I’m not sure if my children’s school district is run by Communists or not but given that school starts before Labor Day I have to assume so. This is unfortunate but made the last “summer” trip to Lake Champlain take place a few days ago in late August. We drove up Tuesday night, fished all day Wednesday on our own and then Thursday with Captain Mick Maynard and his first mate Magnus of Lake Champlain Angler. It started pouring Thursday night and I wanted to get Tristan back in time to have a full weekend at home to decompress and do what he wants prior to school, so it was a short trip, but we had fun!
The Lake Conditions
As most are aware, VT had significant flooding a few weeks back and much of that water has made its way into the lake. A good resource is this water level chart maintained for Lake Champlain. The water level was about 97.70 feet which is quite high for August (really, it’s more like spring levels). This is great for me because it allows me to launch my boat at my house (our boat launch is usually unusable by this time of year) but it did present a challenge in that the water is murkier than usual, probably a little cooler than usual, and much higher than usual for this time of year. Finding fish was a challenge.
Wednesday, the 23rd of August
We woke up to an extremely foggy morning. I didn’t want to venture too far because there had been many reports of large debris in the lake due to all the flooding. It had only been a few weeks since this happened and I didn’t want to risk running into something. Thus, we stayed pretty close to the house, mostly messing around the VT shoreline. We didn’t have a whole lot of luck, even throwing nightcrawlers. I managed a small northern just south of the Crown Point bridge on a spinnerbait, but the fishing was hard and we had to work for them.
It was a foggy morning on Lake Champlain.
If you’re not going to catch numbers, you sure hope you’ll catch something of size. We would have taken just about anything, but this MONSTER channel catfish Tristan caught takes the cake. It tipped the scales at 17.36lb and took him several minutes to reel in on 6lb test Seaguar Inviz-X line. How’s that for an endorsement of the product!
Honestly, I’m so proud of this kid. I feel like I (most of us really) could have easily lost this fish. Though I might have been derelict as a parent not getting him into baseball since he was two, I got him into fishing, and it has paid off! I had to joke with him that the only time I can get him to listen is when a fish is on, but he did a good job or responding to my coaching, keeping his rod bent, and letting it take drag when it had to as well as keeping the line out of the trolling motor.
I’m beyond proud of this kid!!!
Another look at this giant!
Thursday, August 24: Fishing out of Point Au Roche
On Thursday it was time to meet up with my old friend Captain Mick for another charter. The south winds had picked up badly so we scrapped our initial plan of jigging for lake trout and instead decided to do a bass and pike trip. We launched out of Point Au Roche and headed toward the Gut to see what we could find.
Don’t let this picture deceive you – it was very windy out there!
Mickey has acquired a new first mate since I last saw him, a very friendly pooch named Magnus. We appreciated having him sit with us on the ride out to help keep us warm, and it was also great just to have the company.
Magnus the First Mate.
The fishing was rough, to put it mildly. The water conditions have messed the fish up, but also we weren’t doing Mick any favors with our set up. We took Dad expecting a jigging trip, which works well for him as he isn’t that mobile. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate so we were stuck casting and that meant we had to give him a wide berth up front. It made targeting high percentage water tough, but we stuck it out and got a few good fish, including this nice pickerel by Tristan.
All’s well that ends well!
Later That Evening
When we got home, Tristan and I went out and fished some more. Dad stayed behind as he was pretty wiped from the charter. We fished the bay south of the house a bit with frogs and got a few bites, landing a couple of small bass. Then, Tristan had an absolute monster pike SMASH a spinnerbait of his, but unfortunately it cut the line. We both got a great look at it and it was huge, so this is too bad. I think it’s time to start investing in some fluorocarbon leaders just so that doesn’t happen again.
All in all we had a good trip. It was a short. Too short. But with school starting, I brought him back when I did. I’m already looking forward to trying to get out there more in September given the high water and see if my memories back of the flood over a decade ago prove true again.
Thanks for reading,
John Paxton
Want to learn how to take your kids out fishing? Do you have a friend who might need a hand? Click the pictures below to purchase my helpful books!
A gentleman recently posted in a Facebook fishing group that he felt that several recent fishing tournaments on Lake Champlain had hurt the fishery. I respectfully disagree. I’ve just returned from a week of fishing with my family up at Lake Champlain, and the fishing was very consistent and fun.
Here’s a look at how we did. Hopefully it will be of some use to your own family, especially if you’re planning a fishing trip to Lake Champlain in July!
The Weather Conditions
We showed up on Saturday, July 1 after what had been a rainy few weeks in the North Country. I was pretty excited about this to be honest, as my Lund Impact can be tough to launch in the shallows at the house. While it’s not a big deal to go use the town launch down the street, with kids, it’s just easier if it works at home. I was hoping that the rain had sustained the lake at a level where I’d be able to get Penelope off her trailer, and (with some heavy pushing) it was.
It seems like the lake has finally normalized a bit since the droughts we saw a few years ago. Normally, I can at least use the dock if not the launch through about early August, and I think that will be the case this year.
The week ahead was the usual Champlain July doldrum of doom and gloom. The weather reports figured there’d be thunderstorms the entire week save Thursday. If I could give anyone reading this any advice: trust your smart phone radar. Not the report. The counties up north are enormous. A 50% shot of rain in Essex County still has a very good chance of missing you. You have to be smart and safe about it and keep an eye on things, but don’t cancel a trip just because of a lousy weather report.
The weather might have been crazy but it produced some amazing sunsets.
The Lake Conditions
As stated the lake was of relatively normal water level of around ’95. The rain throughout the week actually brought it up a few inches which made retrieving the boat easier than launching it. If you’re familiar with the Crown Point area, it was possible to drift a deep v across the entire entrance to Putnam Creek, though I had to raise both motors to do it.
The water in the south was quite clear in many locations. The temperatures were consistently high. Everywhere from about 72 to 80 where we were fishing. Absolutely perfect temps for pickerel and largemouth bass as you’ll see, but northern pike were hard to come by.
The Techniques that Produced
Tristan and I fished hard for six straight days. He can cast on his own now, and he brought up his birthday baitcaster with him and was having a ball learning on it, so he wanted to fish spinnerbaits as much as possible. Much of the time, we casted them, but given that he’s still little (and was getting a little sore from all the fish we were catching) we did troll with spinnerbaits quite a bit as well. If you’re new to the technique, I wrote this article a few years back with some tips.
In addition to spinnerbaits, we also fished a lot of plastic worms, gulp, and frogs & buzzbaits at dusk. We didn’t spend much time at all with crankbaits or anything with a treble hook.
For the most part, we found the fish active and willing to hit a fast moving target. I’d estimate 85% of fish were caught on a variety of spinnerbaits. The #1 producer was a 1/2 ounce War Eagle Spinnerbait in white. We caught so many pickerel on these that I now have to completely restock as my supply was eventually hammered. They do hold up well but every lure has its limits. In any event, on Champlain, I’d argue these are some of the best spinnerbaits you can use. You should really pick up a few from that link I posted.
The Places We Fished on Lake Champlain
Here’s a look at a few general areas we fished hard. Some were productive and others were not. However, bear in mind, I’m a dad fishing with an 8-year-old. I’m looking for numbers and action and not necessarily “bigguns.” This blog post really is aimed more for the parent who is vacationing up there, so perhaps one of you pros would do better in these areas that we did, using different techniques.
Bulwagga Bay
Longtime blog readers will know that I love fishing Bulwagga Bay. It’s like a mini lake all in and of itself with all sorts of habitat for pretty much every species of fish the lake offers (at certain times of year that is). We started by fishing the western shore and had a few hits here and there. There were too many boats given the holiday weekend to set up a troll as I like to there, but Tristan managed a few good bass on spinnerbaits including this bruiser here.
A nice bruiser of a bass from Bulwagga Bay.
We also invested some time on the eastern shore and found some huge bluegill and yellow perch along the various rock points that are on that side.
We did not spend much time in the south though there were some bass boats plugging away at the vegetation and they seemed focused on specific areas.
The Putnam Creek Delta
We spent a lot of time in the general area of Putnam Creek. Many chain pickerel came out of here. The bay just south of the creek is completely slopped over so you’re looking at frogs if you go deep. Spinnerbaits can be used along the edges but there aren’t as many fish.
While there are bass in this bay, I’ve really found it to be a major pickerel producing spot, which is why if you have kids with you and you want them to catch “something big” I recommend it. Unfortunately, that can make it a very frustrating spot to fish a frog. You can tell when a pickerel hits a frog as opposed to a bass because it almost attacks it like a dolphin sailing through the water whereas a bass has a giant localized “plop and boil.” You’re going to have to identify them this way because you sure won’t get many chances to reel one in. The way pickerel snatch a frog coupled with their bony mouths makes them very hard to hook. You will tear the heck out of your frogs trying, however.
Giard’s Bay
Per Google this is the spelling, but what do they know. This is the bay north of Yellow Lighthouse Point. I always try it for a spinnerbait trolling run or two, and I’m usually disappointed. This time was no different, but I mention it as a fishing report also ought to have what didn’t work. The reason I keep headed back here is I have caught some nice pike in the area. Pike and I have an abusive relationship where I’ll go fish a half dozen “memories” any given trip trying to find them.
Ticonderoga
We spent an entire day south near Ti. The area near the fort was the most productive, but we were so exhausted from casting the day prior that we mainly trolled the area just south of the fort to the La Chute River. It’s a challenging troll as the weed line takes some near 90 degree turns, but we caught a number of fish there including these nice crappie.
If you decided to troll this area, be very careful of the old pilings near the fort. One year my friend got both his outboard and his trolling motor caught on the rocks at the same exact time and it wasn’t fun! With trolling, you could easily collide with these if you didn’t know to look out for them, so I’d recommend finding them first and then avoiding trolling near them lest a hooked fish breaks your concentration.
These crappie came on the same troll in Ticonderoga near the fort. It was interesting to catch a white and black one more or less at the same time!
Mill Bay
Since we had already made the trip down to Ti, we decided to head even further to Mill Bay. Now, I can’t fit my boat through the entrance to the actual bay itself, but we didn’t really want to go there anyway because it looked nearly dried out and choked with weeds. Instead, we fished the rip rap around the entrance for a bit. We mostly fished with drop shots and plastic worms, which produced a few bass, but not enough for us to stick around for long.
Of interest, there really weren’t any weeds to be found in this immediate area, which I found odd. To be fair, I don’t go there often enough to know if this is unusual, but if you’re looking for a weed pattern as we were, you wouldn’t find it there.
The Bay North of Stony Point
The bay just north of the paper mill on the NY side doesn’t have a name as far as I can tell. I’ve always called it “1000 Cast Bay” because it feels like it can take that many to cover all the water in it. It is, however, one of the better bays to troll. There’s a weedline that follows the contours on a humminbird fish finder very well and is almost shaped like a shallow “V.” While there’s weeds on either side of it, this is the edge of the heavy stuff and so as close as you can practically troll.
We lost what we believe to have been some larger pike while trolling, based on how hard they fought, but we also caught many bass. Tristan caught his personal best chain pickerel, this fine 25″ specimen. This would have been a VT Master Angler fish for an adult and blew the youth category out of the water.
This chain pickerel was an absolute beast.
Other Photos
I had the pleasure to take my friend out with his children and their buddy alongside Tristan. If you ever hear someone say that bass boats are just as family friendly as Deep V’s, ask them if they could pull this off.
Note that literally every fish in this picture was landed from a drop shot with a simple nightcrawler. Most were caught on the same Ugly Stiks I’m always harping on you to buy. All were released safely after the photo.
A squad of kids landing fish is what this blog is all about!
Tristan and I went out the next day and continued to hammer them, bringing home a respectable limit of our own. Again, all fish were released safely after posing for a photo.
My New Favorite Family Photo
I wrote on Facebook that this is one of those photos I hope make it to my collage when I die. You can clearly see I’m exhausted in it, and am totally rocking the Dad-approved white New Balance sneakers that so many ladies give me such grief about, but in my view they make the photo.
Other Thoughts
This was one of those trips that reminded me just how good the fishing on this lake can be. While we didn’t catch a true giant bass, we had a few 4-pounders, which, to a kid, is dynamite. We also had no shortage of white perch and other panfish to target. I managed to put five different kids on fish throughout the week, some with minimal experience who were only four years old. It’s not every lake that you can do that this easily. So, while I respect the opinion of the gentleman who was concerned about all the recent fishing pressure, it didn’t hurt us.
I hope this helps someone headed up there soon!
Thanks,
John Paxton
Want to learn how to take your kids out fishing? Do you have a friend who might need a hand? Click the pictures below to purchase my helpful books!
So I finally had that moment in life that every father both dreads and also looks forward to. My son whooped my butt fishing. Look, he’s always been a good fisherman, and there have been days he’s caught the biggest fish, sure, but I’ve usually held my own. Not this weekend. No, folks, aside from my errant thumb, you won’t find a single picture of me below. This weekend was all about Tristan. He caught the most fish, the biggest fish, the first and the last fish. He caught the most species by far, and he even managed to catch is own shoe. He was an absolute machine this weekend, choosing to leave his seventh year in grand fashion before turning eight in a few days.
Here’s a look at what he accomplished, for posterity.
Saturday, May 27, 2023
We got a late start on Saturday as the dock was being put in and our friends deploying it were using our boat launch. This is just as well as I took my daughter, Amber, with me too, and she takes after her mother and likes to sleep in on fishing trips.
We didn’t get out on the lake until it was about 11 a.m. or so. The water is still reasonably high but has gone down a bit since last week. The weeds are also starting to grow in though the bulrush is only about 6″ off the surface if that makes sense. Water temps throughout the trip ranged from 63°F to around 67°F depending on where one was. It had been quite hot a few days and remained so while we were there.
The First Fish
In keeping with this blog’s mantra of “When fishing with kids, get a fish in the livewell as soon as you can,” we set off for a spot I know holds a ton of panfish. The “bad” news was that the first fish my son caught wasn’t legal for the livewell this time of year. The good news is because it was a 4.5lb largemouth bass!
I had just gotten done telling Tristan that I felt some nibbles when he started saying “I feel nibbles too! I feel nibbles too!” in a funny voice. I kept fishing but then glanced over and saw his Ugly Stik bent over in half! I dropped my rod and rushed over to unfold the net and land this bass. The darned kid has been fishing so long and caught so many fish that something like this doesn’t even prompt him to scream for the net – he just uses it to razz on me!
Tristan’s first fish of the trip, and his personal best largemouth bass, caught on Lake Champlain on a nightcrawler.
We kept fishing this area with my Terrova’s spotlock engaged, much to the amusement of Grandma Jean who had never seen such a contraption. Amber got her share of panfish that were legal for the livewell and spent most of her time naming them “Nemo” and “Dory” while Tristan kept going for the big ones. Unfortunately for him, four-year-olds have a short shelf life so we headed back in after a short trip.
Frogging at the Dock
Tristan was undeterred. I went up to the house to handle a few things while Grandma watched Amber splash in the water and Tristan took out a frog rod. He’s always had a blast using these and just loves to see the explosions. While frogs aren’t exactly a lure I’d advocate using with most kids because they’re hard to land fish on, Tristan has gotten pretty good at it. Here’s some evidence: a nice sized bass he caught on one while I was off doing chores!
Largemouth bass caught on a frog in some bulrush on Lake Champlain.
A Few More for Evening
Emboldened by his frog catch, T asked me to take him out in the evening frogging. Surprisingly, we got very few strikes and didn’t land any. I didn’t notice any bass attacking the frogs and the few strikes we had were likely pickerel. If you’re too far to see the fish outright, you can tell because pickerel will almost strike a topwater lure like a dolphin breaching the surface whereas bass just nail it like a bulldog shaking a lunch box open.
Since they weren’t going for the frogs, we tied on some spinnerbaits and chatterbaits and T managed this pickerel below on the latter. A main goal of mine has been to try and get him casting more and more this year so I can prep him for an eventual bass and pike trip with our friend Mick Maynard of Lake Champlain Angler Fishing Charters. He’s taken Tristan out once already, jigging for Lake Trout which is a more appropriate option when the kids can’t cast well, but I think T’s nearly ready for a good bass and pike trip. I’d better get one on the books.
If these were the only fish he caught the entire trip, he (and I, as his father) would have plenty to be proud of, but he had far more in store the next day.
Sunday, May 28, 2023: GAR AND CATFISH!
We stayed up a little later than we should, reliving my youth and watching 80’s swords and sorcerer movies, but we did get out again in the late morning on Sunday. Looking back on the photos, I guess T thought the secret sauce was the shirt he wore to catch his big bass the day before because he put that smelly thing back on! Can’t say I blame him.
We started our adventure with my daughter and grandma in the boat. Amber’s too little to cast on her own and frankly isn’t as into it as Tristan always has been, so she fished up front with me. I’d do the usual parent thing, casting out, hooking a fish, and reeling it in and then handing her the rod. This is fine for her and she just likes to see how many white perch she can get in a livewell and if she can remember all their names.
Meanwhile, in the back, Tristan went to work. We fished the Vermont shoreline near Crown Point. It’s a well known spot so I don’t think I’m giving much away since there’s always a line of boats doing the drift. Anyway, T got his fill here with a decent smallie that gave him a good fight.
Smallmouth bass caught on Lake Champlain.
It was only after we’d dropped off his sister that Tristan really started to knock me out. As we drifted along, we saw a large group of gar spawning on some rocks. Tristan, naturally, got all excited and wanted to catch one. I just chucked “knowing better” that spawning fish aren’t going to be interested in eating. Well, I was wrong because this gar right here smacked Tristan’s nightcrawler and bent his rod clear over. All I heard was “I told you, Dad! I TOLD you!” while he fought the fish in. Netting it, I was just happy that I had lost a giant carp last year that compelled me to upsize the net as this was a breeze and I wouldn’t have wanted to lose it on him!
Long nose gar caught on Lake Champlain.
He wasn’t so crazy about picking up this fish without a rag, which I’d say is probably fine for this species. You really want to be careful about doing this with most fish because they have an external slime that protects them from disease and such, but these gar are completely armored and in any event, no one is going to tell me this rag is going to do more damage than the rocks they’re going to be swirling all about as they spawn over the next few weeks.
The VERY NEXT CAST
On his VERY NEXT CAST his rod bent over again. At first I thought it might be another gar, but this one fought different. It’s funny, but you can usually tell what sort of fish you have on based on how it fights – or at least narrow it down considerably. While gar make long fast runs relatively close to the surface, this fish was going deep. The two fish on Champlain that do that consistently are catfish and carp, so I figured it was one of them.
This fight lasted a good 3-4 minutes though to a father it probably seemed like twenty. Honestly, when you saw the relief in his face and heard him complain of the aches in his arms, it probably seemed like twenty to him as well! This catfish went about eight pounds, which to a kid is huge. Again, I had a very proud moment as a father watching him expertly bring this one in. It’s not that easy to land a fish this big, keeping it away from the motor. I didn’t touch his rod once and the most guidance I had to give him was “Take it easy… Take it easy.” He did the rest!
A nice channel cat to top it off!
Until Next Time!
Well, you know that even a day like this wouldn’t satisfy Tristan, so we were back out at it until night, using my navigation lights for pretty much the first time ever, trying to catch more. He actually had what I’d estimate to be a 4-5lb northern pike on the line right to the boat, but the boat got stuck in the hook for my bow storage netting and I couldn’t get to it in time. Honestly, with fish like pike and pickerel, sometimes you’d rather they shake off right next to the boat unless they’re true trophies, but try telling that to a kid!
I’ve never had to use these navigation lights before.
We’ll be back soon enough. Maybe next year I’ll finally sign him up for the Vermont Master Angler Program as I believe he would have had three fish this trip that would have qualified!
As longtime readers of this blog know, I’ve had many a Lake Champlain fishing trip. For those who might not go quite as often as I do, I figured I’d provide some tips about the best time of year to fish Lake Champlain, where to catch certain fish, and a few “watch outs” you might not be aware of.
What is the Best Time of Year to Fish on Lake Champlain?
Don’t let the time of year dissuade you from planning your next fishing trip to Lake Champlain. There are plenty of fish to be caught year round, it just depends on how you like to fish. Many years, a good portion of the lake will freeze over and allow for ample ice fishing opportunities. For those of us who prefer to stay warm, you really can’t beat spring and fall on the lake. While summer can be a little tough given all the bass tournaments you’ll be competing with each weekend, it is the best time of year to visit the Adirondacks.
If you wanted to know the best time of year to catch a trophy fish on Lake Champlain, plan your fishing trip for late April or May. Most bass are going to be in the prespawn time during this time of year, making them quite large and gorging. The only issue is that bass season doesn’t start until mid-June, so make sure you catch and release.
Another great time of year to plan your Lake Champlain fishing trip is September. There aren’t nearly as many people out there sharing the water with you after Labor Day, and the fish start gorging for winter. This can be the best time of year to fish for northern pike on Lake Champlain.
If you’re planning on taking a fishing charter trip to Lake Champlain during these times, plan on booking a year in advance as they fill up quick!
A Note on Water Levels
One quick thing I do think I should mention – if you’re planning on bringing your boat on your trip to Champlain, consider the local water levels. While it isn’t a huge deal with most of the public launches, if you rent an Air BnB with a ramp, you may find you can’t use it after late July or so. This is because the water level dries up so much by that time of year.
Lake Champlain has a few hazards you should worry about especially if the water levels are low. While you should always get a good navigational chart when fishing an area you’re unfamiliar with (here is one for Lake Champlain), the three below should definitely be on your radar.
The Cribs at Ticonderoga
Just east of Fort Ticonderoga there are a few pilings that can become a major problem. The main issue is that they are the perfect distance between a boat’s trolling motor and main motor. Don’t ask me how I know this. Be careful when you’re in this area. Note these are marked on the navigational chart atlas I recommended you buy above.
The Hazards Guarding Bulwagga
There’s a very significant hazard that runs across the entrance to Bulwagga Bay. It is marked by buoys but these can be difficult to see in certain conditions. This hazard is a giant rock/crib formation that you definitely don’t want to hit at any speed. It is, however, a great fishing spot so long as you can practice solid boat control!
The Sand Bar
Every year, you read about at least a few boats getting stuck on the natural sand bar that extends from South Hero Island and Milton, VT. This is a natural formation that isn’t going anywhere and if you aren’t careful, you’re going to be paying for an expensive sea tow. Read more about the area here as it is near a cool park for the kids assuming you don’t ruin your fishing trip to Lake Champlain by beaching your boat!
Where is the Best Fishing on Lake Champlain?
This is a matter of contentious debate. For years, you’d see plenty of professional anglers blast out of Plattsburgh during a tournament only to make the long journey to Ticonderoga. This has changed somewhat in recent years, ironically probably due to those anglers bringing fish up from the south. There was a fascinating study done by the University of Vermont that looked at fish dispersal post tournament. The TLDR is that they never make their way back anywhere close to Ticonderoga after they get dragged up to Plattsburgh!
Perhaps as a result of this, more and more tournament anglers have been choosing to fish in the relatively close north rather than make the run down to Ticonderoga during tournaments.
Now, if you aren’t trying to fish a tournament, the question of where the best fishing on Lake Champlain is depends on what you’re after. To help you plan your next Lake Champlain fishing trip, in general, here’s where to look for different species:
Where to Fish for Largemouth Bass on Lake Champlain
The southern end of Lake Champlain is renowned for largemouth bass fishing, especially near Ticonderoga. I wrote an article breaking down where to fish near Ticonderoga, but really you can’t go wrong in that region. Find weedbeds and you will find largemouth bass. Basically anywhere south of the Crown Point bridge is considered largemouth territory. Some of the better places to start are the shallow bays outside of the three major creeks and several inlets in this region.
There are some giant largemouth bass in Lake Champlain.
Don’t forget to look in Bulwagga Bay, either. The southern end of the bay has all the makings of fine largemouth territory and is a major spawning bay. Here’s an article I wrote breaking down fishing Bulwagga Bay as well.
Where to Catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Champlain
Smallmouth bass are more typically found in the northern regions of Lake Champlain than the south. This doesn’t mean you can’t catch a large number of them in the Crown Point and Ticonderoga regions, but you’re definitely going to find better “smallie” habitat to the north around Plattsburgh. You’ll find plenty of rocky shorelines in this area around the various islands that hold smallmouth year round. While these fish can be a little challenging to locate day to day, they do tend to school up so when you find one you’ll often find many more.
I’ve had some phenomenal days fishing for smallmouth near Rock Island near Westport as well. There are a few sunken humps out near this island as well as a fairly deep flat to the south of the island. I’ve had great luck chucking topwaters out in the area.
Where to Fish for Northern Pike on Lake Champlain
While you can catch northern pike anywhere on Lake Champlain, you’ll definitely find more in the cooler waters of the north than in the south. Frankly, having fished the south most of my life, pike have been almost a “bonus fish.” Yeah, you can run into a few of them now and then, but not like you can up in the Gut or near North or South Hero to the north.
If you have to fish in the south and want to find northerns, the bay just north of the Sylvamo Paper Mill is a pretty good bet on the north side. I’ve also found them due east of Fort Ticonderoga, almost near the breakwater south of the launch.
With that said, your by far better bet is to head north. If you need help finding some northern pike on your Lake Champlain fishing trip, consider giving Captain Mickey Maynard a call or at least stopping by his Facebook page for Lake Champlain Angler to see what I’m talking about.
Where to Catch Chain Pickerel on Lake Champlain
Chain pickerel are all over the place in Lake Champlain but definitely more prevalent south of the Crown Point bridge. Here, the water is shallower, warmer, and weedier in general than to the north, which makes it more pickerel territory than pike. Basically any weedy bay or flat in Crown Point or Ticonderoga is sure to hold some pickerel. You’ll tend to catch them at a significant rate vs. pike on this end of the lake.
One of my favorite ways to fish for chain pickerel in Lake Champlain is to troll for them. You can cover a ton of water and it works well with kids because you can time the troll around their lunch or when they need a break with a card game. It’s also a good way to put a little kid on a big fish before they can cast well.
The southern end of Lake Champlain has some good sized chain pickerel.
Where to Fish for Freshwater Drum / Sheepshead on Lake Champlain
There’s a fishing forum full of guys who focus on freshwater drum and sheepshead and they’re all launching out of Benson’s Landing and Larrabee’s to the south. Basically, you’re going to find these fish in concentration south of Ticonderoga along various rocky points.
I catch them as a byproduct fairly regularly in the Crown Point region and have seen some real monsters come out of the Vermont shoreline south of the bridge. However, I will state I don’t fish for them often and they just kind of show up, so I’d go south of Ticonderoga as the folks who are actually seeking this fish do.
Where to Catch Channel Catfish on Lake Champlain
The southern end of Lake Champlain is probably your better bet for giant channel catfish. I’ve caught them all over the place in the Crown Point and Ticonderoga region. Good lure choices include chicken liver, dead shiners, or even parts of hot dogs or kielbasa. It can help to offer these stinky baits upstream from whichever way the current is blowing the water. This will help take their scent to the cats.
Where to Fish for Lake Trout on Lake Champlain
Most guys fishing for Lake Trout on Lake Champlain are fishing the middle section of the lake, either launching from West Port, Willsboro, or the Burlington area. In summer, you’ll want to jig them up from the depths around structure or to troll for them. My son and I had a great time jigging for lakers with a famous charter captain on the lake – I definitely recommend it!
Jigging for lake trout on Lake Champlain can be a very productive summer technique.
During early spring, you can catch lake trout closer to shore. Bulwagga Bay has a good number of boats targeting them and while dodging “the fleet” can be a chore, it can pay off.
Can you Eat Fish from Lake Champlain?
Yes, you can eat fish from Lake Champlain, but you need to be careful about how many you consume, especially if you are a woman of childbearing age or a child. However, it’s not so easy to figure out just how many you can eat. You see, Lake Champlain is bordered by two U.S. states and a Canadian province and none of them agree on how many fish are safe to eat. In general, New York thinks you’ll die if you so much as look at a fish, Vermont thinks you should take things in moderation, and Quebec is trying to kill you.
The chart below illustrates this difference. While there are sections of the lake separating NY and VT that a baseball could likely be hit upon, apparently there is something mystical that happens to the fish depending on what side you catch them. How else could one explain how Vermont thinks a kid can consume 5 bullhead each month while New York says none should be eaten? Quebec isn’t exactly far away from Vermont or New York, either, and look at the difference there.
Considering how litigious New York is compared to Vermont and Quebec, perhaps this shouldn’t be a surprise, but it’s an interesting phenomena all the same. Just one of the nifty consequences of being a Republic, I suppose.
What Fishing License Do You Need to Fish Lake Champlain?
It can be tricky to determine what fishing license you need to fish Lake Champlain, because you might need as many as three, or as little as one, depending on where you intend to fish. While much of the lake is reciprocal between New York and Vermont, there is a large section north of Burlington that requires a Vermont license. This place has some outstanding fishing and many guides operate there.
Likewise, there is a tiny section (South Bay) where you must possess a NY license. If you’re headed up to Champlain chances are you aren’t planning on fishing this as it’s not the main draw, but some guys go for walleye in the area, so you may need it.
To make things even more confusing, most of Missisquoi Bay is in Quebec and requires a QC fishing license.
Your best bang for your buck is going to come by buying a Vermont fishing license as this allows access to the overwhelming majority of Lake Champlain. The only exceptions being South Bay in New York, and part of Missisquoi Bay in Quebec. Most though not all of the rivers people like to fish are also going to be in Vermont (East Creek in Ticonderoga and Otter Creek in Vergennes being the prime examples).
This site has a good map that breaks down what regions require what license. Just note that we’re only talking the main lake here – not the tributaries as well.
What About the Children?
Finally, bear in mind that your kids may not need a license, depending on their age. This gets a little confusing as VT requires kids 15 and up to have a fishing license while NY allows 16 year olds to fish without one. I’m not sure how that would be interpreted in reciprocal waters, so be sure to check with local police.
What Fishing Lures Work Well on Lake Champlain?
The best fishing lures to use on Lake Champlain depends on what you’re going for, however here are some of my favorite that work well for bass and even northern pike.
The spinnerbait is a great lure for Lake Champlain once the water temperatures reach around 60°F or so. These work well anywhere that you can find submerged vegetation that isn’t so thick you can’t get a lure through. My favorite color spinnerbait for Lake Champlain used to be chartreuse, but the past few years, white has been the ticket. Try one by War Eagle — it’s been my favorite the past few years.
Jerkbaits are wonderful lures on Lake Champlain in early spring. Really, they work year round if you can find an area you can get them through. There’s just so many weeds in the summer that it gets tough. An X-Rap in size 10 works very well. Clown seems to be the best color around the lake.
Early in the year, a cherry craw colored Rat-L-Trap will catch just about anything as evidenced by this post.
Frogs are outstanding around July, especially south of the Crown Point bridge. There’s so much matted milfoil at this time that frogs can really be your best chance at catching a big summer bass. My tackle box is full of the Spro Bronzeye Frogs.
Where Can I Take My Family Besides Fishing on My Trip to Lake Champlain?
There is at least some chance that your family may want to do some things other than fishing during your next trip to Lake Champlain. Luckily, there’s plenty to do. Here are a few ideas I love:
Burlington is a fun choice with the Echo Aquarium featuring local wildilfe and some nice restaurants for lunch.
The Shelbourne Museum isn’t that great of an idea for little kids, but your wife or girlfriend will love it.
Fort Ticonderoga has a little bit of everything for everyone. It’s a great destination around July 4th as they often have live events.
If you have a passport and want to have Canadians roll their eyes at you, Parc Safari is a great destination as well. I will admit, however, that this one was more fun as a kid than when I returned as an adult.
Conclusions – Have Fun Planning Your Lake Champlain Fishing Trip!
I hope this article was helpful to you in planning your next fishing trip to Lake Champlain. You might also find the following articles useful:
Also, bear in mind that most of the tips and tricks in the books below my signature were learned while fishing Lake Champlain. You may want to check them out! Go ahead and click on either picture to buy them.
Thanks,
John Paxton
Want to learn how to take your kids out fishing? Do you have a friend who might need a hand? Click the pictures below to purchase my helpful books!
I had to work in Albany Friday so I took the opportunity to continue on to Lake Champlain in time to catch the evening bite. It was the first time I was able to go fishing by myself on the lake in several years. Unfortunately for me, the fishing was very tough as it was windy as a son of a gun and I was also exhausted from the trip.
The Conditions
I arrived to find it very windy. Not sure of the exact knots, but flags were rocking and it was wavy as anything even south of the bridge. Surprisingly, it stayed this way all evening Friday. Usually it calms down towards dusk.
The air temps were comfortable – right around 60°F or so. Water temps were anywhere from 57°F – 62°F throughout the trip. The water was very murky around Putnam Creek. It’s usually clear there from the fresh stream water but the wind had churned things up.
Weed growth was coming in more since two weeks ago. Vegetation was growing and the time for Rat-L-Traps and jerkbaits in the shallows is drawing to a close.
Of note, I experienced pre-frontal conditions Saturday as a rainstorm was raging across southern New England and was supposed to push north to Crown Point by Saturday evening, but I didn’t stick around for it.
Where I Fished
I fished exclusively in the Crown Point and northern Ticonderoga area. The furthest south I made it was the mill, while the furthest north was a few rocky points west of Girard’s Bay. I caught absolutely nothing anywhere except near the creek. In a few hours of fishing Friday Night and Saturday morning, I caught perhaps a dozen bass and two chain pickerel. Nothing was of any appreciable size.
What Lures I Used
All fish were caught on spinnerbaits. Specifically, white tandem blade spinnerbaits from War Eagle in 1/2 oz size. These were making it through the weeds well enough and fish would hit them hard when they hit. The waters being 60°F helped as that’s usually the sign it’s time to put on a spinnerbait.
A Short Trip
Honestly, the main reason I was there was to prepare for next weekend. I had to gas up the boat, tidy up a few things, and get the place ready to bring both kids with grandma in tow. I’ve been working hard at my day job the past month or so, with a few trips and special events thrown in, and I was just tired. Had I stayed and fished through the front I expect I would have caught more fish as the day went on. I just didn’t have it in me. Thus, I went home early to write this for you.
It’s always a pleasure going to Champlain even if it is for a short hop. As an aside, this time I drove up 87 since I was coming from Albany. Not sure if there is still construction on 74 or not, but it kicked me out at 22N. I had a nice drive from Diamond Point or so all the way to Ticonderoga. If you’ve never taken this way, it really is gorgeous. It’s hilly and curvy and not the way I’d want to drag a boat. Still, it is a great way to drag the wife or girlfriend and dazzle her with the views.
Until next time,
John Paxton
Want to learn how to take your kids out fishing? Do you have a friend who might need a hand? Click the pictures below to purchase my helpful books!
Well, the second trip up to Crown Point, NY in 2023 is in the books. This was supposed to be a boys weekend with my buddy Andrew from past adventures, but the week worth of rain in the region forced him to call it off as he finally got the weather needed to get some work done locally. I considered taking my first solo trip in forever, but my son has had such a hard time with the divorce lately that I asked his mom if I could spring him from school early and drive him up with me. She said yes, and so we were off for another Adirondack Adventure together.
Thursday, May 4, 2023 – Crown Point
As mentioned, it had rained for several days prior and stopped as we arrived Thursday afternoon. The lake was higher than it was two weeks ago when I took Dad up. While this would bring an influx of cold and murky water, I was still glad to see it. I’m tired of the years of drought the lake has had. It will be nice to be able to use the dock in July this year!
Thursday and Friday featured the end of the front with fairly high north winds Thursday and still significant Friday afternoon. It was bad enough Thursday that I didn’t want to take Tristan north of the bridge, figuring if it was that dicey in Crown Point the bridge area would be a disaster.
Instead, we poked around the Crown Point area, not really having much luck until we made our way to the south side of an island that kept us out of the wind. When you’re fishing with kids, very often you’re fishing with worms, and that’s what we were using here. We got the skunk out of the boat with a number of panfish before Tristan tied into this nice sheepshead.
It’s a four hour ride up, so we called it pretty early on Thursday and sat down to watch a movie. We planned to hit up Bulwagga Bay Friday morning.
Friday, May 5, 2023
So the next morning, I made one of my bigger boneheaded mistakes of all time (guess I have a fishing mistakes blog post to update soon). I had my son get in the boat with his life jacket while I backed it down the launch. Unfortunately, being tired or just an idiot (and maybe a bit of both) I forgot to tie the boat to the trailer and poor Tristan took a little ride into Champlain by his lonesome. He handled it like a champ and with some coaching was able to paddle the boat to shore where I joined him. We laughed about it, and he spent the rest of the weekend razzing me (He claims he’ll continue to do this for life).
You did great, buddy!
As planned, we headed up to Bulwagga Bay. Unlike the week before, the salmon fleet was nowhere to be found. The only company we had were two bass boats that blasted past us towards the back bay. We worked the western rip rap instead, but didn’t have much luck. The bay was as muddy as I’ve seen it, which might have something to do with it. I forgot the #1 rule of taking a kid fishing (get ANY fish in the boat as fast as possible) and quickly decided that we’d better head back to some proven areas in the south to fix that.
We continued to poke around drop shotting nightcrawlers and Tristan eventually hooked this nice bass. He was pretty happy though it didn’t come through in the photo. Perhaps he was still annoyed at me for the morning’s mistake!
Tristan still not looking that happy with me about the morning’s mix up.
Lunch in Crown Point, NY
After the chaos of the morning, and with the weather picking up again, we decided to hit up War Cannon Spirits for some nachos and soda. This is a new place, having opened recently in what used to be the local Agway. It has character, charm, and some damn good cream soda. I’m not much of a drinker so I can’t speak for their whiskey, but the nachos and especially pretzels are delicious. Frankly, there’s not a whole heck of a lot in the area as far as eateries with the old staples of Frenchy’s and Frenchman’s both disappearing, but this is worth the trip. I wish the owners the best of luck and hope it brings some business to the region.
The dining room has charm and plenty of seating for lunch, though I think you’d better get there early if you want a place to sit for dinner.
The Evening Catfish Bite
It stayed windy for most of Friday and we decided not to go back out. Tristan wanted to see one of his friends who lives up there and eventually I’d pick him up and take them to the Windchill in Ti, but first we’d catch some “Polish” catfish. We called them this because what they wanted more than anything was Rosol’s kielbasa. If you ever make your way to New Britain, CT, pick up a few links. It’s great for you and cats love them too.
This catfish favored Rosol’s kielbasa.
Saturday, May 6, 2023
We had a late night Saturday with Tristan’s friend and didn’t wake up all that early. No matter as this time of year you’re often better off in the late afternoon than in the early morning. We started the day plugging away near the house and catching a number of catfish on kielbasa as well as yellow perch (no more forgetting rule #1 for this guy). And yes, I tied the boat this time.
We were off and on the lake throughout the day taking breaks as needed. We stuck around locally rather than making any long runs since this trip was really more about putting Tristan on fish than catching monsters. All the same, he had some good ones.
The day had a high of 57 degrees or so and the water temperatures climbed to the high 50’s low 60’s in the bays we were fishing. I think a lot of the cooler rainwater had a chance to settle and sink so the bays started warming and the fish started getting active. We didn’t notice many spawning bass yet (just one nest DEEP in the flooded woods with the telltale sign of a parent chasing away panfish). However, clown colored x-raps fished around flooded timber was too much for many chain pickerel to pass up.
Chain pickerel love jerkbaits in the spring.
Towards evening, Tristan had luck with a cherry craw colored Rat-L-Trap. He caught several bass, the largest below. He was very proud as this was his first time using one of these lures. I’m sure all of you know the thrill of catching a bass on a “new” technique and his smile says it all. It was very hard getting him off the water to come home, and I could only convince him by promising an early start the next day.
This may be my new favorite photo of my son.
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Since I promised, we headed out early Sunday, right to where we caught them the night before. The water had cooled by 4-5 degrees over night and we didn’t see many boils. We did manage to catch a few fish (two chain pickerel and a largemouth bass) and I managed to get what I feel is a pretty sweet photo below, but we had to get off the water soon so we could clean up and head out. Until next time, Lake Champlain!
Sunrise on Lake Champlain.
Thanks for reading,
John Paxton
Want to learn how to take your kids out fishing? Do you have a friend who might need a hand? Click the pictures below to purchase my helpful books!
Dad and I opened up the house this past weekend on Lake Champlain. While we briefly journeyed north of the bridge, the majority of fishing was done around Crown Point, NY. Water temps where we caught them were around 55 degrees though we found areas warmer near by. The two lures that were most successful were a cherry craw colored Rat-L-Trap and a clown Rapala Shadow Rap. Weather conditions were stable on day one progressing into pre-frontal south winds on day two. For more details, read up on our fishing trips below.
Day 1: April 21, 2023
We drove up early Friday and were able to get on the water for the evening bite. Since we were only going to have a few hours, we decided to stay close to home and just fished the area near the house. It’s always tough on the first trip up, as you aren’t quite sure where the fish are going to be staging this year, and you also have to wonder what debris the raging winter has left behind. With both in mind, we tried the usual spots.
We had absolutely no luck on the Vermont side, even on the rocky points that have in the past been top producers. We’d do a few drifts with nothing doing which is unusual, but I did notice the water temps were pretty high (even in the 60’s in some bays), so I figured maybe they weren’t at their pre-spawn staging areas. We switched it up to the NY side fishing creek mouths and bays and managed to tie into some good sized bass, including the 4.82lb smallmouth below.
All fish on this day came on a cherry craw Rat-L-Trap that has proven to be one of the best early-season lures on Lake Champlain over the past three years (as some earlier fishing reports will show).
Day 2: April 22, 2023
We wanted to try fishing the rip rap on Bulwagga Bay’s western shore on a nice Saturday in late April — prime salmon trolling time. We didn’t catch anything there (I did have a good smallmouth on for a moment) and really after noticing the gentlemen I accidentally cut off were also throwing red crankbaits, we decided to head back south instead.
The wind was fine in the morning but picked up heavily in the early afternoon as a major front was coming through that would dump rain all across New England. We headed back to areas around creek mouths south of the bridge and found a few fish. They wanted clown colored Rapala Shadow Raps this time, and we obliged.
We managed a few bass but the pickerel bite really picked up. Most bites came on a pause, and I started getting hit more when I would let the pause linger a bit.
All in all it was great to be back on the lake! I’m hoping with the divorce finalized that I’ll be able to get up there far more often this year to update this blog, so hopefully I’ll see you around.
Bulwagga Bay presents some of the best fishing in Lake Champlain, yet you would never know it from the internet. Well, at least not if you’re a bass fisherman. “The Fleet” that goes out in search of early season salmon and lake trout know all about it. It’s just the bass tournament fishermen who never pay it much heed. No, they just blast right past it on their way to Ticonderoga, it seems.
All the better. Even though it’s a huge bay in the lake, it’s great to have less company. Bulwagga Bay, in my opinion, is one of the better places to take a kid fishing for BIG fish in Lake Champlain. Why? Well, read on, and you’ll find out.
What Makes the Fishing in Bulwagga Bay So Great?
Basically a lake within a lake, and with nearby access to a great camping site, Bulwagga Bay is a wonderful fishing destination. In terms of common species, it is one of the more ecologically diverse sections of Lake Champlain. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, chain pickerel, freshwater drum, walleye, gar, salmon, lake trout, and a host of panfish all call Bulwagga Bay home at one point or another.
It is one of the few places in southern Lake Champlain where you have a legitimate chance to catch an Atlantic salmon or lake trout without trolling, depending on the time of the year, and also one of the best places to find a northern pike.
Regardless of if you prefer to troll open water, or cast plugs or spinnerbaits to tight cover, Bulwagga Bay has you covered. I’ve personally caught some very large bass in the bay and I’m surprised more tournament anglers don’t give it a shot.
Additionally, it’s a convenient place to fish. There are two boat launches nearby, and it’s right near Norm’s Bait and Tackle. I’ve found myself making it one of my main destinations the past few years, especially as it retains deep, fishable water long into the season.
The Best Fishing Spots in Bulwagga Bay on Lake Champlain
As stated earlier, Bulwagga Bay is a little ecosystem all of its own. Here’s a guide to my favorite places to fish in Bulwagga Bay. Hopefully it helps you have a productive day on the water!
The Sunken Sand and Rock Point (1)
If you aren’t careful entering Bulwagga Bay, your fishing trip could be over before it starts. There is a very large and dangerous sand and rock crib that extends west from the Fort at Crown Point. While it is marked, these markers are very hard to see during certain conditions. Make sure you enter the bay well to the west to avoid them.
With that said, if you are careful, this crib can offer tremendous fishing. Smallmouth bass in particular enjoy the area and can be caught with crankbaits and tubes. Just make sure you’re very careful about the approach lest the wind blow you into the hazard while you’re retying your line. A trolling motor with an anchor function like the Minn Kota Terrova really comes in handy when fishing here!
The Railroad Tracks (2)
Most of my time fishing Bulwagga Bay has been spent plugging along the western shore, throwing crankbaits at the rip rap from the railroad track fill. I usually go here later in the year when the fishing around Crown Point and Ticonderoga starts to get tough because of a decreasing water level. The great thing about Bulwagga Bay near these tracks is that it stays deep year round and holds fish. I’ve had tremendous luck throwing red lipless cranks the past few years and it is quickly becoming a staple.
This is also an area where you’ll notice many guys troll for salmon and lake trout early in the year. They don’t tend to go right up to shore, instead concentrating on the nearby drop-off, but it’s certainly a popular spot. It can get a little tricky maneuvering in the area so make sure you’re careful.
I tend to fish right close to the rip rap though the weeds extend out considerably even in deeper water. The water is so clear here that the vegetation can grow even when well submerged. This makes it a great place to run a troll searching for pike or pickerel. Just be careful because while most areas are deep, there are some shallow spots near points that can come up on you quick!
Early in the year, you can catch Atlantic Salmon and even Lake Trout along the western shore of Bulwaga Bay.
The Mid-Bay Point (3)
South of the railroad tracks there is a soft point that extends out into Bulwagga Bay. This is a dangerous place to boat because there are several submerged boulders off this point. These boulders often hold largemouth bass throughout the year. Try bumping a crankbait off of them to encourage some strikes, but be careful with your trolling motor.
The Southern Bay (4)
The very southern section of Bulwagga Bay can hold a number of fish early in the year, but it gets extremely weed-clogged as the year goes on. This is your typical spawning bay and also frequently has clean water available. Try tossing a Senko or jig around until you connect with some early season bruisers.
The Stable Weedline (5)
The area just south of the southern most part of Bulwagga Bay is one of my favorite places to fish in Lake Champlain. Specifically, this area sets up extremely well to troll for chain pickerel, though you’ll also catch your share of bass, and even the odd walleye!
This area has deep enough water that a troll of 2.5 – 3 mph will usually keep your spinnerbaits from fouling too much. I like to cast them out and then let line out slowly while keeping them high in the water. Going back and forth in this area can be extremely productive around Labor Day.
The Eastern Shore (6)
The eastern shore of Bulwagga Bay can be a hit and miss place to fish. The southeast section is shallow and you’ll see a ton of gar swimming around. I haven’t had much luck there. As you move north, the shoreline becomes rocky and you can catch fish. The rocks are natural and flat sloping though and I haven’t had as much luck as the jagged rocks on the western shore along the railroad tracks. All the same, this area does hold fish and it’s worth giving it a shot, especially if the other side is taken.
What Fishing Lures Work Well in Bulwagga Bay?
Given the water clarity, I prefer to use more natural colored lures in Bulwagga Bay. Whereas chartreuse works very well south of the bridge, I feel like fish can get a closer look at your offering in Bulwagga Bay and accordingly, you ought to give them something white or even fish colored. The one exception is my tried and true red Rat-L-Traps which I love so much, and which are dynamite in this section.
The main lures I use to catch fish in Bulwagga are those red Rat-L-Traps, a perch-colored jerkbait, and a white spinnerbait with willow blades for trolling. All have their place. As mentioned earlier, there are many places where you can set up a shallow water troll in this area, so make sure you have a few tied on and ready to roll.
Special Considerations When Fishing Bulwagga Bay
Bulwagga Bay is a great place to fish for largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and northern pike, but you will likely run into another type of fisherman you don’t encounter often: trollers. There is usually a fleet of boats here early in the year trolling for salmon and lake trout before they go deep. While this isn’t a problem, per say, it is something to be aware of. Use common sense when fishing around these folks so you don’t entangle their lines or ruin their trolling run.
Another thing to consider is that depending how you get there, you could be in for trouble on the way home. Lake Champlain really opens up north of Bulwagga Bay and sometimes you don’t realize what’s going on in the main lake while you’re fishing. This lead to one of the more dicey times I’ve had fishing Lake Champlain, so be careful heading out, especially if you need to get past the bridge to get home.
Finally, do bear in mind that while there are two boat launches very close to Bulwagga Bay (one in Port Henry, and the other underneath the Bridge on the VT side), each has some quirks. The boat launch at Port Henry has folks who will check your boat for invasive species, so show up clean and dry. Across the lake and underneath the bridge, there’s a small boat launch. Get there very early or you won’t have a spot.
Helpful Links for Fishing Bulwagga Bay
New to fishing Bulwagga Bay or Lake Champlain in general? Check out my Definitive List of Lake Champlain resources to learn about different ramps, fishing guides, and other websites where you can find information to help you have a great fishing trip.
I have several fishing reports for Bulwagga Bay on this website. Here are few you can check out:
Every tournament angler who launches their boat from Plattsburgh, NY on Lake Champlain has to make a decision. Do they chase smallmouth up north, or make the 90 minute boat drive down to try and catch a limit of fish near Ticonderoga? When you think about it, this travel time means committing to fishing Ticonderoga essentially means spotting other anglers an extra day over the course of a four day tournament. Yet every year, many tournament anglers do just this, because the fishing around Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain can be amazing.
What Makes Ticonderoga Such a Great Fishery?
While Lake Champlain in general is a tremendous fishery, there are a number of factors that make fishing the Ticonderoga area exceptional. Ticonderoga comes from the Indian word for “junction between two waterways” (source) and this means you have two great river mouths right next to each other. There is the La Chutte river in New York, and East Creek in Vermont. Both of these tend to stack bass up just like any other creek mouth would at certain times of the year.
Additionally, there is a deep channel that runs close by expansive spawning flats that are near both of these creek mouths. This provides fish refuge during the summer, and also allows species that appreciate the presence of nearby deeper water (like northern pike) to have a place to call home.
Further, there is a variety of habitat and cover for fish to hide and hunt in. As mentioned, there are tons of weed beds, spawning flats, and creek mouths, but there are also rocky shorelines and points for pre-spawn fish to stage on, and sunken timbers and other reefs that hold fish year round.
Regardless of what type of fish you’re trying to catch, or how you like to catch them, Ticonderoga has some sort of fishing for you.
The Best Fishing Spots on Lake Champlain Near Ticonderoga, NY
I’ve taken the liberty to use Google Maps to show you several good fishing spots on Lake Champlain near Ticonderoga, NY. These are all spots I’ve personally fished and can attest to, but don’t take my word for it. Just try and go there on a busy Saturday and actually be the only boat near any one of these – it’s not happening!
Let’s break down the fishing near Ticonderoga, NY one by one as it relates to this map.
A map of some outstanding fishing spots near Ticonderoga, NY on Lake Champlain.
The Breakwater Near the Ticonderoga Boat Launch (1)
Just south of the Ticonderoga boat launch and ferry is a large breakwater. This can be a god send on a windy day as one side or the other is usually sheltered. It’s a popular place to fish, so you’ll want to get there early if you want the best spots.
Both sides of this breakwater drop off into the channel of about 20′ of water. There is a pronounced weed line before you get there on each side. This makes it a very good location to catch northern pike. Additionally, the point of the breakwater can act as a great ambush point that can stack bass and other species waiting for some unwary prey to move across it. Try poking around with a jig or jerkbait in this area.
The Shoreline Along Ft. Ticonderoga’s Eastern Shore (2)
This is a dangerous area as it has some hazards that are marked on most maps. Unfortunately, the hazards (underwater cribs) are just the perfect distance between an outboard motor and trolling motor (ask me how I know). If you aren’t careful, you can badly damage your boat. I would highly recommend that you get a good navigational chart and take it easy in this location. With that said, these same motor killers can hold some of the larger fish in Ticonderoga. I had a huge northern break me off near one years ago.
Spawning Flat Near East Creek (3)
Just north of East Creek is a large flat that covers up densely with weeds each summer. It makes for a decent spawning bay before this happens. Afterwards, it is a tremendous place to throw frogs all year round for largemouth bass. It is impossible to fish near Ticonderoga without seeing a few bass boats poking around in this region. The ample cover near deep water and a creek mouth combine for some amazing fishing.
East Creek (4)
East Creek itself makes for a great fishing trip. Just make sure that you have a VT license, as you’ll need it to fish this area near Ticonderoga. It can be a little challenging to navigate into the creek as beaver tend to like to make some large structures at the first bend. Once you get in, you have more room to maneuver. My ex-wife and I spent an enjoyable day fishing this area and caught a number of fish in the habitat. Just be careful as some people have a bad habit of driving too fast around the corners when there isn’t a lot of room for error.
Largemouth bass can be found in this creek year round, and folks claim huge northerns prowl it early in the year, though I’ve yet to catch one there at that time.
Catfish Bay (5)
Catfish Bay is the bay directly west from Mt. Independence, Vermont. Despite it’s name, I’ve yet to catch a catfish there. What it does have, and in large numbers, are northern pike. Toss spinnerbaits along the weed edges in this bay and hold on. I’ve also found this bay produces bowfin.
Do note that this bay gets quite shallow close to land. I’ve had better luck fishing the outside weed edge which is near the drop off. Northerns really appreciate a good deep water weed line to cruise, which can add to your success.
The Railroad Tracks (6)
You can’t drive up 22N past Ticonderoga without seeing someone out fishing near the railroad tracks that follow the water. These tracks have the same rip rap cover that are so productive throughout the lake, and there are cribs and fallen woods to add to the allure. Throw in some weed beds and you have prime habitat for largemouth bass and chain pickerel. You’ll be able to pick out the cover easy enough – it’s obvious – but don’t be afraid to throw around into areas that aren’t so obvious as well.
Mouth of the La Chute River (7)
The Mouth of the La Chute River holds fish like any other creek mouth. The water is crisp and clear which is a good transition from the stained water in most of the area. During periods of high water, such as early spring, it is possible to go far up in the mouth and even explore the large bay/marsh on the western/northern side. You’ll find many people stack up trying to catch panfish in this region year round.
Note that as you go into the La Chute River, you’ll eventually come to a railroad bridge. Wherever you can find such structure on the lake, you’ll find fish. My Dad always used to get excited to fish the railroad bridge in Putnam Creek right after a train passed as he said that this knocked bugs into the water and put fish into feeding mode. I don’t know how much truth there is to this, but it is worth a shot.
Just be aware that you will need a NY license to fish the La Chute River. VT won’t cut it.
Spawning Bay South of Ft. Ticonderoga (8)
This is another one of those spots where you’re sure to have company. It is definitely a popular place to fish near Ticonderoga, as there are plenty of bass and chain pickerel mulling around. I like to toss spinnerbaits and other semi-weedless lures in this area seeking a reaction bite. It can also be beneficial to toss out a Senko near little pockets of weeds as you would any other spawning bay.
The closer you get to the La Chute River, the better your chances of finding some clear water. However, this will also mean the water is quite cold early in the year and you may need to slow things down.
The shoreline near Ft. Ticonderoga provides good fishing and a great view.
What Lures Work Well to Fish the Ticonderoga Area?
Pretty much anything that works well in Lake Champlain is going to work well in Ticonderoga. Just be mindful that as part of the southern end of the lake, it is considerably more stained than in the north. White has always been a great color, but I really prefer something with chartreuse in it for southern Lake Champlain. Lately, I’ve been on a real kick using War Eagle Spinnerbaits as they run true and have good durability.
Black is also great in this area given how well it contrasts. This helps fish find it easier, especially on days with overcast clouds.
You’ll find plenty of people using spinnerbaits, jigs, and the usual Senkos in Ticonderoga. It all depends what you’re after. I’ve found that this section of lake has more numerous pike than others south of the Crown Point Bridge. Keep this in mind when you’re tossing lures as you might need to replace a few.
Special Considerations When Fishing the Ticonderoga Area of Lake Champlain
If you’re planning your first fishing trip to the Ticonderoga area, there are a few things to be aware of. In no particular order:
This is a very popular and busy ramp. You may want to get there early to secure parking.
Additionally, this is a VERY popular and busy tournament ramp. You may want to check local clubs for their schedules.
The ramp has employees throughout much of the year who will check your boat for aquatic invasives, so show up dry and clean.
There are some submerged hazards as discussed above. In addition to the cribs I’ve mentioned, there’s also a ferry cable you need to be aware of when fishing near it.
This is an extremely pressured part of the lake. While you can absolutely kill it when you locate fish, they are going to be more spooky than some less pressured fish.
Other Helpful Links for Fishing Ticonderoga
New to the area? Not sure how to start or to get your bearings on massive Lake Champlain? Try visiting my page on The Definitive List of Lake Champlain Fishing Resources. In it you’ll find guides on a litany of resources to help you get started, be it different forums, vlogs, or charter captains. Check it out!
If you find that Ticonderoga has too much action for you to handle, why not try heading north a bit and fishing near Crown Point instead? It too has excellent fishing, and this past report I wrote may be of service to you!
Finally, you may want to check out this great book by Dale D. Brown, Bass Fishing 101: Lake Champlain. It has plenty of information on Ticonderoga as well as the rest of the lake and I highly recommend picking up a copy.
I hope this article was helpful! Drop me an email and let me know how your latest fishing trip to Ticonderoga went!
2022 was a tough year for me personally, so I didn’t have much time or inclination to write about my fishing adventures on Lake Champlain. Even so, that doesn’t mean I didn’t have a blast up there fishing with friends and family.
The First Fishing Trip – May 20, 2022
One of the first real fishing trips I took to Lake Champlain this year was with my buddy Andrew. He was the same friend I nearly killed last year when the weather got a little out of control. Since we had such luck last year at Bulwagga Bay, that was where we concentrated this year as well.
As usual, we focused on the western shore making our way down the rip rap of railroad track fill. We tied into some absolute monsters, mostly while using the same Rat-L-Traps we had such luck with the year before. This lure produced both a giant bass for me as well as a real shocker – an Atlantic Salmon (the first I’ve caught casting!) Both were caught right along the rip rap early in the year.
This bass crushed a Rat-L-Trap. It was easily my biggest Champlain bass of the year.
I was quite surprised when this Atlantic Salmon hit a Rat-L-Trap tossed close to shore.
While we did spend most of that trip up in Bulwagga Bay, we also messed around a bit hitting rocky points and creek mouths south of the bridge. We didn’t have as much luck with the points (the water was high, cold, and murky at this time of year), but the creek mouths certainly produced, including this nice Northern Pike for Drew.
Drew with a nice Northern Pike caught in a creek mouth.
May 20, 2022 Thoughts:
The following were some of our observations for this fishing trip:
The water was much colder than we were expecting. We didn’t find much luck with fish on the beds though a few bass were clearly full of eggs.
We attempted to follow the railroad tracks north of Bulwagga Bay but the water temps absolutely plummeted once we left the bay and got past Port Henry’s marina.
Fish were stacked along creek mouths holding into the wind, apparently waiting for prey to cross their path. Crankbaits that dug in a bit were really working for another boat we observed.
The water levels were higher this year after a crazy low season the year before, but not as high as I’ve seen them.
May 29-30, 2022
Having scouted out the lake with Drew and having a good idea of where to find fish, it was time to take Tristan and my dad up for a Grandfather-Father-Son adventure a week or so later. However, even though Drew and I had our best luck up north about 10 days earlier, the three of us decided to concentrate on the south.
Tristan caught his fair share of largemouth as well as a number of smaller freshwater drum. We were mostly using drop shots with nightcrawlers (fully living ones, mind you) and concentrated primarily on the tried and true Vermont side of Lake Champlain south of the Crown Point bridge. While Tristan is starting to get to the age where he can cast really well, it’s just so hard to fish with anything besides worms when you bring a kid along. They work so darn well.
As always, it was so much fun taking my son and dad out fishing. I’m grateful we got another year worth of memories in the books.
After a long day of fishing, it was great to spend the evening by a fire with my son.
June 19 – 20th – Fathers’ Day Weekend
Tristan and my next trip to Lake Champlain was during their annual LCI Derby. I coughed up the money for the entry fee just in case we caught something massive, but we didn’t catch anything worth weighing in. That didn’t stop us from having a great time together. I always enjoy taking him up there with just me. It takes me back to my first fishing trip with Dad on Lake Champlain so many moons ago. I hope my son will remember the memories we made as well.
Tristan and I combined for a nice pair of bass for a fun photo together.
As is becoming customary, Tristan caught the biggest fish of the trip.
July 4th Weekend 2022 Fishing on Lake Champlain
The family and I headed up to Lake Champlain, as usual, for the July 4th holiday. There really isn’t a better place in America to celebrate the Republic’s birthday than the Adirondacks. Ticonderoga has a fun fair and great fireworks, and the fishing (and especially the frog bite) really kick into high gear.
Tristan with a bruiser he caught on a frog at dusk.
Since we were up all week, we fished all over creation. One day, we hit up Bulwagga Bay (mostly trolling) and tied into a few nice largemouth bass that hit white War Eagle spinnerbaits.
The next, we trolled the same way in Giard’s Bay (never a top producer for me) searching for Pike. Tristan managed a nice one in about 8-10′ of water.
Northern Pike caught trolling Giard’s Bay, Lake Champlain.
All in all, a fun trip as always that didn’t disappoint.
July 16 – 17, 2022
For our next big fishing trip to Lake Champlain, Tristan brought his friend. They were both born days apart from each other so they’ve grown up together, but this is the first time we were able to get the two boys up to Lake Champlain for some fun.
For the most part, we threw drop shots with the boys, which led to Tristan catching a very nice channel catfish all by himself (he did ask me to hold it for the picture though).
We also tried our hand at trolling a bit, seeking out Northern Pike. Tristan’s friend caught the big pike of the weekend which made for a great photo with him and his father. This is a great technique to cover a lot of water quickly and is also great for when kids aren’t quite at the age where they can cast far enough to use a spinnerbait well. If you’d like some tips on how to do it, check out my article on trolling for chain pickerel.
Nothing beats helping a Dad put their kid on a great fish to show their friends!
We finished up the boys’ trip with a lesson in frogging. I warned them that we probably wouldn’t catch much, but it was just too much fun not to try given how much fun it is to see fish jump out of the water and smack your lure. We did end up landing a few doing this, and everyone in the boat was hooked.
Of some annoyance, the water was already too low for me to use my boat launch by this time. I usually can stretch it out until August, but not this year. Even so, it was better than in 2021!
September 24-25, 2022
The last trip I’d take Tristan to Champlain for was on a long weekend in late September. The fishing was harder than usual, so it was a good thing we hadn’t been there for several weeks and a little fish like this was still enough to please him. He hadn’t caught many smallmouth this year, so he was just excited to get a new species!
Tristan and his Grandfather.
The scenery and weather was beautiful, however, and Tristan had a ball playing with all his friends up north. While I naturally spend most of my time documenting our fishing, Tristan has a ball playing with his friends as well and it was great to see them.
November 5 – 6, 2022
My last trip of the year was in early November. Ostensibly, we were going to close up the house, but Dad and I couldn’t resist dunking the boat in at Port Henry for one last shot. We decided to concentrate entirely on Bulwagga Bay, as it has become a staple in recent years. It did not disappoint. I wrote a full-sized fishing report on it here. Read it if you want to see why Dad was so happy!
The Year in Review
All in all it was a decent year for fishing. I’m glad that Lake Champlain rebounded a bit from 2021, which was a very tough year with very low water. Who knows what will come in 2023, but I pray to God that I’ll live to see another site like this. I find that each year as I walk to the water for the first time, I feel a huge weight fall from my shoulders as my lungs fill up with the scent of the lake and my heart starts to lift.
I can’t wait for that feeling again, but it’ll be at least another four months from now! Until later, Lake Champlain!
