Expert-Guided Lake Champlain Fishing Charter

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Lake Champlain
$500 - $1,500 price range

Summary

Get ready for an action-packed 4 hours on Lake Champlain with Trout Scout Charters. This private fishing trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking to reel in some big catches. Lake Champlain is known for its diverse fish population, and you'll have a shot at landing Atlantic Salmon, Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Pike-Perch, and Walleye. As you cast your line, you'll be surrounded by the lake's beautiful scenery, making for a truly memorable day on the water. The charter can accommodate up to 3 guests, so bring along a couple of friends or family members to join in the fun. Your experienced guide will help you find the best spots and share local fishing tips to maximize your chances of success. Whether you're after a trophy catch or just want to enjoy a day of fishing in a stunning setting, this Lake Champlain charter delivers an authentic outdoor experience you won't soon forget.

Expert-Guided Lake Champlain Fishing Charter

Reeling in Lake Champlain

Trio of lake trout and chinook salmon caught at Isle La Motte

Lake Champlain never disappoints on fish!

Angler with a 22-inch fish on Isle La Motte

2nd place Lake Trout

Roger with one of many he pulled in on his charter

A large Lake Trout caught while fishing on Isle La Motte

Mike with a Lake Champlain Lake Trout

Lake Champlain's Fishing Paradise Awaits

Ready for a real Lake Champlain adventure? Our 4-hour private charter puts you right in the action, chasing some of the most sought-after fish in the Northeast. We're not talking about any old fishing trip here - this is your chance to hook into trophy-sized Atlantic Salmon, bruiser Lake Trout, and hard-fighting Pike. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, our experienced guides will make sure you're in the hot spots and using the right techniques. And let's be honest, even if the fish aren't biting (but they usually are), those Adirondack views are worth the trip alone. So grab your lucky hat and let's hit the water!

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard our fully-equipped fishing boat, you're in for a treat. We'll cruise out to some of Lake Champlain's most productive fishing grounds, where you'll have a shot at five different game fish species. Our seasoned captains know this lake like the back of their hand, so we'll put you on fish fast. You might be trolling for Lake Trout in deeper water one minute, then casting for Pike in the weeds the next. And don't worry if you're new to this - we'll show you the ropes and make sure you're comfortable before we start fishing. Just remember to bring a camera, because you'll want proof when you land that monster Walleye!

Techniques That Land Lunkers

On Lake Champlain, we mix it up to keep the action hot. For those big Lake Trout and Salmon, we often troll with downriggers, letting us hit precise depths where the fish are holding. When we're after Pike or Walleye, we might switch to casting or jigging. We use top-notch gear - think St. Croix rods and Shimano reels - and we'll set you up with everything you need. From live bait to the latest artificial lures, we've got a tackle box full of fish-catching magic. And here's a pro tip: when that rod bends double, don't yank it - just lift smoothly and start reeling. Trust me, it works every time!

Top Catches This Season

Lake Champlain's been on fire lately, with anglers pulling in some real beauties. Just last week, we had a group land a 36-inch Northern Pike that put up one heck of a fight. Salmon fishing's been red hot too, with several fish in the 8-10 pound range coming to the net. And let's not forget about the Lake Trout - we've been consistently hooking into 5-8 pounders, with a few pushing the 15-pound mark. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer or just want the thrill of the catch, Lake Champlain's got something for everyone right now.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Atlantic Salmon: These silver rockets are the crown jewel of Lake Champlain fishing. Known for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs, hooking into one of these bad boys is like trying to land a torpedo. They average 3-5 pounds, but don't be surprised if you tie into a 10-pounder. Spring and fall are prime time for Salmon, when they're most active and feeding aggressively.

Lake Trout: The bruisers of the deep, Lake Trout are a year-round target on Champlain. These cold-water lovers can grow to impressive sizes, with 20-pounders not unheard of. They put up a stubborn fight, often making powerful runs back to the bottom. Summer months are great for Lake Trout, as we can find them in predictable deep-water haunts.

Northern Pike: If you're after a toothy predator that hits like a freight train, Pike are your fish. These ambush hunters lurk in weed beds and along drop-offs, ready to smash any lure that comes their way. Spring and fall are excellent for Pike fishing, but they can be caught year-round. Expect fish in the 24-36 inch range, with some real monsters pushing past 40 inches.

Pike-Perch (Walleye): Also known as Walleye, these tasty fighters are a favorite among local anglers. They've got a reputation for being finnicky, but when you dial in the bite, the action can be non-stop. Early morning and evening are prime Walleye times, and they're at their best in cooler months. Most run 2-5 pounds, but 8-10 pounders aren't uncommon.

Walleye: Often confused with Pike-Perch, true Walleye are prized for both their fight and their flavor. These golden-eyed night hunters are most active in low light conditions, making dawn and dusk prime fishing times. They average 1-3 pounds, but trophy fish over 10 pounds are caught every year. Fall is a fantastic time to target Walleye as they fatten up for winter.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish - though let's be real, that's a big part of it. Lake Champlain offers a fishing experience you just can't get anywhere else. Where else can you cast for monster Pike with the Adirondacks as your backdrop? Or troll for Salmon while watching the sun set over the Green Mountains? And let's not forget the bragging rights. When you show your buddies a photo of that wall-hanger Lake Trout with Champlain stretching out behind you, trust me, they'll be booking their own trip before you can say "fish on!" Plus, with five different game species to target, every trip is a new adventure. You never know what's gonna grab your line next!

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I could go on all day about the world-class fishing on Lake Champlain, but at some point, you've just gotta experience it for yourself. Our 4-hour private charter is the perfect way to get a taste of what this lake has to offer. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, wanting to learn some new techniques, or just hoping to bend a rod and fill the cooler, we've got you covered. And remember, these trips fill up fast, especially during prime seasons. So don't wait - grab your spot now and get ready for some of the best fishing of your life. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be hooked on Lake Champlain for good!

Learn more about the animals

Atlantic Salmon

Lake trout are the big boys of the char family, typically running 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds. You'll find them suspended in the deep, cold parts of the lake where there's plenty of oxygen. These fish like it chilly, so we target them in spring right after ice-out when they're in shallower water. As summer heats up, they'll drop deeper to stay cool. Jigging is the go-to method - I like using Rapala Jigging Raps or soft plastics that mimic injured baitfish. Lake trout put up an awesome fight and make for some tasty eating too. One tip: overcast days are prime time since these fish aren't fans of bright light. If you're after a trophy, focus on those deep basins. Just be patient - lake trout grow slow, so the big ones have been around a while.

Lake Trout

Lake Champlain's lake trout are a real treat for anglers. These deep-water predators typically run 24-36 inches and 5-15 pounds, with some real monsters lurking in the depths. You'll find them suspended over deep basins, especially as the water warms up in summer. Spring and fall are prime times when they move shallower. Jigging is the go-to method - I like heavy spoons or tube jigs worked near the bottom. Trolling with downriggers is also effective. Lake trout put up a great fight, especially when hooked in deep water. They're also excellent eating, with rich, orange flesh. One local tip: watch your electronics closely. These fish often school up, so where there's one, there's usually more.

Northern Pike

Pike-perch, also called zander, are an interesting Lake Champlain catch. They look similar to walleye but can grow much larger, sometimes topping 30 inches and 15 pounds. You'll find them in deeper, murkier parts of the lake, often near structure like sunken logs or drop-offs. These fish are predators, so using live bait or lures that mimic small fish works well. Jigs and soft plastics are my go-to. Pike-perch put up a good fight and have excellent table quality - firm, white meat with few bones. They're most active in low light, so early morning or evening fishing is best. One trick: try slow-trolling near the bottom in 20-30 feet of water. The bite can be subtle, so stay alert!

Pike-Perch

Walleye are prized for both their fight and their flavor here on Champlain. These golden-olive fish typically run 20-30 inches and 2-5 pounds. They've got a mouth full of sharp teeth, so handle with care! Walleye are most active at dawn and dusk, hanging near drop-offs and rocky points. In summer, look for them in deeper, cooler water. Jigs tipped with nightcrawlers or minnows are tough to beat. Trolling crankbaits can also be deadly. These fish have excellent eyesight in low light, which is why evening fishing is so productive. One local tip: pay attention to your electronics - walleye often suspend over deep water following baitfish schools. The meat is delicious - firm, white, and mild. There's nothing quite like a fresh walleye shore lunch!

Walleye

Northern pike are the freshwater sharks of Lake Champlain. These aggressive predators average about 2 feet long and pack a punch at 8-12 pounds. You'll find them lurking in shallow, weedy areas, especially in spring and fall. They love ambushing prey, so cast near weed edges and fallen trees. Pike hit hard and fight even harder - be ready for some acrobatics when you hook one! I recommend using a steel leader since their teeth will slice through regular line. Spoons, spinners, and big soft plastics all work well. Early morning and evening are prime pike times. One local trick: try "figure-eighting" your lure next to the boat if you see a follow. That erratic motion often triggers a last-second strike. Just watch those teeth when unhooking!

About the Missy Jean

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Get ready for an action-packed 4 hours of fishing on Lake Champlain! Our private charter takes you out on this gorgeous lake known for its diverse fish populations and scenic beauty. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, you'll have a blast reeling in Atlantic Salmon, Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Pike-Perch, and Walleye. Our experienced crew knows all the best spots to maximize your catches. As you cast your line, take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and shoreline. With room for up to 3 guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. We provide all the gear you need, so just bring your enthusiasm and get ready for a memorable day on the water. Come experience why Lake Champlain is considered one of the top fishing destinations in the Northeast!

Sitemap