while I was up there...no matter what you want to go for, there are so many options.

[kawishiwi]

So...I went with my son for his post H.S. graduation, pre Airforce big trip.
Highlights....







...and this was all from the first day....with a guide.

[Hillcountry]

I would say you killed them out there!
Good luck to your son going into the AF!

[8gv]

Have you got any gps coordinates for that spot?

I'll be happy to catch the ones you missed!

[dickbaker]

Champlain fishing can be just what the pictures show. During a two week stay we often catch as many as 19 species. I have yet to catch carp or or catfish
although they are quite common.
Lake trout fishing is often fruitful for fish 5 -10 lbs.! Salmon fishing can be great at times with a 10 lb fish a possibility. Salmon fishing right now is terrible?
A lot more salmon in Winni but a 5 pounder would be a monster?
Champlain also has brown trout and rainbows. Tons of small white perch which are considered invasive with no limit??
Fantastic place to fish one you get used to the smell of farm manure??
Dick

[kawishiwi]

Originally Posted by dickbaker

Champlain fishing can be just what the pictures show. During a two week stay we often catch as many as 19 species. I have yet to catch carp or or catfish
although they are quite common.
Lake trout fishing is often fruitful for fish 5 -10 lbs.! Salmon fishing can be great at times with a 10 lb fish a possibility. Salmon fishing right now is terrible?
A lot more salmon in Winni but a 5 pounder would be a monster?
Champlain also has brown trout and rainbows. Tons of small white perch which are considered invasive with no limit??
Fantastic place to fish one you get used to the smell of farm manure??
Dick

We fished the "inland sea" for warmwater species but the last day we went to the vt/ny border for lake trout 3 to 11lbs.

Where do you base out of? We were on N. Hero island.

[dickbaker]

We spend the summer on the north side of Keeler Bay. The new Apple Island launch makes access so easy! We usually come back to NH when the LCI gets booming and too many boats.
Dick

[dickbaker]

Fishing Champlain with grand children I caught to European Rudd. One was two pounds and the other a little smaller. Invasive, but beautiful golden fish with bright red fins. That brings my Champlain species to 20!
Dick