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.
First off, let's talk about the time of year. We're in the midst of winter, and for those brave enough to venture out onto the ice, Lake Champlain is offering some fantastic ice fishing opportunities. However, since the query is for February 12th, we'll focus on what's happening under the ice.
### Weather and Ice Conditions
The weather today is quite chilly, which is perfect for maintaining the ice cover. Sunrise was at around 6:41 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:02 PM. The ice conditions are stable, making it a great time to get out there.
### Fish Activity
Lake Champlain is home to over 90 species of fish, but during this time of year, the most active and sought-after species include jumbo northern pike, yellow perch, crappies, and even the occasional lake trout.
Recently, anglers have been reporting good catches of yellow perch, particularly in areas like Bulwagga Bay and South Bay. These perch are often found in mud and muck-bottomed areas but can also be schooling on rock piles and reefs. Crappies are also starting to become more active as the ice fishing season peaks, often found in shallow bays and backwaters with abundant reeds and brush.
### Best Lures and Bait
For ice fishing, the best lures and bait can vary depending on the target species. For yellow perch, small jigs tipped with live bait like maggots or tiny minnows are highly effective. Crappies can be caught using small jigging spoons or tiny plastic lures, often tipped with a minnow or a piece of bait.
If you're targeting northern pike, larger spoons and tip-ups with live bait such as smelt or herring can be very productive. For lake trout, which can be deeper, using jigging lures or tip-ups with live bait near the bottom can yield good results.
### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is Bulwagga Bay, located near the south end of the lake. This area is known for its abundant yellow perch and crappie populations. Another spot is South Bay, which is also a favorite among ice fishermen for its shallow bays and backwaters filled with reeds and brush.
Town Farm Bay and Shelburne Bay are also worth mentioning, though they might be more productive for bass and other species during the warmer months. However, these areas can still hold some surprises under the ice.
### Tidal Report
While Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake and does not have tides like saltwater bodies, it's worth noting that water levels can fluctuate due to wind and other environmental factors. However, these fluctuations are not as significant as tidal changes and do not typically affect ice fishing conditions.
In summary, if you're planning to hit the ice on Lake Champlain today, be prepared for a chilly but rewarding experience. Target areas like Bulwagga Bay and South Bay, and don't hesitate to try out different lures and baits to see what works best for you. Stay warm, and tight lines
