Episodes

  • Lake Champlain Ice Fishing Report: Perch, Walleye, and Lake Trout Await

    Lake Champlain Ice Fishing Report: Perch, Walleye, and Lake Trout Await
    Feb 8 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share today's fishing report for Lake Champlain, one of our favorite spots in both Vermont and New York.

    As of today, February 8, 2025, the weather is quite chilly, perfect for ice fishing. The sunrise was at around 6:53 AM, and we're expecting the sunset to be around 4:53 PM. This gives us a good window to get out on the ice and catch some fish.

    For those interested in tidal reports, although Lake Champlain is not a tidal body of water, it's worth noting that the water levels can fluctuate slightly due to other factors like wind and precipitation. However, this doesn't significantly impact our ice fishing today.

    The ice cover on Lake Champlain is solid, especially in the bays and northern areas, making it ideal for ice fishing. Recently, anglers have been reporting a good catch of yellow perch, walleye, and lake trout. The perch fishery here is particularly strong, with many anglers catching yellow perch in the 8- to 10-inch range, and some even larger ones.

    If you're heading out today, I recommend checking out Bulwagga Bay near the south end of the lake and Shelburne Bay just south of Burlington. These areas tend to freeze first and are known for their abundant fish populations. For lake trout, focus on the middle section of the main lake, around the areas from Westport to Cumberland Head, where the deep structure is perfect for jigging or trolling.

    In terms of lures and bait, for perch and panfish, small jigs tipped with live bait like worms or minnows work wonders. For lake trout, use deeper jigs or spoons that can reach those 80- to 100-foot depths. Crappie, which are also active during this time, can be caught using small jigs or tiny spoons with a slow and steady retrieve.

    Today's event, the Rack N Reel Ice Fishing Tournament on Lake Memphremagog, although not directly on Lake Champlain, indicates the high fish activity in the region. Anglers participating in such tournaments often report catching Northern Pike, which is also a possibility in Lake Champlain.

    To sum it up, today is a great day to get out on Lake Champlain for some ice fishing. The cold weather, solid ice cover, and active fish make it an ideal time to catch a variety of species. Make sure to dress warmly, bring the right gear, and enjoy the beautiful winter scenery while you're out there.

    Happy fishing, and tight lines
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    3 mins
  • Ice Fishing on Lake Champlain: Your Guide to Catching Perch, Crappie, and More this Winter

    Ice Fishing on Lake Champlain: Your Guide to Catching Perch, Crappie, and More this Winter
    Feb 7 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene around Lake Champlain for today, February 7th, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. It's a crisp winter morning here in Vermont and New York, with temperatures hovering just above freezing. The forecast shows a mix of sun and clouds, which is perfect for getting out on the ice. 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.

    Sunrise today is at around 7:03 AM, and sunset will be at 6:05 PM, giving us a good window to get some fishing in. The key to successful ice fishing here is knowing where to go and what to use.

    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 the more adventurous, jigging for lake trout in the deeper sections of the lake can be rewarding, though it requires more specialized gear and knowledge of the deep structure.

    In the deeper sections, lake trout are often caught by jigging or trolling, and this time of year, they can be found in areas like the middle section of the main lake, from roughly Westport to Cumberland Head. However, for ice fishing, sticking to the shallower bays and areas with good structure is your best bet.

    For those targeting larger species like pike and bass, larger spoons or jigging lures like the Rapala Jigging Rap can be very effective. Some anglers also swear by lures like the Mepps Aglia #4 Red/White blade with bucktail dressed hooks, which have hauled in hundreds of bass, pike, and perch.

    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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    3 mins
  • Ice Fishing Frenzy at Lake Champlain: Landlocks, Lakers, and Lively Perch

    Ice Fishing Frenzy at Lake Champlain: Landlocks, Lakers, and Lively Perch
    Feb 5 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the current fishing scene around Lake Champlain, straddling the borders of Vermont and New York.

    As of today, February 5th, 2025, we're right in the midst of some excellent ice fishing conditions. The weather is cold, with temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to low twenties Fahrenheit, making the ice on Lake Champlain nice and solid. Sunrise is at around 6:55 AM, and sunset is expected at about 4:45 PM, giving us a good window for some productive ice fishing.

    The fish activity has been quite lively, especially with the recent cold spell. Ice anglers have been reporting good catches of landlocked salmon, lake trout, northern pike, yellow perch, white perch, walleye, and crappie. For those targeting landlocked salmon, the Inland Sea north of the Sandbar Causeway has been a hotspot. Lake trout are being caught off the west shore of Grand Isle and North Hero, as well as in Outer Mallets Bay and Shelburne Bay.

    Northern pike have been active in areas like Kelley Bay, Missisquoi Bay, and the shallow flats south of the Sandbar Causeway between Milton and South Hero. If you're after yellow perch and other panfish, they're being caught throughout the bays and shallows of Lake Champlain.

    When it comes to lures and bait, tip-ups with live bait such as smelt or shiners are working well for pike and trout. For perch and panfish, small jigs tipped with worms or maggots are proving effective. If you're jigging for lake trout, using spoons or jigs that mimic their main forage, like rainbow smelt, can be very productive.

    One of the hot spots right now is the area around St. Albans Bay, where northern pike and yellow perch are plentiful. Another spot worth checking out is Bulwagga Bay near the south end of the lake, which is known for its good perch fishing.

    Remember to always check the ice conditions before heading out, as safety should be your top priority. With the warmer days and cold nights, the ice can be unpredictable, especially as we get closer to spring.

    So, bundle up, grab your gear, and get out on the ice. Lake Champlain is offering some fantastic fishing opportunities right now, and you wouldn't want to miss out on the action. Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • Ice Fishing Lake Champlain's Frozen Bounty in Vermont and New York

    Ice Fishing Lake Champlain's Frozen Bounty in Vermont and New York
    Feb 3 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene around Lake Champlain for today, February 3rd, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. It's a crisp winter morning here in Vermont and New York, with temperatures hovering just above freezing. The forecast shows a mix of sun and clouds, which is perfect for getting out on the ice.

    Since Lake Champlain is a large, freshwater lake, it doesn't have tides like coastal areas do. However, 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.

    Sunrise today is at around 7:03 AM, and sunset will be at 6:05 PM, giving us a good window to get some fishing in. The key to successful ice fishing here is knowing where to go and what to use.

    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.

    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 the more adventurous, jigging for lake trout in the deeper sections of the lake can be rewarding, though it requires more specialized gear and knowledge of the deep structure.

    In terms of lures, small spoons like the Kastmaster or Genz Worms are excellent for panfish. For pike and bass, larger spoons or jigging lures like the Rapala Jigging Rap can be very effective.

    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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    3 mins
  • Ice Fishing Report: Yellow Perch, Bass, and Pike Bite Hot on Lake Champlain

    Ice Fishing Report: Yellow Perch, Bass, and Pike Bite Hot on Lake Champlain
    Feb 2 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene around Lake Champlain for February 2, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the conditions. Today, the sunrise is at 7:12 AM, and the sunset will be at 4:54 PM. The weather is expected to be chilly, typical for this time of year, so make sure you're bundled up.

    Now, let's dive into the tidal report. For Lake Champlain, which is technically a lake but has some tidal influences, especially in the northern parts, here are the tide times for today. We have a high tide at 12:23 PM with a height of 1.53 meters (5.02 feet), and a low tide at 9:02 AM with a height of 0.84 meters (2.76 feet)[2].

    When it comes to fish activity, this time of year is excellent for ice fishing. The ice cover on Lake Champlain is still solid, especially in the bays at the north and south ends of the lake. Yellow perch are one of the most sought-after species during this season, and they tend to favor mud and muck-bottomed areas, as well as rock piles and reefs[4].

    Recently, anglers have been having great success with yellow perch, catching them in the 8- to 10-inch range, and some even bigger. Bulwagga Bay and Shelburne Bay are hot spots for perch and other species like largemouth bass. For perch, using small jigs or tiny spoons tipped with bait like maggots or small minnows can be very effective. If you're targeting bass, consider using lures like crankbaits or soft plastics in areas with structure like rock piles or weed beds[4].

    Another popular species this time of year is the northern pike. These fish can be found in areas with thick vegetation or near structure. Using larger lures like spoons or tip-ups with bait like smelt or sucker minnows can attract these aggressive predators.

    If you're looking to try your hand at some other species, walleye and lake trout are also present in Lake Champlain. For walleye, try using jigs or live bait in deeper areas, especially around dusk or dawn. Lake trout can be caught using deeper presentations with lures like spoons or flies, particularly in areas with rocky drop-offs.

    In summary, today is a great day to get out on the ice at Lake Champlain. The conditions are perfect for targeting yellow perch, largemouth bass, northern pike, and other species. Make sure to dress warmly, and don't forget to check the ice thickness before heading out. Happy fishing
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    3 mins
  • Ice Fishing on Lake Champlain: Perch, Trout, and Salmon in the Frigid Winter Months

    Ice Fishing on Lake Champlain: Perch, Trout, and Salmon in the Frigid Winter Months
    Feb 1 2025
    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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    3 mins
  • Lake Champlain Fishing Report January 2025 - Trophy Trout, Salmon, and Bass Await Anglers

    Lake Champlain Fishing Report January 2025 - Trophy Trout, Salmon, and Bass Await Anglers
    Jan 31 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene around Lake Champlain for January 31, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the conditions. Today, the weather is expected to be cold, typical of mid-January, but that's not deterring the fish or the anglers. The sunrise is at 7:13 AM, and the sunset will be at 4:52 PM. For those keeping an eye on the tides, here are the times for today: low tide at 8:24 AM, high tide at 11:43 AM, another low tide at 8:09 PM, and a final high tide late in the evening.

    Now, onto the fish activity. Lake Champlain is still buzzing with action despite the winter chill. The last few weeks have seen excellent catches of Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, and Steelhead. These species are active in the deeper sections of the lake, particularly in the middle area from Westport to Cumberland Head. Lake Trout are being caught by jigging and trolling over 100 feet below the surface, often found 1 to 3 feet above the bottom chasing rainbow smelt.

    Trolling trips have been incredibly successful, with some trips seeing over 25 bites in a single evening. Trophy Steelhead, numerous beautiful Salmon, and some of the biggest Lake Trout of the year have been landed recently. For Lake Trout, using Downriggers, Slidediver dipsies, and copper long lines has been key. Switching baits regularly has also helped in putting these trophy fish in the box.

    If you're targeting Bass, which are now post-spawn and actively feeding, try chasing them with swim baits early in the day. Once the sun gets high, work the docks and deep water drop-offs. For perch and crappie, areas like Bulwagga Bay and South Bay are popular, especially during the ice fishing season and in the spring when these species move into shallow bays and backwaters.

    Here are a couple of hot spots to consider: Kings Bay at the mouth of the Great Chazy River is a great spot to start, especially for Bass and other species. The middle section of the main lake, from Westport to Cumberland Head, is ideal for Lake Trout. For perch and crappie, Bulwagga Bay and South Bay are your best bets.

    In terms of lures and bait, for Lake Trout, stick with those Downriggers and Slidediver dipsies. For Bass, swim baits and working the docks with deep water drop-offs have been effective. If you're after perch, mud and muck-bottomed areas, as well as rock piles and reefs, are where you'll find them.

    Overall, Lake Champlain continues to offer exciting fishing opportunities even in the winter. With the right tactics and knowledge of the best spots, you're bound to have a successful day on the water. So bundle up, grab your gear, and get out there – the fish are waiting Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • Lake Champlain's Winter Fishing Bounty: Bass, Trout, and More in this Chilly Season

    Lake Champlain's Winter Fishing Bounty: Bass, Trout, and More in this Chilly Season
    Jan 30 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the current fishing scene around Lake Champlain, straddling the borders of Vermont and New York.

    As of today, January 30, 2025, the conditions on Lake Champlain are quite favorable despite the chilly winter weather. Let's start with the tidal report, although it's worth noting that Lake Champlain, being a freshwater lake, doesn't experience significant tidal changes. However, water levels do fluctuate. Today, you can expect a low tide at 7:47 AM with a height of 0.8 meters (2.62 ft), followed by a high tide at 11:06 AM with a height of 1.32 meters (4.33 ft). The next low tide will be at 7:14 PM with a height of 0.79 meters (2.59 ft), and the final high tide of the day will be at 11:19 PM with a height of 1.67 meters (5.48 ft)[2].

    The weather is typical for this time of year, with temperatures hovering around the mid-20s to low 30s Fahrenheit. Expect partly cloudy skies and a moderate wind, which might make the water surface a bit choppy but still manageable for ice-free areas. Sunrise today is at 7:14 AM, and sunset will be around 4:51 PM[2].

    Fish activity has been quite promising. Recently, anglers have reported good catches of both smallmouth and largemouth bass, particularly in the 2-4 pound range. Shelburne Bay and Town Farm Bay, along with the Otter Creek area, have been hotspots for bass fishing. Lake trout have also been active, with catches reported in the deeper sections of the lake, especially between Westport and Cumberland Head[1][3].

    For bass, using jigs with curly tail trailers or crankbaits that mimic the appearance of rainbow smelt has been highly effective. For lake trout, jigging or trolling with spoons and deep-diving lures over 100 feet below the surface has yielded good results. Live bait such as minnows and shiners can also be very effective for both bass and trout[1].

    If you're looking for some prime spots, Shelburne Bay is a must-visit for largemouth bass. The bay's structure, complete with submerged logs and weed beds, makes it an ideal haunt for these fish. Town Farm Bay and the Otter Creek area are also excellent spots, offering a mix of shallow and deeper waters that attract a variety of fish species[1][3].

    In summary, Lake Champlain is offering some great fishing opportunities despite the winter conditions. Make sure to bundle up, check the local weather forecast, especially the wind, and head out to these hotspots for a productive day on the water. Tight lines, and see you out there
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    3 mins