• Lake Champlain Fishing Report: Ice Fishing Hotspots and Open Water Opportunities

  • Feb 8 2025
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

Lake Champlain Fishing Report: Ice Fishing Hotspots and Open Water Opportunities

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  • Summary

  • Hello there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene around Lake Champlain for today, February 8th, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. It's another crisp winter morning here in Vermont and New York, with temperatures just above freezing. The forecast shows a mix of sun and clouds, which is perfect for getting out on the ice. Sunrise today is at around 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 5:02 PM, giving us a good window to get some fishing in.

    Since Lake Champlain is a large freshwater lake, we don't have to worry about tides, but ice conditions are what we're focusing on this time of year. As of now, the ice is holding up well, with many areas having 20-30 inches of solid ice, making it safe for ice fishing.

    Recently, the fishing has been excellent, especially for those targeting yellow perch, bluegills, and crappies. These species are active under the ice, particularly in areas with mud and muck-bottomed bays. Bulwagga Bay near the south end of the lake and Shelburne Bay just south of Burlington are hot spots right now.

    For perch and bluegills, light tackle jigging with small jigs tipped with live bait like worms or minnows has been very effective. Crappies are also being caught alongside perch and sunfish, often in the same areas. Small spoons like the Kastmaster or Genz Worms are excellent for panfish.

    If you're after something bigger, pike and bass are also biting well. Tip-ups with live bait such as shiners or suckers are working great for these species. For pike and bass, larger spoons or jigging lures like the Rapala Jigging Rap can be very effective.

    For those who are adventurous and have the right gear, jigging for lake trout in the deeper sections of the lake can be rewarding. Lake trout are often found in depths over 100 feet, but during the winter, they might be a bit shallower. However, this requires more specialized gear and knowledge of the deep structure.

    In the open water areas, as the fall season transitions into winter, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, and Smallmouth Bass are still active. Anglers have been reporting success using spoons and live bait while trolling at depths of 25-40 feet near the main lake points and drop-offs. Silver and green patterns are proving effective for Salmon and Trout.

    Before you head out, make sure to check the ice thickness in your area and follow all safety guidelines. It's also a good idea to stay updated on local fishing reports and regulations.

    So, bundle up, grab your gear, and get out there – the fish are waiting, and the fresh air and beautiful scenery of Lake Champlain are just the therapy you need. Tight lines, everyone
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