Tag Archives: Fishing

Lake Champlain Ice Fishing

Lake Champlain Ice Fishing Opportunities

Lake Champlain is a premier ice fishing destination, offering a variety of ice fishing opportunities. Quality fishing for many species is easy to find on this 120-mile long lake, including landlocked salmon, lake trout, northern pike, yellow perch, white perch, walleye, and crappie.

 

Lake Champlain Ice Fishing

Lake Champlain Ice Fishing shanties

 

Vermont offers a free Ice Fishing Day to introduce newcomers to the sport of ice fishing; this year the free ice fishing day is January 28th. So get out and try your luck ice fishing on Lake Champlain.

 

Northern Pike

Lake Champlain Ice Fishing: Northern Pike

Lake Champlain Ice Fishing: Northern Pike

In the northern part of Lake Champlain, the traditional pike hotspots are Kelley Bay, Missisquoi Bay, Dillenbeck Bay, Carry Bay, Keeler Bay, St. Albans Bay and the shallow flats south of the Sandbar Causeway (between Milton and the Champlain Islands).

In southern Lake Champlain, the area south of the Champlain Bridge from Addison to Benson is also pretty good fishing.

In winter cold temperatures slows their metabolism and they do not feed as often.  When they do feed it is typically in low light – sunrise or sunset. Pike will often seek out weed beds and structures for food. They tend to stick to the bottom of the lake and do not school. As winter continues pike will seek deeper water since it is typically warmer and more comfortable.

 

Trout and Salmon

Lake Champlain Ice Fishing Salmon and Trout

Lake Champlain Ice Fishing:
Trout & Salmon

Later in winter when more ice has formed, landlocked salmon can be caught in the Inland Sea north of the Sandbar Causeway.

On Lake Champlain there is no closed season for trout and salmon.

 

 

Lake Trout

If cold weather creates good ice over the lake’s deeper waters, lake trout can be found off the western shore of Grand Isle, as well in Outer Mallets Bay, Shelburne Bay, Converse Bay, and from Button Bay south to the Champlain Bridge between Addison, VT and Crown Point, NY.

 

Walleyes

Lake Champlain Ice Fishing: Walleyes

Lake Champlain Ice Fishing: Walleyes

Although walleyes can be found anywhere in Lake Champlain, the most consistent winter action can be found in the southern end of the lake between Ticonderoga, NY and Benson, VT.

Up in the northern end of the lake, Missisquoi Bay between Swanton and Alburgh, VT can produce some good walleye action.

As with northern pike, colder temperatures slow the walleye’s metabolism so they don’t feed as often, and when they do, it’s usually in low light conditions. They also seek out weed beds and structures and tend to stick close to the bottom.

 

Panfish

Lake Champlain Ice Fishing Perch and Panfish

Lake Champlain Ice Fishing Perch and Panfish

Yellow perch and other panfish can be caught in sheltered bays and shallow water areas all along Lake Champlain.

Since panfish, such as bluegill, yellow perch or crappie, are relatively small fish they tend to stay in shallow weedy areas or in areas near structures for protection and food. In winter months, they stay close to the bottom or just a bit above where the water is usually warmer. In the winter panfish tend to school together. Larger panfish will make small schools, and smaller panfish will make larger schools.

 

 

Frabill Ice Fishing Safety Kit

Other Lake Champlain Ice Fishing Articles:

ice fishing shanties on Lake Champlain

 

Imperial Dam Modifications to Improve Fish Habitat

Imperial Dam Modifications

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is taking public comments on plans to modify a dam on the Saranac River a few miles upstream from Lake Champlain.

Imperial Dam Modifications to Improve Fish Habitat

Imperial Dam behind the Plattsburgh High School

The proposal for the Imperial Dam in Plattsburgh calls for decreasing the height of the spillway by 8-½ feet and building a concrete fish ladder to allow salmon and trout to swim nine miles upstream to spawn.

Anglers and conservationists have asked that the dam to be removed or modified for years, saying that it serves no purpose and is a barrier to spawning fish. Derrick Miller, President of the Lake Champlain Chapter of Trout Unlimited, says the dam proposal is great news.

The Saranac River is also part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

A public information meeting is planned Wednesday evening at Plattsburgh Town Hall.

 

‘Lake Champlain’ is a new pictoral history of Lake Champlain compiled by the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, and a part of the Images of America series from Arcadia Press.

‘The Field Guide to Lake Monsters, Sea Serpents, and Other Mystery Denizens of the Deep’ is a casebook and field guide to the world’s mysterious sea creatures offers insight into pop culture and scientific beliefs, as well as advice on how to investigate such phenomena firsthand.

Ice Fishing Safety Tips from Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

It’s winter, and that means it’s time for ice fishing.

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department offers these ice fishing safety tips for those of us who’ll be going ice fishing this winter.

“Once we have sustained cold weather to form good ice, ice fishing can be safe and a lot of fun, but when we go onto the ice, we need to use good judgment and observe several safety precautions.” ~ Major Dennis Reinhardt, Deputy Chief Warden, Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife.

  • Ice Fishing Safety Tips from Vermont Fish & Wildlife DepartmentLeave your car or truck on shore. Every year several motor vehicles go through the ice on Vermont lakes, and some people have drowned as a result.
  • Leave information about your plans with someone — where you intend to fish and when you expect to return.
  • Wear a personal flotation device and don’t fish alone.
  • Ice varies in thickness and condition. Always carry an ice spud or chisel to check ice as you proceed.
  • Be extremely cautious crossing ice near river mouths, points of land, bridges, islands, and over reefs and springs. Current almost always causes ice to be thinner over these areas.
  • Avoid going onto the ice if it has melted away from the shore. This indicates melting is underway, and ice can shift position as wind direction changes.
  • Ice Fishing Safety Tips from Vermont Fish & Wildlife DepartmentWaves from open water can quickly break up large areas of ice. If you can see open water in the lake and the wind picks up, get off!
  • Bring your fully-charged cell phone with you.
  • Carry a set of hand spikes to help you work your way out onto the surface of the ice if you go through. Holding one in each hand, you can alternately punch them into the ice and pull yourself up and out. You can make these at home, using large nails, or you can purchase them at stores that sell fishing supplies.
  • Carry a safety line that can be thrown to someone who has gone through the ice.
  • Heated fishing shanties must have good ventilation to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Open a window or the door part way to allow in fresh air.

Ice Fishing Safety Tips from Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

 

 

  • For guidelines on ice thickness and safety visit Ice Safety.

 

More Articles About Lake Champlain Ice Safety:

 

New Year-Round Open Water Fishing Opportunities for Vermont Anglers

Are you a die-hard angler? New regulations have opened up new year-round open water fishing opportunities in the state of Vermont. Beginning in 2014, revised Vermont regulations allow catch-and release trout fishing with artificial flies or lures outside of the normal trout season. The eleven sections of waterways covered provide over seventy additional miles of river to year-round trout fishing.

New Year-Round Open Water Fishing Opportunities for Vermont Anglers

Year-Round Open Water Fishing

“The regulations were intended to provide expanded fishing opportunities for trout while limiting the potential impact to populations. The changes will give interested anglers the opportunity to take advantage of any mild days in late fall and early spring.” ~ Rich Kirn, Vermont Fish & Wildlife fisheries biologist.

Additionally, the state’s bass catch-and-release open water angling opportunities (not ice fishing) – also with artificial flies and lures only – have been expanded to include all lakes, ponds and reservoirs not listed as ‘seasonally closed waters.’ A complete list of ‘seasonally closed waters’ is available on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife website, www.vtfishandwildlife.com. Under the “Fishing” tab, click on “Law Digest and Guide” for more information.

“From the feedback I’ve gotten, many local anglers – primarily the hardcore, avid type – are really excited about the increased options in terms of fishable waters. Additionally, we’ve seen a rise in the non-resident interest in these opportunities and that should certainly provide a boost in visits from those outside of Vermont.” ~ Bob Shannon, owner of The Fly Rod Shop and Fly Fish Vermont Guide Service in Stowe, Vermont

The following rules are are in effect on these new catch-and-release waters:

  • Only artificial flies or lures may be used, except during the open season for trout (2nd Sat. in April – Oct. 31).
  • Catch and release only (trout must be immediately released where caught), except during the open season for trout.
  • During open season for trout, follow normal size restrictions, daily limits and possession limits.

Year-Round Open Water Fishing Opportunities for Vermont Anglers

The following sections of streams listed below are classified as open to year-round trout fishing :
  • Black River: From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the Howard Hill Road Bridge in Cavendish.
  • Deerfield River: From the Woods Road (Medburyville) bridge in Wilmington upstream approximately 2 miles to the VT Route 9W bridge in Searsburg.
  • East Creek (Rutland City): From the confluence with Otter Creek upstream (approximately 2.7 miles) to the top of the Patch Dam in Rutland City.
  • Hoosic River: From the Vermont/New York border upstream to the Vermont/ Massachusetts border.
  • Lamoille River: From the Lake Champlain boundary (top of Peterson Dam in Milton) upstream to the top of the Cady’s Falls Dam in Morristown.
  • Lewis Creek: From the Lake Champlain boundary upstream to the State Prison Hollow Road (TH#3) bridge in Starksboro.
  • Missisquoi River: From the top of the Swanton Dam in Swanton to the top of the Enosburg Falls Dam in Enosburg Falls.
  • Moose River: From the confluence with Passumpsic River upstream to the downstream edge of the Concord Avenue bridge in St. Johnsbury.
  • Ompompanoosuc River: From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the Union Village Dam in Thetford.
  • Otter Creek: From the Lake Champlain boundary upstream to the Danby-Mt. Tabor Forest Road bridge (Forest Road #10) in Mt. Tabor..
  • Passumpsic River: From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the top of Arnolds Falls Dam in St. Johnsbury.
  • Waits River: From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the top of the Central Vermont Power Dam in Bradford.
  • Walloomsac River: From the Vermont/New York border in Bennington upstream to the top of the former Vermont Tissue Plant Dam (downstream of Murphy Road) in Bennington.
  • West River: From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the Townshend Dam in Townshend.
  • White River: From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the bridge on Route 107 in Bethel.
  • Williams River: From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the top of the dam at Brockway Mills Falls in Rockingham.
  • Winooski River: From the Lake Champlain boundary upstream to the VT Route 2/100 in Duxbury and Waterbury.

Additionally a section of the Walloomsac River in Bennington was also designated as a trophy trout stream with the changes and is being stocked with two-year old brown and rainbow trout – both with a daily limit of two per day.

            

Other Lake Champlain Fishing Articles:

John Guilmette Fishing Access Area Closed for Improvements

John Guilmette Fishing Access Area Closed for Improvements

John Guilmette Fishing Access Area Closed for Improvements

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is making improvements to the John Guilmette Fishing Access area on Lake Champlain in South Hero and will close the area for at least two months while the planned improvements are being made.

When the area reopens, it will feature an expanded two-lane concrete boat ramp and a 70-foot dock. A redesigned parking lot will better accommodate persons with disabilities. The closure will begin immediately and may last through the winter, depending on fall weather conditions.

“We purchased this land nearly two years ago from private landowners who were operating the site as a boat ramp. This is a great location for people to access the Inland Sea, and acquisition was a critical step in maintaining this access for boaters and anglers, but the site was in serious need of upgrades. We think anglers and boaters will be very happy to see these improvements made.” ~ Mike Wichrowski, lands and facilities coordinator, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

John Guilmette Fishing Access Area Closed for Improvements - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Program

The construction project at John Guilmette Fishing Access area is being funded through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Program. These funds are generated as part of an excise tax on fishing equipment, boats and motors, and marine fuel taxes.

To purchase a Vermont fishing license or to find out more about fishing opportunities in Vermont, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

 

 

Other Lake Champlain Wildlife Articles: