5.0(1 Reviews)Lake Champlain Half Day Afternoon Fishing Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Halfday afternoon fishing on premier Lake Champlain watersTarget trout, bass, and pike with experienced local guideAccommodates up to four guests with all equipment provided
Picture this: you're out on Lake Champlain as the afternoon sun starts its descent, your line dancing in some of the best freshwater fishing the Northeast has to offer. This half-day trip puts you right in the heart of what makes Champlain legendary among anglers – world-class fishing for multiple trophy species, all in one amazing day on the water. With Guide Scott Thurber showing you the ropes and up to four anglers per trip, you'll get that perfect blend of expert guidance and personable experience that keeps folks coming back season after season.
Your afternoon starts with meeting Scott, who's been reading these waters longer than most folks have been fishing them. He'll get you set up with everything you need – rods, tackle, and most importantly, the local knowledge that turns a good fishing day into a great one. Lake Champlain stretches over 120 miles, but Scott knows exactly where the fish are holding based on the season, weather, and what's been biting lately. You'll spend your time hitting the productive spots, learning why certain areas hold fish, and getting tips that'll make you a better angler long after you head home. The beauty of a half-day trip is you get concentrated action without the full-day commitment, perfect for families, beginners, or anyone wanting to sample what Champlain's all about.
Scott runs a mix of trolling and casting depending on what the fish are telling him that day. For lake trout, you'll likely be trolling with downriggers or lead core line to get down to where these cold-water fighters live. The big lakers often hold in 60-80 feet of water during warmer months, so having the right setup makes all the difference. When targeting bass and pike, expect to work the shallower structure with everything from spinnerbaits to soft plastics. Scott's got all the gear dialed in – from the rods matched to each technique to the tackle box stocked with proven local patterns. He'll show you how to read your electronics, understand what you're seeing on the bottom, and adjust your presentation based on fish activity. It's hands-on learning that sticks with you.
"We had awesome time fishing. Scott provided everything we needed and was a great guide. I would highly recommend him 🎣🎣 Thanks again Perry, Tom, Ben" - Perry Raup
Lake Trout are the crown jewel of Champlain's fishery, and for good reason. These native char can push 20-30 pounds and fight like freight trains once hooked. They prefer the deeper, colder water and are most active during spring and fall when the lake turns over. Summer fishing means going deep, but the payoff is worth it when you tie into a true Champlain giant. What makes lakers special here is the lake's incredible forage base – they grow fat on smelt, alewives, and other baitfish, creating some seriously thick-shouldered fish that'll test your drag and your patience.
Smallmouth Bass in Champlain are absolute rockets, and the rocky structure throughout the lake creates perfect smallie habitat. These bronze-backed fighters average 2-4 pounds but don't let the size fool you – pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting freshwater fish you'll encounter. Peak action runs from late spring through early fall, with the best fishing often happening right around the rocky points and drop-offs that Scott knows like the back of his hand. When a good smallmouth hits, you'll know it immediately – they fight all the way to the boat and often throw in an aerial show for good measure.
Northern Pike bring the excitement factor with their aggressive strikes and toothy grins. Champlain's pike population has been strong for years, with fish regularly hitting the 30-40 inch mark. They love the weedy bays and structure edges, especially during warmer months when they're actively feeding. Pike fishing is visual and exciting – you'll often see follows and strikes, making for great action even when they don't commit. Scott knows the proven pike waters and has the heavy tackle needed to handle these freshwater missiles when they decide to cooperate.
Largemouth Bass round out the slam opportunity, and while they might not get the headlines like the other species, Champlain's bucketmouths can surprise you. They stick to the warmer, weedier areas and can provide steady action when conditions are right. Spring and early summer are prime time for largemouth, especially around spawning areas where Scott can put you on aggressive fish. These bass might not jump like their smallmouth cousins, but they make up for it with bulldogging power and the satisfaction of a classic bass fight.
Lake Champlain fishing doesn't get much better than this – four target species, an experienced guide who knows these waters inside and out, and the flexibility of a half-day trip that fits into any schedule. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add Champlain to your resume or a newcomer wanting to learn from one of the best, this trip delivers the goods. Scott provides all the gear and expertise; you just need to show up ready to fish. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so once you book, you're locked in for what could be your best fishing day of the year. If you're bringing kids along, give Scott a call at 518-523-4275 to make sure everything's set up perfectly. Don't wait – the best fishing days fill up fast, and Champlain's waiting for you.
The Irish Raider II is your ticket to Lake Champlain's legendary fishing waters. This 21-foot Trophy boat runs on a reliable 150HP Mercury engine and comfortably handles up to 4 anglers for your afternoon pursuit of trout, bass, and pike. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working those productive spots, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure below. GPS navigation ensures you'll hit all the prime fishing locations, and the VHF radio keeps you connected on the water. Built in 2021, this well-equipped vessel gives you everything needed to chase Lake Champlain's diverse fishery. Whether you're casting for largemouth bass in the shallows or trolling deep for lake trout, the Irish Raider II delivers the performance and comfort that makes for productive time on one of America's top freshwater fishing destinations.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake Champlain's lakers are the deep-water giants, often running 24-36 inches and putting serious weight on your line. These cold-water fish spend most of their time in the deeper basins, especially during summer when they seek cooler temperatures down around 50-80 feet. Spring right after ice-out and fall are your best shots when they move shallower. What makes them special is their size and the long, steady fight they put up - no flashy jumps, just pure power. They're also excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. The key to success is getting your lure down to their level and keeping it moving slow and steady. Jigging with swimbaits or spoons works great, and don't be afraid to go deep - they're worth the effort.
Micropterus SalmoidesChamplain's largemouth are chunky fish that typically run 12-24 inches and love our weedy bays and shallow cover. You'll find them around downed trees, weed beds, and rocky shorelines in 5-15 feet of water. They're most active during warmer months - late spring through early fall - especially during low-light periods like our evening trips. What makes them a blast is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They'll jump clean out of the water trying to throw your hook. The meat's decent eating if you're into that, but most folks enjoy the sport. Here's my go-to tip: work your lures slow around cover and don't be afraid to throw something with red in it - they seem drawn to that color in Champlain's water.
Esox LuciusLake Champlain's northern pike are aggressive predators that average around 24 inches, but don't be surprised if you hook into something much bigger. These toothy critters love shallow, weedy bays and drop-offs where they ambush prey like underwater missiles. They're most active during cooler months - spring and fall are prime, though summer mornings and evenings can produce solid action. What guests love is the explosive strikes and strong runs these fish make. They're pure adrenaline on the line. The meat's actually pretty tasty when prepared right, though most folks release them. Here's a key tip I share: when you feel that first hit, don't set the hook immediately. Pike often grab prey sideways first, so give them a few seconds to turn it before setting.
Micropterus DolomieuThese bronze fighters average 18-20 inches and put up some of the best fights pound-for-pound you'll find in Champlain. Smallmouth love rocky bottoms and clear water, hanging around drop-offs and boulder fields in 10-25 feet during our afternoon trips. Spring and fall are prime time when they're active in shallower water, but summer evenings can be hot too as they move up from the depths. What makes them special is that incredible fight - they'll jump, dive, and battle right to the net. The meat's firm with a mild flavor that's great eating. My local tip: when you're working those rocky points, slow down your retrieve and let your lure bump the bottom. They often hit right after it bounces off a rock.
5.0 out of 5.0We had awesome time fishing. Scott provided everything we needed and was a great guide. I would highly recommend him 🎣🎣 Thanks ...
Lake Champlain