Skip to content

Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain is a lake in Clinton County, New York.

Live lake forecast

Lake Champlain Fishing Weather

National Weather Service
Loading current weather…

Fish species in Lake Champlain

Official stocking history

Stocking records show that the following fish or strains were stocked here. A historical stocking does not by itself prove that a self-sustaining population remains today.

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.

Check the evidence

Sources and what they establish

Source dates describe the evidence, not a live catch forecast. Check the managing authority before planning access or keeping fish.

✉Join the Fishing Tips Daily newsletter waiting list

Our newsletter is not sending yet. Leave your email if you would like to hear from us when it launches.

By joining, you agree to receive our newsletter when it launches. To request removal before then, contact us. Read our privacy policy.