8 Hour Lake Champlain Salmon and Lake Trout Fishing
Private Trip
Eight-hour guided trip targets salmon and lake trout species.Captain Rob provides all equipment and expert fishing techniques.Accommodates up to four guests on scenic Lake Champlain waters.
When you're serious about fishing Lake Champlain and want the full experience, this 8-hour charter with Captain Rob gives you exactly that. We're talking about a proper day on one of the Northeast's most productive fisheries, where you'll target multiple species and have the time to really dial in what's working. Lake Champlain stretches 120 miles between Vermont and New York, and with Captain Thorny's Fishing Charters, you'll hit the spots that consistently produce salmon, lake trout, and whatever else is biting. This isn't a rushed half-day trip - you get the luxury of time to move around, try different techniques, and maximize your shots at landing quality fish.
Captain Rob knows Lake Champlain like the back of his hand, and with 8 hours at your disposal, he can really show you what this lake has to offer. You'll start early to take advantage of prime feeding times, and the extended day means you can cover serious ground. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers, so you're not crowded, and everyone gets plenty of attention and coaching. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself working the deeper channels for lake trout in the morning, then moving to structure for walleye, or hitting the thermoclines where salmon like to cruise. The beauty of having all day is that you can adapt - if one spot isn't producing, there's time to relocate and try something completely different. Don't forget to grab your Vermont fishing license before you head out, because you'll definitely want to keep some of what you catch.
All your gear is provided - quality rods, reels, tackle, and lures that are proven on Champlain. Captain Rob switches up techniques throughout the day based on what the fish are telling him. Trolling is often the bread and butter for covering water and locating active fish, especially when targeting salmon and trout in the open lake. You'll run downriggers to get your baits down to the right depth, typically anywhere from 40 to 100 feet depending on the season and water temperature. When the fish are holding tight to structure or suspended at specific depths, jigging becomes the go-to method. Light tackle fishing adds another dimension, especially when walleye are the target or when you want to feel every head shake from a fighting trout. The crew handles all the setup and is right there to coach you through the techniques, whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time in years.
Atlantic Salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Champlain fishing, and these landlocked beauties put up fights that'll test your arms and your drag system. They typically run 18 to 25 inches, with some real bruisers pushing 30 inches or better. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding and closer to the surface. What makes salmon so special here is their aerial displays - they'll jump, tail-walk, and generally show you exactly why they're considered one of the best fighting fish in freshwater. Lake Trout are the heavyweights of the lake, with fish regularly hitting 20 to 30 pounds. They prefer the deeper, colder water and are most active during the cooler months. Landing a big lake trout is like wrestling with a submarine - they use their weight and the deep water to their advantage, making long, powerful runs that'll have you questioning your knots.
Rainbow Trout bring speed and acrobatics to the mix, typically running 16 to 22 inches with bright silver sides and that classic rainbow stripe. They're aggressive feeders and will hit everything from spoons to flies, making them a favorite for anglers who like variety in their techniques. Brown Trout are the crafty veterans of the lake - they're often the hardest to fool but reward patient anglers with beautiful fish that can exceed 25 inches. They tend to be more active during low-light periods and are known for their surprising strength once hooked. Walleye round out the slam with their excellent table fare and willingness to bite throughout the day. They typically run 14 to 20 inches in Champlain, with some real slabs pushing 24 inches or better. Walleye are structure-oriented fish, so you'll often find them around drop-offs, points, and rocky areas where they ambush baitfish.
This 8-hour Lake Champlain charter gives you everything you need for a world-class fishing experience - knowledgeable guidance, quality equipment, and access to some of the most productive waters in the Northeast. Captain Rob's approach of adapting techniques and locations throughout the day maximizes your chances of connecting with multiple species, and the relaxed pace means you can actually enjoy the experience instead of feeling rushed. Whether you're looking to check salmon off your bucket list, chase trophy lake trout, or just spend a quality day on the water with friends or family, this trip delivers. Lake Champlain fishing is trending up each year as more anglers discover what locals have known for decades - this is legitimate big fish water with consistent action. Book your spot with Captain Thorny's Fishing Charters and see why this customer favorite keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Hit the waters of Lake Champlain aboard this well-equipped 22' C-Hawk downeast cabin cruiser, your floating base camp for chasing salmon and lake trout in Vermont's legendary fishing waters. Twin 150HP Yamaha engines deliver the speed and reliability you need to reach prime fishing spots quickly, while the comfortable cabin design keeps you protected during those early morning runs to deeper water. The boat comes rigged with downriggers for precise depth control when trolling for suspended fish, plus a quality fish finder to mark schools and structure where trophy lake trout lurk. GPS navigation helps Captain Rob navigate to productive areas across the lake's 120 miles of shoreline. With tackle and gear provided, you can focus on reading the water and working your presentations. The onboard toilet adds convenience during those long 8-hour sessions when the fish are biting and you don't want to head back to shore. Built for Lake Champlain's conditions, this cruiser handles chop well while providing stable fishing platform for up to 4 anglers. Whether you're jigging deep drop-offs for lake trout or running the shallows for salmon, this boat gives you the range and comfort to make the most of your day on one of the Northeast's premier fishing destinations.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon in Lake Champlain run 8-12 pounds on average and put up one heck of a fight with their signature jumps. These silver beauties prefer the cooler, deeper waters during summer but move shallower in spring and fall when water temps drop. We typically find them suspended 20-40 feet down over deep structure or cruising near drop-offs. Spring right after ice-out and fall are your best bets - that's when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes them special is that acrobatic battle once hooked, plus they're fantastic eating with that rich, orange flesh. My local trick? When trolling, vary your speed every few minutes - that speed change often triggers strikes from followers.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish we target, averaging 3-6 pounds with beautiful golden-brown coloring and black spots. They're homebodies that stick close to structure like rocky points, drop-offs, and weed lines, usually in 10-25 feet of water. Fall is absolutely prime time when they get aggressive before spawning, but early morning and evening produce year-round. What makes them special is their wariness - they're tough to fool, making each catch rewarding. Plus they're excellent eating with firm, mild flesh. These fish can live 12+ years and get educated, so they don't make mistakes often. My go-to trick? When trolling, run your lures deeper and slower than you would for other trout - browns often follow before committing, and that subtle presentation seals the deal.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the heavyweights of our lake, with fish ranging 5-15 pounds and some real monsters pushing 20+. They're deep-water specialists, typically suspended 40-80 feet down in the main basin during summer, but move shallower in spring and fall. Right after ice-out is prime time when they cruise 15-30 feet deep and are most active. What anglers love is their steady, powerful fight - no jumps, just pure strength pulling drag. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. These fish live in the coldest, most oxygenated water we can find. Jigging is the go-to technique, but here's my local secret: when vertical jigging, drop your lure to bottom, then work it 5-10 feet up - that's where they usually suspend and feed.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are scrappy fighters that average 2-4 pounds in the lake, known for their colorful pink stripe and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They roam different depths depending on season - shallow in spring and fall, deeper during hot summer months following the thermocline. Early season after ice-out and late fall are prime times when they're actively feeding near the surface. What guests love most is their willingness to fight and those spectacular aerial displays. They're also excellent table fare with firm, pink flesh. Spring and fall trolling with spoons works great, but here's a local trick: when they're shallow, try casting small spinners near rocky shorelines early morning - the aggressive ones will hammer them in 5-10 feet of water.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the gold standard for eating fish around here, averaging 2-4 pounds with those distinctive glassy eyes that help them hunt in low light. They love rocky structure, drop-offs, and weed edges, usually hanging 15-30 feet deep during the day. Early morning, evening, and overcast days are prime time since they're most active when light is dim. The fight isn't flashy but they're stubborn, and the reward is some of the best-tasting fish you'll find - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're feeding aggressively. Local tip: when jigging, keep your bait just off bottom and use a slow, subtle lift-and-drop - walleye often hit on the fall.
Lake Champlain