• Ice Fishing on Lake Champlain: Perch, Trout, and Salmon in the Frigid Winter Months

  • Feb 1 2025
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

Ice Fishing on Lake Champlain: Perch, Trout, and Salmon in the Frigid Winter Months

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  • Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene around Lake Champlain as of February 1st, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. As we're in the midst of winter, the temperatures are quite chilly. According to the National Weather Service, the water temperatures are around the mid-to-upper 30s Fahrenheit, which is typical for this time of year[2].

    For those planning to hit the ice, the good news is that the bays at the north and south ends of Lake Champlain are usually the first to freeze. As of now, areas like Bulwagga Bay near the south end and Shelburne Bay near Burlington are likely to have solid ice cover, making them prime spots for ice fishing[3].

    Sunrise today is at around 7:10 AM, and sunset will be at about 4:45 PM, giving you a decent window to get out on the ice.

    Now, let's talk about the fish activity. This time of year, yellow perch are one of the most active species. They tend to school on mud and muck-bottomed areas, but you can also find them on rock piles and reefs. Ice fishing for perch is at its peak, and many anglers are catching a good number of them in the 8- to 10-inch range, with some bigger ones mixed in[3].

    Lake Trout and Landlocked Salmon, although less active under the ice, can still be targeted. However, their activity is more subdued compared to the warmer months. Smallmouth Bass are generally less active during the winter but can still be caught if you know the right spots.

    For perch, the best approach is to use small jigs tipped with live bait like maggots or tiny minnows. For Lake Trout and Salmon, if you're lucky enough to find them, spoons and live bait can still work well, but you'll need to be patient and persistent.

    As for hot spots, Bulwagga Bay is a favorite among locals for perch fishing. The flats and areas around any remaining green vegetation under the ice are where you'll likely find schools of perch. Another spot is Town Farm Bay, which is known for its mud and muck-bottomed areas that attract perch[3].

    In summary, if you're heading out to Lake Champlain today, be prepared for cold weather and potentially icy conditions. Target the bays for yellow perch, and use small jigs with live bait for the best results. If you're after Lake Trout or Salmon, be patient and try using spoons and live bait in the deeper areas.

    Stay warm and tight lines
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