Fishing Lake Champlain, VT

AKA: Champlain Lake

Boat and bank fishing

Last updated on February 8, 2026.

Popular Fish Species
Lake Champlain Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
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Lake Champlain, VT

Popular Fish Species

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Lake Champlain has been delivering great smallmouth bass fishing for decades. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.

Lake Trout Fishing

Year round, fishing for lake trout in Lake Champlain is often quite good, especially in the area between Cumberland Head and the Westport area. These large trout prefer water below 60 degrees, however they can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 30 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 150 feet or more during Summer and Winter. It is a monumental assistance to use fish finders, or other electronics to help in locating these roaming schools of lake trout. They feed on baitfish and other small fish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for big lake trout with spoons can deliver some great catches.

Yellow Perch Fishing

Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Lake Champlain. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

Lake & Fishing Video

Fishing tips for boat or bank fishing

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.

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.

Lake Champlain is a massive freshwater lake that straddles the border between Vermont and New York. With over 120 miles in length, and countless bays and coves, Lake Champlain offers an incredible fishing experience. 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. For anglers interested in freshwater fishing for catfish, Lake Champlain doesn't disappoint. Channel catfish can be found throughout the lake. Yellow perch, white perch, and bluegill also call Lake Champlain home.

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.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Champlain

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

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

Fishing Boat Rentals

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Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

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Marinas

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Fishing License

Click here for a Vermont Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

10 Acres Campground - 802 771-8757

Sportsman Cottages Campground - 802 759-2348