Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the latest fishing report for Lake Champlain, straddling the borders of Vermont and New York, as of February 15, 2025.
First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, we're looking at a crisp winter morning with temperatures in the mid-20s to low 30s Fahrenheit. The sky is partly cloudy, which is ideal for ice fishing, as it reduces glare on the ice. Sunrise was at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:00 PM, giving us a good window to get out on the ice.
Lake Champlain is currently frozen, making it a prime time for ice fishing. The ice cover is solid, especially in the bays and northern parts of the lake. There's no significant tidal activity to worry about since Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake.
Recently, anglers have been reporting excellent catches of various species. For ice fishing, the main targets are jumbo northern pike, yellow perch, and walleye. Smallmouth and largemouth bass are also active, though they can be a bit more finicky in the cold water.
For pike and walleye, using live bait such as minnows or suckers has been highly effective. These baits can be presented on tip-ups or jigged gently to attract these predators. For perch, small jigs tipped with grubs or tiny spoons like the Swedish Pimple are working well. Crappies, though not as active in the deep cold, can still be caught using small jigs and live bait in the shallower bays[3][5].
If you prefer artificial lures, spoons and jigs in silver and green patterns are performing well for lake trout and salmon, though these species are less active under the ice. Crankbaits and spinners can also be effective for pike and bass when retrieved slowly to mimic injured baitfish[1][4].
Some hot spots to consider include Bulwagga Bay near the southern end of the lake, which is known for its perch and crappie fishing. Another spot is Shelburne Bay, just south of Burlington, where you can find largemouth bass and northern pike. For those targeting lake trout, the middle section of the main lake, particularly around Westport to Cumberland Head, is a good area, though this might be more challenging under the ice[3][5].
In summary, today is a great day to get out on Lake Champlain for some ice fishing. With the right gear and bait, you can expect a productive day on the ice. Just remember to dress warmly and stay safe.
Happy fishing, and tight lines