Lake Champlain Heroes Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Special discount for first responders and military veteransCaptain Scott targets Lake Trout, Bass, and SalmonFourhour charter accommodates up to four guests
Captain Scott Thurber knows what it's like to serve your community – he's walked in those boots as a former law enforcement officer. That's why he's passionate about giving back to the men and women who put their lives on the line every day. This special discount fishing charter on Lake Champlain is his way of saying thank you to our first responders, active military, and veterans. You'll spend four solid hours on one of the Northeast's top-rated fishing destinations, targeting some seriously impressive species while enjoying the kind of camaraderie that only comes from shared service.
Your day starts early with Captain Scott, who'll have everything ready to go when you arrive at the dock. Lake Champlain stretches 120 miles between Vermont and New York, giving us plenty of water to work with depending on conditions and what's biting. Scott's been fishing these waters for years and knows exactly where to find the fish based on the season, weather, and recent activity. You can bring up to three buddies along – making this perfect for a squad outing or family trip. The boat's equipped with all the gear you need, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. Scott provides everything fishing-related, but you'll want to pack your own snacks and drinks since meals aren't included. The four-hour timeframe gives you enough time to hit multiple spots without feeling rushed, and Scott's flexible enough to adjust the plan if the fish are really cooperating in one particular area.
Lake Champlain fishing requires different approaches depending on what you're targeting and the time of year. Scott typically runs a combination of trolling and casting techniques to maximize your chances. For lake trout, you'll often be working deeper water with downriggers and heavy tackle – these fish can be 30 feet down or more, especially during warmer months. Smallmouth bass fishing is more about structure and cover, so expect to work around rocky points, drop-offs, and weed lines with lighter spinning gear. Scott's got a selection of proven lures that work consistently on Champlain, including spoons for the trout, jigs and soft plastics for bass, and various spinners that seem to attract whatever's in the mood to bite. The beauty of fishing with an experienced captain is that he reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the day. If the trolling isn't producing, he'll switch to casting. If one depth isn't working, he'll try another. The boat's fish finder helps locate schools and structure, but Scott's local knowledge is what really makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
Smallmouth bass are the bread and butter of Lake Champlain fishing, and for good reason. These bronze-backed fighters are aggressive, plentiful, and absolutely explosive when hooked. Champlain smallmouths typically run 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. They're most active from late spring through early fall, and they love the rocky structure that Champlain has in abundance. What makes catching them so addictive is their unpredictability – one minute you're working a rocky point with no action, the next minute you're doubled over with a bass trying to throw your lure back at the boat.
Lake trout are the deep-water bruisers that can really test your drag system. These native char can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes – 10 to 15 pounders aren't uncommon, and larger fish are definitely possible. They prefer the cold, deep waters of Champlain's main lake, typically holding 20-50 feet down during summer months. Lakers are notorious for their initial powerful runs when hooked, and landing one always feels like a major accomplishment. They're most active during spring and fall when the water temperatures are cooler, but Scott knows the summer patterns and can put you on them even during the warmer months.
Northern pike might not be the primary target, but when you hook into one, you'll remember it. These toothy predators can show up anywhere in the lake system, and they're ambush artists that strike with incredible speed and power. Pike in Champlain can reach 20+ pounds and are known for their acrobatic fights and razor-sharp teeth. They're especially fun on lighter tackle, though you'll want a steel leader to prevent bite-offs. Pike fishing can be feast or famine, but when they're active, you might catch several in quick succession.
American yellow perch round out the mix and shouldn't be overlooked. While they're smaller than the other species, they're excellent table fare and often bite when nothing else will. Champlain perch can reach impressive sizes for the species, with 12-14 inch fish being fairly common. They school up heavily, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. Perch are great for newer anglers or kids because they bite readily and fight hard for their size. Many guides consider them a bonus fish, but they're often the most consistent biters on the lake.
Captain Scott's military and first responder discount makes this already world-class fishing charter an even better value. Four hours on Lake Champlain with an experienced guide who genuinely appreciates your service – that's hard to beat. The boat handles up to four anglers comfortably, so grab your crew and plan a day you'll be talking about for months. Just remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. If you're planning to bring kids along, give Scott a call at 518-523-4275 to discuss the details and make sure everything's set up properly for a safe, fun day. Lake Champlain consistently ranks as one of the Northeast's premier fishing destinations, and there's no better way to experience it than with a captain who knows the water and values your service. Book your
The Irish Raider II is a sharp 21-foot Trophy boat that'll get you to the best fishing spots on Lake Champlain. This 2021 vessel runs on a reliable 150HP Mercury engine and handles these waters like a dream. Captain Scott knows where the Lake Trout and Smallmouth Bass are hiding, and with the boat's fish finder and GPS system, you'll be fishing productive water all day long. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure, while the VHF radio keeps you connected. Built to carry up to 4 anglers comfortably, this boat gives you plenty of room to fight fish and move around the deck. Whether you're casting for Landlocked Salmon or working the drop-offs for trout, the Irish Raider II puts you in position to make it happen on one of the Northeast's premier fishing destinations.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch might be smaller fish, but they're absolute dynamite for action and taste. These golden beauties with dark vertical bars typically run 7-10 inches and travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find plenty more. They love weedy areas, around docks, and along structured shorelines in 10-25 feet of water. Spring through fall fishing is solid, with late spring being particularly hot when they're shallow and feeding heavily. What guests love most is the steady action and the fact that perch are hands-down some of the best eating fish in the lake - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for a fish fry. Light tackle makes them fun to catch too. Here's the key: once you locate a school, drop small jigs tipped with minnows or worms straight down and work them slowly. Keep quiet and you can fill the cooler quickly.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the big game prize of Champlain - these deep-water giants can reach 15-30 pounds and are built for the long haul. They're cold-water fish that spend most of their time in the depths, cruising open water or hugging deep structure. Early spring right after ice-out is prime time when they move shallow, but summer means deep trolling in 60-100+ feet. What makes lakers special is their size and the challenge - they're strong, deep fighters that test your equipment and patience. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for smoking. These fish live decades, so every one is a trophy. Best approach here is vertical jigging with heavy spoons or soft plastics in deep water, especially around underwater humps and ledges. Use your electronics to mark fish and bait, then work your lure right through the zone where they're holding.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the lake's apex predators - aggressive, toothy, and built for ambush attacks. These green torpedoes average 2-3 feet but can push 4 feet in Champlain's fertile waters. They lurk in weedy bays and along drop-offs, especially around structure where baitfish gather. Early season right after ice-out is fantastic when they're shallow and active, though summer fishing in deeper weed lines produces too. Pike are pure adrenaline - explosive strikes and bulldog fights that test your drag. Handle with respect - those teeth mean business. They're also surprisingly good eating when filleted properly. Pro tip: use a steel leader and fish spoons or large swimbaits with a stop-and-go retrieve. When you feel that first hit, don't set the hook immediately - let them turn the bait before driving it home.
Micropterus DolomieuLake Champlain's smallmouth bass are real scrappy fighters that'll put a bend in your rod. These bronze-backed beauties typically run 18-20 inches and love the rocky structure and clear waters we've got here. Spring and fall are prime time when they move into shallower areas, but summer fishing means working deeper drop-offs where they stay cool. What makes smallmouth special is their fight - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish in the lake. They jump, they run, they don't give up easy. Plus they make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. My tip: when fishing rocky points, cast a tube jig and let it fall naturally into the crevices. These bass can't resist a crayfish imitation bouncing along the bottom near their hiding spots.
Lake Champlain