8 Hour Fall Trip in Mallets Bay
Private Trip
Fullday fall fishing targeting pike, walleye, bass, and troutAll equipment and tackle provided for up to four guestsExpert guidance on seasonal patterns and productive techniques
Captain Thorny's 8-hour fall fishing charter in Mallets Bay is where serious anglers go when they want to maximize their time on Lake Champlain's most productive waters. Running September through November, this extended trip gives you the full day needed to really dial in on Northern Pike, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, and Lake Trout as they transition into their fall feeding patterns. Captain Rob knows these waters like the back of his hand and follows the seasonal movements that make fall fishing so productive in Mallets Bay. With all gear included and room for up to 4 anglers, this trip delivers the kind of consistent action that keeps customers coming back year after year.
Fall fishing in Mallets Bay is all about timing and technique. The water temperatures start dropping in September, triggering fish to move into predictable patterns as they prepare for winter. Captain Rob uses this knowledge to position you over the most active spots throughout the day. You'll start early when the bite is hot, then adjust techniques and locations as conditions change. The 8-hour format gives you flexibility to work different depths and structures without feeling rushed. Expect to cover water efficiently while spending quality time on productive areas when fish are actively feeding. The boat is equipped with modern electronics to locate schools and structure, but Captain Rob's local knowledge is what really puts fish in the boat. He's been tracking seasonal patterns here for years and knows exactly where to find each species as fall progresses.
This charter covers the full spectrum of effective fall techniques. Trolling is a major component, letting you cover water while targeting suspended Lake Trout and Walleye that follow baitfish schools. You'll run various depths with downriggers and lead core setups, adjusting speeds and lure presentations based on what's working. Jigging comes into play when you mark fish on electronics or work specific structure like drop-offs and humps where Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike ambush prey. Light tackle fishing keeps things exciting, especially when Smallmouth are aggressive in shallower water during warmer fall days. All rods, reels, tackle, and lures are provided, so you don't need to worry about having the right gear for changing conditions. Captain Rob handles rigging and will teach you the techniques that work best in these waters. The crew assists with everything from net work to unhooking fish, letting you focus on the fishing action.
Northern Pike in Mallets Bay are apex predators that provide explosive strikes and hard fights. Fall brings some of the best Pike fishing as they feed heavily before winter, often targeting shallow weed beds and drop-off edges. These fish can reach impressive sizes in Lake Champlain, with 30+ inch specimens not uncommon. They're aggressive and visual hunters, making them exciting to target with both trolled lures and casted baits. Pike hit hard and fight dirty, using their length and power to make spectacular runs.
Walleye are the bread and butter of Lake Champlain fall fishing, known for their excellent table fare and consistent action. September through November finds them schooling in deeper water during the day, then moving shallow to feed at dawn and dusk. Mallets Bay Walleye average 2-4 pounds but fish over 6 pounds are caught regularly. They're structure-oriented fish that relate to bottom contours and drop-offs. While not the flashiest fighters, Walleye provide steady action and are prized for their flaky white meat.
Smallmouth Bass in fall are some of the hardest fighting freshwater fish you'll encounter. As water temperatures drop, they school up on rocky points and humps, feeding aggressively on crayfish and baitfish. Mallets Bay produces chunky Smallmouth in the 2-5 pound range that fight well above their weight class. Fall Smallmouth are often found in 15-30 feet of water relating to rock piles and ledges. They jump, dive, and use every trick to throw hooks, making each hookup a real battle.
Lake Trout are the deep water giants of Lake Champlain, providing the chance at trophy-sized fish during fall trolling. These cold-water predators move up from the depths as surface temperatures cool, creating opportunities to target them in shallower water than summer months. Lake Trout can exceed 20 pounds in Champlain, with fish in the 5-10 pound range being common. They're powerful fish that make long runs and test your drag system. Fall is prime time for Lakers as they become more active and accessible to anglers.
Captain Thorny's 8-hour fall charter gives you the extended time needed to really capitalize on Mallets Bay's best fishing. With Captain Rob's expertise guiding your day and all tackle provided, you're set up for success whether you're targeting a mixed bag or focusing on specific species. Fall fishing windows are relatively short in Vermont, and the best dates fill up quickly with repeat customers who know what this trip delivers. Don't wait to secure your spot for prime fall fishing action. A valid Vermont fishing license is all you need to bring – Captain Rob and his crew handle everything else to make your day on Lake Champlain productive and memorable.
Your fishing platform for Lake Champlain is a 22-foot C-Hawk downeast cabin cruiser that handles Vermont waters like a champ. Twin 150HP Yamaha engines push this boat to 35 knots when you need to cover water fast, while the downriggers and fish finder help you stay on productive structure where pike, walleye, bass, and trout hang out. The cabin keeps you comfortable during those crisp fall mornings, and there's a head onboard for the long 8-hour days. GPS navigation means you'll hit the honey holes efficiently, and the smooth ride lets you focus on working lures instead of fighting choppy conditions. Built for serious anglers who want to fish hard from sunrise to sunset on one of the Northeast's premier fisheries.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep water giants of Champlain, with most running 20-30 inches and 4-8 pounds, though true trophies over 15 pounds swim these depths. They're cold water fish that spend most of their time 40-80 feet down, suspended over deep basins or relating to underwater structure. Fall brings some of the best action as they move up slightly and feed aggressively before winter. What makes them special is their size potential and the challenge of deep water fishing - plus they're excellent eating with that rich, salmon-like meat. The key here is finding them with your electronics first, then dropping jigs or spoons right to their level. Work your lure with sharp snaps and long pauses - lake trout often hit on the drop when your bait looks wounded.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the wolves of these waters - aggressive predators with teeth that'll cut through most anything. They average 24-30 inches here, but 36+ inch fish keep things exciting. Look for them around weed beds, shallow bays, and drop-offs where they can ambush prey. Fall is prime time as they feed heavily in the cooling water and move into predictable patterns. What draws anglers to pike? That explosive strike and bulldogging fight, plus they'll eat just about any lure you throw. Fair eating if prepared right, though most folks release them. Local tip: use a steel leader and don't be afraid to fish right in the thick weeds. Pike will blast spoons and spinnerbaits retrieved just over the weed tops. When you hook one, keep steady pressure - they love to throw hooks with those head shakes.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that'll give you a real battle on light tackle. These bronze-backed beauties typically run 12-18 inches here, with the occasional 3-4 pounder to keep things interesting. They love rocky structure, drop-offs, and boulder fields where they can ambush prey. Fall fishing is fantastic as they bulk up for winter, moving into deeper water but still aggressive. What makes them special is that pound-for-pound fight - they'll jump, run, and test your drag like fish twice their size. The meat's good eating too, firm and tasty. Pro tip for Mallets Bay: look for rocky points that drop into deeper water. Work a tube jig or soft plastic crawfish right along the bottom where the rocks meet sand - that transition zone is where the bigger smallmouth hang out.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of the tastiest fish you'll catch in these waters, with that signature golden color and glassy eyes that help them hunt in low light. Most of our walleye run 18-24 inches and 2-4 pounds, though bigger ones are always possible. They hang around rock piles, drop-offs, and weed edges, usually in 10-20 feet of water during the day. Fall is prime time since they're feeding heavily before winter and move shallower as water temps drop. What makes them special? They fight smart rather than flashy, and the meat is absolutely top-notch - firm, white, and mild. Here's a local trick: when you feel that subtle "tick" on your jig, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and swim off a bit first - walleye like to mouth baits before committing.
Lake Champlain