Épisodes

  • Ice Fishing Report for Lake Champlain - February 2025

    Ice Fishing Report for Lake Champlain - February 2025
    Feb 15 2025
    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
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • Ice Fishing and Winter Hotspots on Lake Champlain

    Ice Fishing and Winter Hotspots on Lake Champlain
    Feb 14 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 what's happening on Lake Champlain as of February 14th, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, we're looking at a crisp winter morning with temperatures hovering around the mid-20s to low 30s Fahrenheit. The skies are partly cloudy, which is perfect for a day on the water. Sunrise was at about 6:45 AM, and sunset will be around 5:00 PM, giving us a good window to get some fishing done.

    Lake Champlain, straddling the Vermont and New York border, is a fantastic spot for winter fishing, especially for those who enjoy ice fishing. However, since the ice cover can vary, it's essential to check the current conditions before heading out. As of now, the bays at the north and south ends of the lake are starting to freeze, making them ideal spots for ice fishing.

    Recently, anglers have been reporting good catches of Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, and Smallmouth Bass. These species are particularly active during the cooler months. For Lake Trout, the middle section of the main lake, especially the area from Westport to Cumberland Head, is a hotspot. These fish often hold deep, so be prepared to jig or troll at depths over 100 feet[4].

    For those targeting Landlocked Salmon and Smallmouth Bass, the fall season's cooler water temperatures have brought them into shallower areas. Focus on main lake points, rocky shorelines, and drop-offs at depths of 25-40 feet. Spoons, crankbaits, and live minnows are performing well, especially those with silver and green patterns[1].

    If you're looking for other species, Lake Champlain also offers a great perch fishery. Yellow perch are abundant and can be found in mud and muck-bottomed areas, as well as on rock piles and reefs. During the ice fishing season, bays like Bulwagga Bay near the south end of the lake are popular spots[4].

    Now, let's talk about the best lures and bait. For Lake Trout and Salmon, spoons and live bait are top choices. Silver and green patterns are particularly effective for these species. For Smallmouth Bass, crankbaits and jigs along rocky shorelines are the way to go[1].

    If you prefer natural bait, live minnows, earthworms, and even small crayfish can be very effective. These baits offer a familiar texture, odor, and color that fish find irresistible[5].

    In terms of hot spots, Shelburne Bay just south of Burlington is a great place for largemouth bass. For lake trout, the area between Westport and Cumberland Head is a must-visit. And if you're after perch, Bulwagga Bay is your best bet[4].

    So, bundle up, grab your gear, and get out on the ice or in your boat. With the right lures and bait, and a bit of local knowledge, you're set for a fantastic day of fishing on Lake Champlain. Tight lines, everyone
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • Ice Fishing Report: Perch, Crappie, and Pike Abound on Lake Champlain

    Ice Fishing Report: Perch, Crappie, and Pike Abound on Lake Champlain
    Feb 12 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.

    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
    Voir plus Voir moins
    4 min
  • "Frosty Champlain: Ice Fishing Forecast and Hot Spots for Lake Champlain"

    "Frosty Champlain: Ice Fishing Forecast and Hot Spots for Lake Champlain"
    Feb 12 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm excited to share with you the latest fishing report for Lake Champlain, straddling the borders of Vermont and New York, as of February 12, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, we're looking at a crisp winter morning with temperatures hovering around the mid-20s Fahrenheit. The sky is mostly clear, which is perfect for a day out on the ice. Sunrise was at about 6:45 AM, and sunset will be around 5:00 PM, giving us a good window to get some serious fishing done.

    Lake Champlain is currently frozen, making it an ideal time for ice fishing. The ice cover is solid, especially in the bays at the north and south ends of the lake, such as Shelburne Bay and Bulwagga Bay. These areas are known to freeze first and offer some of the best ice fishing spots.

    Recently, anglers have been reporting excellent catches of various species. Northern pike, particularly jumbo pike, have been a highlight, with some catches reaching up to 30 inches and even surpassing 20 pounds. Smallmouth and largemouth bass are also active, though they can be a bit more finicky in the cold water. Lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon, while not as active as in the fall, can still be targeted with the right tactics.

    For ice fishing, the best lures and bait vary depending on the species you're after. For northern pike, big shiners are the way to go. Make sure to get them from a local source like Martins General Store in Swanton, VT, to avoid any invasive species issues. Clip the tail fin of larger shiners to prevent false triggers on your tip-ups. Spoons and jigging lures can also be effective for pike and lake trout.

    For bass, try using smaller jigs and crankbaits that mimic the natural baitfish they feed on. Yellow perch, which are abundant in Lake Champlain, can be caught using small jigs and live bait like minnows or maggots. They tend to school on flats and around any remaining green vegetation under the ice.

    If you're targeting lake trout, focus on the deeper areas of the lake, such as the middle section from Westport to Cumberland Head. While it's challenging to reach these depths through the ice, areas with significant structure like humps, reefs, and points can hold trout.

    Hot spots for today include Shelburne Bay for largemouth bass and Bulwagga Bay for yellow perch. For those looking to tackle the deeper waters, the area around Westport and Cumberland Head is worth the effort, though it may require some extra gear and planning to reach the deeper structures.

    Remember to stay safe on the ice. Use YakTrax or studs for traction, and always carry a first aid kit in your sled. With the right gear and a bit of patience, you're in for a fantastic day of ice fishing on Lake Champlain.

    Happy fishing, and see you on the ice
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • Ice Fishing Report for Lake Champlain: Excellent Conditions and Hot Spots for Winter Anglers

    Ice Fishing Report for Lake Champlain: Excellent Conditions and Hot Spots for Winter Anglers
    Feb 10 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm excited to share with you the latest fishing report for Lake Champlain, spanning across Vermont and New York, as of February 10, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, we're looking at a crisp winter morning with temperatures in the mid-teens to low twenties Fahrenheit. The skies are partly cloudy, which is ideal for ice fishing. Sunrise is at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at about 4:45 PM, giving us a good window to get out on the ice.

    Ice conditions on Lake Champlain are excellent right now, with late February and early March being prime time for ice fishing. The ice is thick enough to support both foot traffic and light vehicles, but always remember to check the ice conditions before heading out.

    Fish activity is robust, with several species active under the ice. Landlocked salmon, lake trout, northern pike, yellow perch, white perch, walleye, and crappie are all being caught in various parts of the lake. Recently, anglers have been reporting good catches of landlocked salmon in the Inland Sea north of the Sandbar Causeway. Lake trout are being found off the west shore of Grand Isle and North Hero, as well as in Outer Mallets Bay and Shelburne Bay.

    For northern pike, hotspots include Kelley Bay, Missisquoi Bay, Dillenbeck Bay, and the shallow flats south of the Sandbar Causeway between Milton and South Hero. Walleyes are showing up consistently in the southern end of the lake off Benson and Orwell, as well as the northern end in Swanton and Alburgh.

    Yellow perch and other panfish are abundant throughout the lake, particularly in the bays and shallows. Bulwagga Bay and South Bay are great spots to target these species.

    When it comes to lures and bait, here are some recommendations. For landlocked salmon and lake trout, spoons and live bait such as smelt or minnows are performing well. Silver and green patterns are particularly effective. For northern pike, try using tip-ups with bait like sucker minnows or golden shiners. Walleyes are hitting on jigging spoons and small jigs tipped with minnows or worms.

    For yellow perch and other panfish, small jigs with tiny hooks and bait like waxworms or small minnows are working well. Crappies, though not as active under the ice, can still be caught using small jigs and minnows in areas with abundant reeds and cattails.

    If you're looking for some hot spots to try your luck, I highly recommend Shelburne Bay for lake trout and perch. Another great spot is the area south of the Sandbar Causeway, which is known for its northern pike and walleye activity.

    Remember to stay safe on the ice, check the conditions regularly, and enjoy the beautiful winter scenery that Lake Champlain has to offer. Tight lines, everyone
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • Lake Champlain Fishing Report: Ice Fishing Heats Up, Record Catches Abound

    Lake Champlain Fishing Report: Ice Fishing Heats Up, Record Catches Abound
    Feb 9 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share the latest fishing report for Lake Champlain, covering both the Vermont and New York sides.

    As of today, February 9th, 2025, the weather is looking promising for a great day on the water. We're expecting partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to mid-30s Fahrenheit, which is ideal for this time of year. Sunrise is at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at about 4:45 PM, giving us a good window to get out there.

    For those interested in ice fishing, late February and early March are prime times, and Lake Champlain is no exception. The ice conditions are still good, but as always, make sure to check the thickness before venturing out. Northern pike, landlocked salmon, lake trout, yellow perch, and walleye are all active under the ice.

    Recently, anglers have been having success catching landlocked salmon and lake trout, especially as the water cools. These fish are moving into shallower areas, making them more accessible. Smallmouth bass are also active, particularly along rocky shorelines.

    If you're targeting salmon and trout, spoons, crankbaits, and live minnows are your best bets. Silver and green patterns have been particularly effective. For smallmouth bass, crankbaits and jigs are working well along those rocky shorelines.

    One of the hot spots right now is the middle section of the main lake, particularly the area from Westport to Cumberland Head, which is known for its excellent deep structure for lake trout. Another great spot is around the main lake points and drop-offs at depths of 25-40 feet, where you can find both salmon and trout.

    For ice fishing, Kelley Bay, Missisquoi Bay, and the shallow flats south of the Sandbar Causeway between Milton and South Hero are producing good results for northern pike. Landlocked salmon can be found in the Inland Sea north of the Sandbar Causeway, and lake trout are abundant off the west shore of Grand Isle and North Hero.

    In terms of recent catches, there have been some impressive records set in the past few years. For example, in 2022, a new Vermont record burbot was caught in the West Swanton area, and an even larger one was caught just two months later near South Hero. Additionally, a massive 63.4-pound carp was taken by bowfishing near North Hero, highlighting the lake's potential as a world-class carp fishing destination.

    So, grab your gear and get out on Lake Champlain. With the right lures and bait, and by targeting the right spots, you're in for a fantastic day of fishing. Stay safe, and tight lines
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • 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
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • 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
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min