Lake Champlain Salmon & Trout Adventure
Private Trip
Sixhour guided trip targets salmon, lake trout, and walleye.All fishing equipment and tackle provided for four guests.Professional captain uses trolling, jigging, and light tackle techniques.
Captain Thorny's Fishing Charters delivers one of Vermont's top-rated fishing experiences right here on the legendary waters of Lake Champlain. This 6-hour guided trip puts you in the heart of some of the Northeast's most productive fishing grounds, where trophy salmon and hefty lake trout cruise the depths year-round. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of serious angling or you're a seasoned pro looking to connect with Champlain's famous cold-water species, Captain Rob knows exactly where the fish are holding and how to get your lines tight. With room for up to 4 anglers, this charter strikes the perfect balance between personal attention and group fun, giving everyone plenty of chances to feel that electric pull of a big fish on the other end.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Rob at the launch, where he'll have the boat rigged and ready to chase whatever species are most active. Lake Champlain stretches over 120 miles between Vermont and New York, and Rob uses his decades of local knowledge to position you over the most promising structure and thermal layers. The boat comes loaded with top-shelf rods, reels, and tackle boxes packed with proven lures that have fooled countless Champlain giants over the years. You won't need to stress about bringing gear or figuring out what's working – just grab your Vermont fishing license beforehand and show up ready to fish. Rob handles everything from rigging lines to netting your catch, but he's also eager to teach techniques and share insights about reading the water. Families love how he keeps everyone engaged, while experienced anglers appreciate his willingness to adapt tactics based on real-time conditions and what the fish are telling him.
This charter runs the full spectrum of proven Lake Champlain techniques, giving you a masterclass in versatile angling. Trolling forms the backbone of most trips, with downriggers and planer boards spreading multiple lines at precise depths where salmon and trout are feeding. Rob adjusts trolling speeds and lure selection based on water temperature, time of year, and recent fish activity – sometimes you'll pull flashy spoons through the thermocline, other times subtle stick baits near rocky drop-offs work better. When fish are marked on the electronics or holding tight to structure, the crew switches to vertical jigging with heavy spoons or soft plastics that trigger aggressive strikes. Light tackle comes into play when targeting walleye around shallow reefs or when trout are feeding near the surface during morning and evening hours. The boat carries an impressive arsenal of tackle, from classic Champlain favorites like J-plugs and flutter spoons to newer soft baits that have been producing consistently. Rob's approach focuses on staying mobile and reactive – if one technique isn't producing, he quickly shifts gears to keep rods bent and clients happy.
Atlantic Salmon represent the crown jewel of Lake Champlain fishing, with these powerful silver bullets providing some of the most explosive fights you'll experience in freshwater. These fish typically run 3-8 pounds but can exceed 15 pounds, and they're known for spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Spring and fall offer the hottest salmon action, when they move into shallower water and feed aggressively on baitfish schools. What makes Champlain salmon special is their incredible stamina – they'll make long runs, jump repeatedly, and test every knot in your tackle box.
Lake Trout are the true heavyweights here, with fish over 20 pounds caught regularly and true giants exceeding 30 pounds lurking in the deepest parts of the lake. These prehistoric-looking predators prefer cold water and are most active during spring and late fall when water temperatures drop. Lakers fight differently than salmon – they're bulldogs that use their bulk and the deep water to their advantage, making powerful runs toward bottom structure. Summer fishing for lake trout requires precise depth control, often fishing 60-100 feet down where they find comfortable temperatures.
Rainbow Trout in Champlain are acrobatic fighters that love to jump and make sizzling runs across the surface. Most rainbows here run 2-6 pounds, but their fighting spirit makes them feel much larger. They're most active during cooler months and can be found anywhere from shallow trolling runs to mid-depth thermal breaks. Rainbows often feed in schools, so once you find them, multiple hookups are common.
Brown Trout are the smartest and most challenging species in the lake, requiring finesse and patience to consistently fool. These golden-flanked beauties can exceed 10 pounds and are notorious for their wariness around boats and lures. Browns often feed during low-light periods and prefer areas with cover like rocky points and drop-offs. When you do connect with a quality brown, expect a methodical, powerful fight with occasional bursts of speed.
Walleye round out the target species list and provide excellent action, especially during spring and summer evenings. Champlain walleye typically run 2-5 pounds but can reach impressive sizes over 8 pounds. They're primarily bottom-feeders that relate to rocky structure and drop-offs, making them perfect targets for jigging presentations. Walleye are also considered some of the best eating fish in the lake, with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for shore lunches.
Captain Thorny's 6-hour Lake Champlain charter delivers everything serious anglers want: productive fishing grounds, expert guidance, quality gear, and the chance to tangle with some of Vermont's most sought-after species. Rob's commitment to putting clients on fish, combined with his patient teaching style and intimate knowledge of Champlain's seasonal patterns, makes this a world-class fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Whether you're chasing your first salmon, looking to boat a trophy lake
Step aboard our 22' C-Hawk downeast cabin cruiser and get ready to chase salmon and lake trout across Lake Champlain's productive waters. This fishing machine packs twin 150HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the hot spots fast, cruising up to 35 knots when conditions call for covering serious ground. The boat's built for serious anglers who want comfort during those long trolling runs – there's a cabin with a toilet onboard, plus all the downriggers and quality tackle you need to put fish in the boat. Our GPS and fish finder combo keeps us locked onto structure and schools, while the stable hull design means you can focus on working your rod instead of fighting rough water. Whether we're trolling the deep channels for salmon or working the thermocline for fat lake trout, this rig handles Lake Champlain's changing conditions with ease. Captain Rob knows where the fish are holding and keeps up to 4 anglers busy with multiple techniques throughout the 6-hour trip.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon in Lake Champlain are stocked fish that typically run 8-12 pounds and 28-30 inches, though bigger ones show up. These silver beauties are famous for their aerial acrobatics when hooked - they'll jump and run like few other fish. You'll find them in the deeper, cooler waters during summer, usually 40-80 feet down where temps stay around 55-60°F. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallower to feed. What makes them special is that fight - pure power combined with those trademark leaps. The meat is top-shelf too, with that rich, orange flesh. My go-to trick is to troll slowly with spoons or plugs just above the thermocline, watching your fish finder for bait schools. When you hook one, keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work during those jumps.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart guys of the lake, averaging 14-20 inches but with some real bruisers pushing 8+ pounds. They're golden-brown with dark spots and prefer cooler water around structure like rocky points and drop-offs. These fish can be finicky - they're most active in low light and during fall when they get aggressive before spawning. What makes them special is their wariness and strong fight once hooked. They'll make long runs and use their weight well. The meat is excellent too, firmer than rainbow with great flavor. Fall nights are prime time when they move shallow to feed heavily. Here's my trick for picky browns - downsize your line and use natural presentations. A slowly trolled streamer or small spoon often works better than flashy lures. Patience pays off with these fish.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants here, typically running 20-30 inches and 5-15 pounds, with some real monsters over 20 pounds. They're the largest char in the lake with gray-green coloring and cream spots. You'll find them suspended in 60-100+ feet of water during summer, following the cold water and baitfish. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are best when they move up to 30-50 feet. What guests love is the powerful, dogged fight - no jumps, just pure strength pulling drag. The meat is rich and oily, great smoked. These fish live long and grow slow, so big ones are special. My key tip is to jig vertically with heavy spoons or jigging raps right in the fish. Watch your electronics closely and drop your lure right to them. Patience is crucial - they'll often follow before biting.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout here usually run 12-16 inches and put up a scrappy fight that'll surprise you. These colorful fish with their signature pink stripe love cold, clean water between 55-65°F. You'll find them cruising different depths depending on season - shallow in spring and fall, deeper during summer heat. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit everything from insects to small baitfish. What makes them fun is their willingness to bite and that spirited fight on light tackle. The pink meat tastes great too, mild and flaky. Early morning and late evening are prime time, especially on overcast days. My local tip is to vary your retrieve when trolling - rainbows often prefer an erratic action that mimics injured baitfish. Small spoons and spinners work great, but don't overlook live bait when they're being picky.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the bread and butter of table fare in these waters, averaging 14-18 inches with some pushing 4-5 pounds. Those big silver eyes aren't just for show - they help them hunt in low light, making dawn and dusk your best bets. During the day, they'll hold in 15-25 feet of water around rocky points, drop-offs, and weed edges. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action when they're more aggressive. What guests love is the steady fight and that flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're not flashy fighters but they're smart, so you need to stay sharp. Here's the key - slow your presentation way down. A jig tipped with a minnow worked just off bottom will outfish anything fancy. Keep it simple and keep it slow.
Lake Champlain