Lake Champlain
By Captain Matt Trombley – 3rd Alarm Charters & Guide Service
It’s that time of year again when leaves are changing, hunters are taking to the field, birds are migrating south, and most of us are thinking of (or already have) putting our boats away for the winter. The tough part is there is still some incredible late season, open water trout and salmon action to be had on Lake Champlain right up until the point that the lake freezes! October is a month where the lake is beginning to start its transition, or “roll over”, from warm summer surface temperatures to cooler surface temps as cold weather sets in. A hearty group of fishermen, locally known as the “Frost Bite Fleet”, has recently built quite a following by braving cold temperatures and capitalizing on this great late season fishing where there is hardly any pressure from anglers and fish are feeding heavily.
First, having good electronics is often a key a difference between having a ho-hum day on the water and having steady rod bending action! Find bait fish close to structure and you will find the predators – lake trout, landlocked salmon and the occasional steelhead lurking close by. Also having a good speed and temp sensor is crucial to telling us what depth our favored water temp is holding at, which will dictate where we place our lures run off down riggers or other trolling tackle. Most of these fish are taken by trolling, but there has been a growing phenomenon of folks vertical jigging for lake trout off of structure in the summer time, albeit a trend that tends to slow down in the late summer and early fall. Again quality electronics is key to locating and staying on these fish.
As mentioned trolling is the preferred tactic, whether it be with down riggers, leadcore or sinking lines, or the latest craze using dipsy divers or a version of such “slide divers”.. These are all tools that let us place our presentations at certain depths, also known as “controlled depth fishing”. Once you find that magic temperature and baitfish, then its literally placing your presentation at that depth. Salmon and steelhead prefer 52 – 56 degree water, which on some days is 35 feet , while on others it might be 75 feet down! Lake trout tend to be bottom dwellers as they prefer 45 to 50 degree water, but they can be found suspended as well. Small 2 & 3/4 inch spoons, in a variety of different color variations, make up the lion’s share of the lures that are used. Lure selection can change from day to day due to water clarity and sun light penetration. Favorite brands like Stinger, Honey bee, Hitech and local favorite, Crazy Ivans, are just a few of the hundreds found in most tackle boxes. Another favorite tactic as fish get closer to the surface with the colder water is trolling small dodgers or Mooslok Wobblers with a short leader and streamer flies such as a Grey Ghost or Joe’s Smelt close behind. This is a are fantastic way to see “Silver Leapers” launching out of the water upon hookup!
Areas that are top producers on the Vermont side of Lake Champlain include around Arnolds Bay, “the narrows” in front of the out flow of Otter Creek, Town Farm Bay, and Converse Bay.. New York side hot spots include Westport Harbor, Whalon Bay and Willsboro Bay just to name a few. Most places where there is structure near shore, or an inflow of a stream, tend to hold bait and of course some of the target fish.
This is a time of the year that you can very well have the lake to yourself, maybe only having to share it with a couple of waterfowl boats out as this is prime time for gunning water birds! But don’t let that deter you, as the late season can result in hours of fun on the water and some of the tastiest cold water fish that Lake Champlain has to offer! Be sure to dress properly, and if possible, use a canopy and curtains on your boat to protect you from the elements. Fall on Lake Champlain truly is a special time of year and features cold water fishing opportunities that all avid anglers should enjoy at some point in their life!
Still nailing Stripers myself. Did not see any saltwater reports.
Good to hear – it’s tough getting any fishing info north of the Merrimack this time of year. Where are you fishing (generally)?
Not defending OTW , they had NO report last wk . But a buddy and I went saltwater a few weeks ago . The guy at the bait store had no input . Claimed everyone was hunting . No reports coming in . Half the time, I think they have Morts “source” .
Same bud and I , went hornpouting Wednesday . 20+ in the 9-11” range . Bite was fast and was home by 10 . Ran outta crawlers .
We didn’t do as well the next night in a different body of water . But did catch a few white perch .
I hope to get out 10+ more times fresh and salt .
Tight lines
Wondering if anyone has caught any flounder in the Hampton/Rye NH area? Dying to try it. If I do, I will certainly let you guys know. Also wondering if the smelts have shown up yet?
Hope to get out to the coast next week> The bay Pollock should biting. Excellent smoked. I caught 24 the last time out. Catch them off the docks. Any one else catching them? The crappie should be hitting hard about now to. Last Nov caught 45 one evening. Enough for all winter. The Mousam in Shapleigh Maine hold some huge crappie.
Yes to Harbor Pollock. caught 19 up Winter Harbor way. Very nice smoked or fileted and fried. Going to try again at Acadia.
Nice report. Have been to Champlain to chase October pike with virtually zero competition from other anglers. Might have to give this a shot.
Well, here we are in the new year and I already have all my fishing licences. Maine and NH contributors really need to step up and talk about all the great opportunities happening now!!!