Champlain is several fishing trips in one lake. Rocky islands suit smallmouth, protected bays hold largemouth and pike, and deep open water supports trout and salmon. Choose a bay and a launch first. You don't need to cross the lake to have a full day of fishing.
Lake facts
- Lake size: Large border lake shared by Vermont, New York and Quebec
- Fish to target: Smallmouth and largemouth bass, lake trout, salmon, walleye, pike and panfish
Where to fish
Use a tube around rock for smallmouth or a weedless worm in largemouth cover. Deep-water trout and salmon require a different setup and attention to lure depth. Panfish can keep a family outing close to shore. Read the chart before running between shoals and islands.
Getting on the water
Vermont access areas and lakefront state parks provide many starting points, including the island region and Button Bay. Choose a facility suited to your boat. Check the exact New York-Vermont reciprocal-license boundaries; they don't cover every Vermont bay or Canadian water.
More to do at the lake
Camping, designated beaches and paddling can fit a longer visit. The open lake can build large waves, while algae advisories can affect sheltered bays. Plan for both the return weather and the conditions at your chosen launch.
Nearby fishing waters
Explore nearby waters, including local Featured destinations. Check each page for access and fishing restrictions.
Distances are straight-line estimates between mapped water locations.