6 Hour Fall Trip in Mallets Bay
Private Trip
Sixhour fall fishing trip targets four popular species dailyAll tackle and equipment provided for trolling and jigging techniquesCaptain Rob guides groups through productive seasonal fishing patterns
Captain Thorny's Fishing Charters brings you one of Vermont's best fall fishing experiences right here in Mallets Bay. This top-rated 6-hour adventure runs from September through November when the water starts cooling down and the fish really start to turn on. You'll be targeting four of Lake Champlain's most popular species - Northern Pike, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, and Lake Trout - all while enjoying the stunning fall colors that make Vermont famous. Captain Rob knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's dialed in on the seasonal patterns that put fish in the boat consistently.
Fall fishing in Mallets Bay is something special. The cooler water temperatures get the fish moving and feeding actively, which means you'll have plenty of opportunities to bend your rod throughout the day. Captain Rob keeps things relaxed but productive, focusing on proven fall patterns that consistently produce results. You don't need to bring a thing - all rods, reels, tackle, and lures are provided, so you can show up ready to fish. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, making it perfect for family trips, buddy outings, or even solo adventures where you want some company on the water. Just make sure you've got your valid Vermont fishing license sorted out before you step aboard - Captain Rob and his crew will handle everything else, from setting up your gear to netting and releasing your catches.
Captain Rob runs a variety of proven techniques that match what the fish are doing during the fall transition. Trolling is a big part of the program, covering water efficiently to locate active schools and individual fish holding on structure. You'll also spend time jigging over deeper drop-offs and around rocky areas where Lake Trout and Walleye like to hang out. Light tackle techniques come into play when targeting Smallmouth Bass around the rocky shorelines and points that Mallets Bay is known for. The captain adjusts the approach based on what's working best that day and what the conditions are telling him. Wind direction, water temperature, and even the time of day all factor into which spots get hit and which techniques get the nod. The crew stays on top of fish handling throughout the trip, so whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, you'll feel confident and supported all day long.
Northern Pike are absolute bulldogs during the fall months in Mallets Bay. These toothy predators get really aggressive as the water cools, often following baitfish into the shallower areas where they're easier to target. You'll find them around weed edges and drop-offs, and when they hit your lure, there's no mistaking it. Pike in the 24-30 inch range are common, with bigger fish always a possibility. They're a blast to catch because they fight hard and often jump, making for some great photo opportunities.
Walleye fishing really picks up during the fall transition period. These golden beauties move into predictable patterns, often schooling up around rocky points and deeper structure. The cooler water makes them more active during daylight hours, which is perfect for a 6-hour charter. Mallets Bay Walleye typically run 15-22 inches, with some real slabs mixed in. They're prized for their excellent table fare, and Captain Rob can point you toward the best cleaning stations if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Smallmouth Bass are year-round favorites, but fall brings out some of the best action of the season. As the water temperature drops, these bronze fighters often school up around rocky areas and points, making for fast action when you find them. Mallets Bay Smallmouth are known for their size and fighting ability - don't be surprised to hook into fish pushing 18-20 inches. They're incredibly fun on light tackle and put up some of the best fights pound-for-pound of any freshwater fish.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists that really shine during the fall months. As the surface water cools, Lakers move up from their summer depths and become much more accessible to charter boat anglers. These silvery fighters are the largest predator in Lake Champlain, with fish over 20 pounds caught regularly. The fall period from September through November is absolutely prime time for Lake Trout, and Captain Rob knows the specific depths and structures where they concentrate during this seasonal transition.
This customer favorite fills up fast during peak fall season, especially when the leaves start changing and the fishing really turns on. Captain Rob's reputation for putting clients on fish consistently makes this one of the most sought-after charters in the Mallets Bay area. The 6-hour format gives you plenty of time to try different techniques and target multiple species without feeling rushed. Whether you're a local angler looking to dial in the fall bite or visiting Vermont for the first time, this world-class fishing experience delivers the goods. The combination of Captain Rob's local knowledge, top-notch equipment, and Mallets Bay's diverse fishery makes for a day on the water you'll want to repeat. Don't wait too long to secure your dates - the best fall fishing happens fast, and the calendar fills up quickly once word gets out about how the fish are biting.
Your fall fishing adventure starts aboard a 22' C-Hawk downeast cabin cruiser designed to handle Lake Champlain's autumn waters with ease. Twin 150HP Yamaha engines power this fishing machine up to 35 knots, getting you to the productive spots in Mallets Bay quickly. The boat comes equipped with downriggers and fish finders to locate those fall Northern Pike, Walleye, and Lake Trout holding in deeper water as temperatures drop. Captain Rob knows exactly where the fish are staging during September through November, using the boat's GPS to hit proven fall patterns. With an onboard toilet and room for 4 anglers, you'll stay comfortable during the full 6-hour session. All the trolling and jigging gear is ready to go – just bring your Vermont fishing license and get ready for steady action as the cooler water brings active fish within range.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of Mallets Bay, typically running 20-30 inches with some real monsters lurking in the depths. These cold-water fish spend most of their time suspended over deep basins, often 40-80 feet down in summer. Fall brings them shallower as water temps drop, making them much more accessible to anglers. They've got that distinctive grey-green color with cream-colored spots, and they're built for the long haul - these fish can live decades. The fight is different from other species - more of a steady, powerful pull than flashy jumps. What gets people hooked is their size potential and the challenge of finding them in deep water. Plus, they're excellent eating with rich, salmon-like meat. Lake trout can be tricky since they often just mouth the bait, so you'll feel more of a pressure change than a hard strike. Best tip: when jigging deep, watch your electronics closely and drop your lure right to their level - they rarely chase baits very far.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the lake's apex predator - long, lean, and built for ambush attacks. These toothy critters average 24-30 inches but can push 40+ inches when conditions are right. Look for them around weed edges, shallow bays, and drop-offs where baitfish gather. Fall fishing is outstanding because they're feeding heavily before winter, and cooler water brings them into the shallows more often. Pike hit with serious aggression, then put up a bulldogging fight with sudden bursts of speed. Their razor-sharp teeth and unpredictable strikes keep things interesting - you never know when one will explode on your lure. While some folks don't eat them due to the Y-bones, properly filleted pike are actually quite tasty. The real appeal is the raw power and that prehistoric look with those menacing teeth. Key tip: when a pike hits, don't set the hook immediately. Let them run with it for a few seconds - they often grab prey sideways first, then turn to swallow it headfirst.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that'll give you a battle worth remembering. These bronze-backed fish average 12-16 inches in Mallets Bay, with the occasional 3-4 pounder showing up to test your drag. You'll find them around rocky points, drop-offs, and boulder fields - they love that hard structure. Spring and fall are your best bets when they're in shallower water, though summer fishing can be solid if you target deeper ledges. What makes smallmouth special is their attitude - pound for pound, they fight harder than most fish twice their size. They'll jump, run, and use every trick to shake your hook. The red eyes and dark vertical bars make them easy to identify, and they're excellent eating with firm, sweet meat. Here's a local trick: when the bite gets tough, downsize your presentation. A 3-inch tube jig on light line often outfishes bigger baits when these bass get finicky.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of the tastiest fish in the lake, with that distinctive silver eyeshine that helps them hunt in low light. They typically run 18-24 inches here in Mallets Bay, with females getting bigger than males. These golden-olive colored fish love rocky bottoms and structure, staying deep during the day but moving shallow to feed at dusk and dawn. Fall is prime time since cooler water gets them active and feeding heavily before winter. They're notorious for their light bite, so you need to stay focused - sometimes it just feels like your jig ticked a rock. The fight isn't flashy, but that first run when they realize they're hooked will surprise you. What really gets people excited is the dinner table quality - firm, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Pro tip: when jigging, keep your rod tip up and feel for that subtle "tick" rather than waiting for a big pull.
Lake Champlain