8 Hour Lake Champlain Salmon and Lake Trout Fishing
Private Trip
Fullday guided fishing targeting salmon and lake troutAccommodates up to 4 guests with all equipment includedMultiple techniques used including trolling and light tackle
When you're ready to commit to a full day on Lake Champlain, Captain Rob's 8-hour guided fishing charter gives you the real deal. This isn't a quick morning trip where you're rushing back to shore just as the fish start biting. You get a whole day to work the water, switch up techniques, and chase multiple species across this legendary fishery. With room for up to 4 anglers, it's perfect for families, friend groups, or anyone who wants to maximize their time on one of the Northeast's premier fishing destinations. Captain Rob knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on salmon, lake trout, and whatever else is running hot that day.
This full-day adventure starts early and keeps you busy until the sun gets low. Captain Rob plans these trips to cover serious ground on Lake Champlain, moving between productive zones as conditions change throughout the day. You might start the morning working shallow structure for browns and rainbows, then head to deeper water when the salmon bite turns on. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is flexibility – if one technique isn't producing, there's plenty of time to adjust and try something else. The pace stays relaxed but focused, giving everyone onboard multiple shots at different species. All your fishing gear is provided, from rods and reels to tackle and lures, so you can travel light and let the captain handle the technical side. Just remember to grab your Vermont fishing license before you show up – it's required for anyone 15 and older.
Captain Rob runs a variety of proven techniques depending on what the fish want that day. Trolling is the bread and butter for covering water and locating active schools, especially when targeting salmon and lake trout in deeper sections. He'll set up multiple lines at different depths using downriggers and planer boards to spread out the presentation. When fish are marked on the sonar, the crew switches to jigging with spoons and soft plastics to work specific structure. Light tackle fishing becomes the star of the show when trout are feeding in shallower water or around drop-offs. The captain reads the conditions constantly – water temperature, weather patterns, and fish activity – then adjusts the game plan accordingly. His tackle box is loaded with everything from flasher-fly combinations to copper spoons, plus all the specialized gear needed for Lake Champlain's diverse fishery.
Atlantic Salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Champlain, and these fish fight like nothing else in freshwater. They're most active during cooler months and early morning hours, often found in 60-100 feet of water. When you hook one, expect aerial displays and long runs that'll test your skills. These salmon average 3-8 pounds but can push much larger, making every hookup a memorable battle.
Lake Trout are the deep-water bruisers that love cold, oxygen-rich zones throughout the year. They typically run 2-10 pounds but can reach trophy size in Champlain's depths. Lakers are notorious for their initial head-shaking runs and steady, stubborn fights. They're excellent table fare when handled properly, and Captain Rob knows exactly where to find the schools.
Rainbow Trout provide consistent action and acrobatic fights that keep things interesting all day long. These fish are most active in spring and fall, often found near tributary mouths and rocky shorelines. Rainbows in Champlain average 2-5 pounds and are known for their spectacular jumps and fast runs.
Brown Trout are the crafty veterans that test an angler's patience and skill. They prefer structure-rich areas and can be picky about presentation, but the payoff is worth it. Browns often run larger than rainbows and fight with bulldogging determination. Early morning and evening hours tend to produce the best results.
Walleye round out the target species list with their aggressive strikes and excellent eating quality. These fish are most active during low-light periods and can be found around rocky reefs and drop-offs. Champlain walleye typically range from 2-6 pounds, with occasional giants that'll surprise you.
Captain Thorny's 8-hour Lake Champlain charter delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – extended time on productive water with an experienced guide who knows how to put fish in the boat. This trip gives you the flexibility to chase whatever's biting while learning techniques that'll make you a better angler long after the day ends. Whether you're targeting your first Lake Champlain salmon or trying to land a personal best lake trout, Captain Rob has the knowledge and equipment to make it happen. The combination of diverse species, proven techniques, and a full day on the water makes this a top choice for anyone wanting the complete Champlain fishing experience. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – the best fishing windows fill up fast with repeat customers who know what this lake can deliver.
Your fishing platform for this 8-hour Lake Champlain adventure is a 22' C-Hawk downeast cabin cruiser that's built to handle everything from calm morning waters to afternoon chop. Twin 150HP Yamaha engines give you the speed to reach productive fishing zones quickly, while the comfortable cabin design keeps you protected during those early morning runs to the salmon grounds. The boat comes equipped with downriggers for precise depth control when targeting lake trout in deeper waters, plus quality fish finders to locate schools and structure. You'll appreciate the onboard toilet during this full-day trip, and the stable hull design makes it easy to handle fish whether you're trolling the main lake or working lighter tackle near structure. GPS navigation ensures you can return to hot spots, and there's plenty of deck space for up to 4 anglers to fish comfortably without getting tangled up in each other's lines.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon in Champlain are stocked beauties that typically run 8-12 pounds and fight like nothing else. These silver torpedoes love cold water around 55-65°F, so we target them in deeper areas during summer and closer to the surface in spring and fall. They're suspension feeders, hanging mid-column over deep basins or near drop-offs. What makes them special is that acrobatic fight - they'll jump clear out of the water multiple times once hooked. The meat is premium eating with that rich, orange flesh. Best fishing happens during overcast days when they're more active. Here's a local trick: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes. Salmon often hit right after a speed change as the lure action shifts.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in Champlain, averaging 15-20 inches with some monsters over 24 inches and 8+ pounds. These golden-brown beauties are cautious and prefer cover - think fallen trees, undercut banks, and rocky structure in 10-25 feet of water. They love cooler water temps around 60-68°F, making spring and fall prime seasons. What makes them special is their wariness and powerful fight once hooked. They're excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. Browns often feed aggressively at dawn and dusk, especially during fall spawning runs. They can be picky about presentations, which makes landing one extra rewarding. Local tip: browns love crayfish patterns and earth-tone lures. When fishing gets tough, slow down your retrieve and work deeper pockets where they feel secure.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of Champlain, commonly reaching 24-36 inches and 15-25 pounds, with some true monsters over 30 pounds. These char prefer the coldest, deepest water available - we're talking 60-120 feet down in summer, though they'll come shallower in spring and fall when surface temps drop. They're built for the depths with that grey-green coloring and cream spots. What guests love is the sheer power and endurance of these fish - they'll take you deep and test your tackle. The firm, light-colored meat is fantastic eating. Best action happens during overcast days or low-light periods. My secret weapon: when jigging deep, use a 1/4 ounce jig and work it slowly with long pauses. Lakers often hit during the drop.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout in Champlain are scrappy fighters that typically run 12-16 inches, though we see some beauties pushing 20+ inches and 4-5 pounds. They prefer cooler water around 55-65°F, so look for them near inflows and deeper water during summer. In spring and fall, they'll cruise shallower areas hunting insects and baitfish. These fish are pure excitement - they'll jump, run, and test your drag like crazy. The pink flesh is excellent eating too. Best fishing happens during overcast conditions or early morning when they're actively feeding. They love structure like rocky points and weed lines. Here's something that works great: when trolling, rainbow trout often prefer smaller spoons with erratic action. Don't be afraid to speed up your presentation.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the golden-eyed ghosts of Champlain, averaging 14-18 inches with some pushing 20+ pounds. Those silvery eyes aren't just for show - they help them hunt in low light, making dawn and dusk prime time. During the day, they hug structure like rocky drop-offs, weed edges, and submerged points in 15-30 feet of water. Spring and fall are best when they move shallower to feed. What guests love most is the fight and the table fare - walleye are hands down the best eating fish in the lake. They're tricky to locate but once you find them, they school up. My go-to trick: when jigging, use a subtle lift-and-drop motion. Walleye often hit on the fall, so keep that line tight coming down.
Lake Champlain