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Fishing At Lake Champlain In 2024

AKA: Champlain Lake

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By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, white perch, yellow perch, chain pickerel, muskie, northern pike, sauger and sturgeon at Lake Champlain in Vermont.

Lake Champlain, VT

Loaded with bass, catfish, crappie, trout, sunfish, perch, pike, muskie, sauger and sturgeon, Lake Champlain is a 271,000-acre lake on the northwestern border of VT. Nearly 600 miles of shoreline invite anglers to fish from the bank or from a boat.

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites that each offer select bits of information, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Lake Video

Lake Champlain is a massive freshwater lake that straddles the border between Vermont and New York. In Vermont, the lake covers a significant portion of the western part of the state, making it one of the most iconic and cherished bodies of water in the region. With over 120 miles of length and countless bays and coves, Lake Champlain offers an incredible fishing experience.

Anglers flock to Lake Champlain year-round to target its diverse range of fish species. Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass are abundant and provide fantastic opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. The lake's clear waters are also home to rainbow trout, brown trout, and lake trout, making it a prime destination for trout enthusiasts looking for a challenge.

The northern pike population in Lake Champlain has been thriving, and these predatory fish are popular targets for those seeking an adrenaline-pumping catch. Additionally, chain pickerel and muskie add to the excitement, as both species are known for their aggressive nature and challenging fights.

For anglers interested in freshwater fishing for catfish, Lake Champlain doesn't disappoint. Channel catfish can be found in various parts of the lake and provide an excellent opportunity for a diverse fishing experience.

Yellow perch, white perch, and bluegill also call Lake Champlain home, offering fantastic opportunities for family fishing and those looking to catch a variety of fish.

Lake Champlain in Vermont is a gem for anglers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With its wide variety of fish species, including smallmouth and largemouth bass, trout, northern pike, and many more, the lake provides a rich fishing experience. Coupled with ample boating opportunities and scenic camping locations, Lake Champlain is a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable outdoor adventure in Vermont.

With over 100 miles of deep channels, there are untouched schools of fish looking for a meal. This large body of water is best fished from bigger boats, but some areas do work for small car-top boats, canoes and kayaks. Nearly a dozen boat launch ramps serve the public from the VT side of the lake. This is a storied bass fishing haven, where numerous tournaments are held annually. Nearly a dozen marinas, on the VT side serve the boating public with gas, supplies, dining and shopping. Choose from the many campgrounds and RV parks, some nearby the lake. For additional information about fishing on Champlain Lake, visit the VT Fish & Wildlife website.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Vermont

Primary fish species residing in Lake Champlain

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Channel catfish Black crappie Rainbow trout Brown trout Lake trout Bluegill Pumpkinseed Sunfish Rock Bass White Perch Yellow Perch Chain pickerel Muskie Northern pike Sauger Sturgeon

Lake Champlain Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Beyond fishing, Lake Champlain is a boater's paradise. The expansive waters are ideal for sailing, power boating, kayaking, and canoeing, providing endless possibilities for water-based activities.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Ladd's Landing Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
802 372-5320

North Hero Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
802 372-5953

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Burlington Waterfront Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Penny Lane, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Charlotte Fishing Access Boat Ramp Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Cedar Beach Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Keeler Bay Access Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side of the peninsula, off Sunrise Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Mallets Bay Access Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off W Lakeshore Drive, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

North Hero Causeway Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Bridge Lane, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Rock River Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Spring Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Saint Albans Bay Access Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Hathaway Point Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sandy Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, at the east end of the N River Street Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Shelburne Bay Access Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Bay Road, this is two, one-lane, concrete ramps with docks and gravel parking.

Stony Point Access Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off W Shore Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Tauber Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Hog Island Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

West Shore Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side of the peninsula, off W Shore Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Marinas

Apple Island Marina
71 US-2
South Hero, VT 05486
802 372-3800

Bay Harbor Marina
278 West Lakeshore Drive
Colchester, Vermont 05446
802 862-4072

Burlington Harbor Marina
75 Penny Lane
Burlington, VT 05401
802 540-6869

Calm Cove Marina
106 Calm Cove Circle
Colchester, VT 05446
802 863-6980

Champlain Bridge Marina
7724 Vt. Rt 17W
Addison, VT, 05491
802 759-2049

Champlain Marina
982 W Lakeshore Dr
Colchester, VT 05446
802 658-4034

Ferry Dock Marina
1 King Street
Burlington, VT 05401
802 861-2019

Ladd's Landing Marina
412 US-2
Grand Isle, VT 05458
802 372-5320

Marina At Marble Island
1378 Marble Island Rd
Colchester, VT 05446
802 862-6804

Moorings Marina
332 W LakeShore Drive
Colchester, VT 05446
802 862-1407

North Hero Marina
2253 Pelots Point Rd
North Hero, VT 05474
802 372-5953

Point Bay Marina
1401 Thompson's Point Rd
Charlotte, VT 05445
802 425-2431

Saint Albans Bay Marina
15 Georgia Shore Road
St. Albans Bay, VT
802 524-0909

Click here for a Vermont Fishing License.

Camping is a popular way to fully experience Lake Champlain's beauty. Several campgrounds and camping sites dot the shoreline, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Camping by Lake Champlain is a perfect way to relax and unwind while enjoying the natural beauty of Vermont.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

10 Acres Campground - 802 771-8757

Sportsman Cottages Campground - 802 759-2348

Shelburne Camping Area - 802 985-2540

North Beach Campground - 802 862-0942

Malletts Bay Campground - 802 863-6980

Lone Pine Campsites - 802 878-5447

Apple Island Campground & Marina - 802 372-3800

Keeler Bay Campground & Marina - 802 395-1113

Grand Isle State Park Campground - 802 372-4300

Champlain Valley Campground - 802 524-5146

Lakehurst Campground - 802 928-3266

Rivers Edge Cottages & RV Park - 802 475-2700

Lake Champlain VT Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Lake Champlain
D.A.R. State Park, at Lake Champlain
6750 VT RT 17 W
Addison, VT 05491
802 759-2354

 

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