Tag Archives: ice-fish

Cold Lake Champlain Ice

Ice on Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain ice is still too thin to support recreational use, but it starting to form, and Lake Champlain’s winter activities will soon be underway.

 

Dates of Lake Champlain Ice Closing

Following are the dates of Lake Champlain ice closing since 1970. The data is from the U.S. Weather Bureau or National Weather Service records.

Lake Champlain ice fishing

Lake Champlain ice fishingLake Champlain ice skatingLake Champlain ice skating

2014 February 12
2013 Not Closed
2012 Not Closed
2011 Not Closed
2010 Not Closed
2009 Not Closed
2008 Not Closed
2007 March 2
2006 Not Closed
2005 March 8
2004 January 27
2003 February 15
2002 Not Closed
2001 March 2
2000 Not Closed
1999 Not Closed
1998 Not Closed
1997 Not Closed
1996 February 5
1995 Not Closed
1994 January 23
1993 February 7Lake Champlain skiing
1992 Not Closed
1991 Not Closed
1990 Not Closed
1989 February 22
1988 Not Closed
1987 February 18
1986 February 10
Lake Champlain ice surfing1985 Not Closed
1984 Not Closed
1983 Not Closed
1982 January 28
1981 January 14
1980 Not Closed
1979 February 11
1978 February 5
1977 January 16
1976 Not Closed
1975 Not Closed
1974 Not Closed
1973 February 20
1972 February 10
1971 February 2
1970 January 21

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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.

            

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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.

 

 

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Fishing In A Winter Wonderland

 

Fishing In A Winter Wonderland

By Captain Mickey Maynard of Lake Champlain Angler Fishing Charters

 

 

The Lake Champlain ice fishing season usually begins around early December when bays and passages on the north end of the lake first freeze. Fishermen gather at some of these early spots like the Veterans’ Memorial Bridge connecting Rouses Point, New York and Alburg, Vermont. Other early spots include Missisquoi Bay, the bridge at Hog Island, and Kings and Catfish Bays on the New York side. Keep in mind that the best fishing occurs on newly frozen areas, so wise anglers will follow the ice as it progresses. All of these spots will freeze before the adjacent broad lake, creating excellent perch fishing conditions. Of course care should be taken when fishing on the relatively thin ice in these circumstances.

As the colder weather sets in, the ice makes its way south. Some of the next good areas to consider include the bridge at Isle La Motte and the cliffs at Alburg. By this time Monty’s Bay with its several holding areas and Deep Bay at the Point Au Roche State Park are heating up. On the Vermont side the “Gut” is now holding fish too. By the time Algonquin Bay is frozen on the New York side most of the lake north of Malletts Bay has closed on the Vermont side as well. Areas to the south like the narrows at Ti, Bulwagga Bay, Port Henry, and Whalons Bay also begin to freeze at about the same time. Converse and Arnold Bays are now worth checking on the Vermont side. Many of the spots mentioned thus far are good perch or pike locations.

As the deeper water freezes, the smelt fishing heats up. Port Henry, Westport and Willsboro Bay are all good smelt fishing locations. Shanties are available for rent out of Port Henry and Westport and at Port Henry a taxi operates to usher the fishermen on and off the ice or from one to another of the numerous shanty towns that cluster over the hot spots.

If cold weather persists, the lake on occasion will close over at its deepest and widest spot, between Burlington and Port Kent. When this happens everybody’s favorite perch spot is open for business: Plattsburgh Bay. Areas around Valcour Island, accessed from Peru Dock, can also be productive. The sand bottom south of the lower mouth of the Au Sable River is a good area to fish for salmon and big perch. Willsboro Bay is also a good location for these species. On the Vermont side, Shelburne and Malletts Bay are great spots to pursue big perch and salmon.

US Coast Guard Captain Mickey Maynard has over 40 years of experience fishing and guiding on Lake Champlain. His charter service, Lake Champlain Angler Fishing Charters, caters to New York and Vermont anglers alike with numerous points of rendezvous across the wide expanse of this 120 mile-long world class fishery.  The Captain welcomes one and all to join him aboard his fleet of specialized vessels to tackle a long list of cold-water or warm-water species that inhabit Lake Champlain. For more information and to book trips, contact Captain Mick at (518) 578-9273 or www.lakechamplainangler.com.

This post originally appeared on Eric LaMontagne’s Think You Know Champlain? blog for Lake Champlain International (LCI). Support them in their efforts to protect our lake!

Lake Champlain Ice Safety

Ice Safety on Lake Champlain

Ice Safety on Lake ChamplainThere are many winter activities to be enjoyed on Lake Champlain. Ice fishing, snowmobiling, ice skating, cross country skiing, ice boating… the list goes on and on. Enjoy the ice safely.  If you plan to spend any time on the ice, please stay safe by following these ice safety tips.

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General Ice Safety Thickness Guidelines:

For New, Clear Ice Only

  • 2″ or less – STAY OFF
  • 4″ – Ice fishing or other activities on foot
  • 5″ – Snowmobile or ATV
  • 8″ – 12″ – Car or small pickup
  • 12″ – 15″ – Medium truck

Ice Safety on Lake Champlain in ice boat

These guidelines are for thin clear ice only; keep in mind that there are factors other than thickness that can cause ice to be unsafe. Snow cover and current also can impact the safety of ice, so it is important to always If you choose to snowmobile, ice fish, ice skate or even ice boating on Lake Champlain, it’s a good idea to talk with local fishermen and bait shops on the lake to see what they say about ice conditions.

No matter what you hear, though, continue to check ice conditions yourself.measure ice thickness before making you way on the ice. Ice is seldom the same thickness over a body of water. Currents, springs, rotting vegetation or school of rough fish can all factor into different variations of ice thickness across a body of water.

There are various ways that you can measure ice thickness.  Common tools to measure ice thickness include: ice chisel, cordless drill, ice auger, and a tape measure.

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Ice Safety on Lake Champlain when Kite skiing

White ice known also as snow ice is typically only about half as strong as new clear ice and the thicknesses listed above should be doubled to be safe.

Enjoy the beauty of frozen Lake Champlain, but do it safely.

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