Full Day Advanced Fishing Trip on Lake Champlain
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday guided trolling for salmon, trout, and pikeperchAdvanced techniques with professional equipment and fishing licenses includedAccommodates up to 4 experienced anglers with Captain Pete
If you're serious about your angling and ready to put in a full day chasing some of Lake Champlain's most prized gamefish, this advanced fishing charter is built for you. Captain Pete runs a no-nonsense operation focused on results, targeting Atlantic Salmon, Lake Trout, and Pike-Perch across 8 hours of strategic trolling. This isn't a beginner's cruise – it's a technical fishing experience designed for anglers who understand the difference between just dropping lines and actually hunting fish with purpose. You'll work the deeper waters where these species roam, using proven tactics that consistently put fish in the boat.
Your day starts early with Captain Pete, who knows these waters like the back of his casting hand. Lake Champlain stretches 120 miles between Vermont and New York, offering diverse structure and thermal layers that hold different species at various depths throughout the season. Pete provides all the high-end tackle you'll need – downriggers, planer boards, quality rods, and a selection of proven lures that match the current bite. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to work without tangling lines or bumping elbows. You're encouraged to bring your own food and drinks since this is a marathon session, not a sprint. The focus stays on fishing from start to finish, with strategic moves based on sonar readings, water temperature, and Pete's extensive logbook of productive spots. Fishing licenses are handled for you, so there's one less thing to worry about when you're trying to dial in the perfect trolling spread.
This trip revolves around precision trolling – reading the electronics, adjusting speeds, and working different depths simultaneously to cover the water column effectively. Captain Pete runs a methodical approach using downriggers to get baits down to the 40-80 foot range where Lake Trout typically cruise, while also deploying planer boards to spread the pattern and cover more water. Speed control is critical here, usually running between 1.8 and 3.2 mph depending on target species and conditions. You'll learn to read the fish finder properly, identifying bait schools and temperature breaks that concentrate gamefish. Lure selection changes throughout the day based on what's producing – everything from spoons and plugs to cut bait rigs. The captain adjusts leader lengths, trolling speeds, and depths based on real-time feedback from the fish. This hands-on approach means you're constantly fine-tuning the setup rather than just sitting back and hoping for the best.
Atlantic Salmon represent the crown jewel of Lake Champlain fishing, and these aren't your typical landlocked salmon – they're the real deal, sea-run fish that have adapted to this massive freshwater system. These chrome-bright fighters typically range from 18 to 28 inches, with occasional trophy fish pushing over 30. They're most active during cooler months and early morning periods, often found suspended over deep water or relating to steep drop-offs. What makes them special is their aerial displays when hooked – expect multiple jumps and long runs that will test your drag system. The take is often subtle at trolling speeds, so you need to watch your rod tips carefully.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists of Champlain, often called "lakers" by regulars. These fish can live for decades and grow substantial, with 5-10 pound fish being common and occasional giants over 20 pounds making appearances. They prefer the coldest, deepest water available, usually holding between 50-100 feet deep during summer months. Lakers are known for their stamina rather than spectacular jumps – they'll make long, powerful runs toward bottom structure. The best fishing happens during spring and fall when they move shallower, but summer deep-water trolling can be incredibly productive if you're willing to work for them.
Pike-Perch, locally known as walleye, are the table-fare champions of the lake and provide consistent action throughout the fishing season. These golden-sided predators typically range from 14-22 inches, with occasional fish pushing 26-28 inches. They're structure-oriented fish, relating to rocky points, drop-offs, and underwater humps. Pike-perch have excellent low-light vision, making dawn and dusk prime feeding times. They're also active during overcast conditions. What anglers love about targeting pike-perch is their willingness to bite and their reputation as one of the best-eating freshwater fish available. They often school up, so when you find one, there are usually more in the area.
Captain Pete's advanced fishing trips fill up quickly, especially during peak season when all three target species are most active. This 8-hour commitment pays dividends for serious anglers who want to maximize their time on productive water with a guide who knows how to put fish in the boat consistently. The combination of quality equipment, local knowledge, and technical fishing approaches creates opportunities you simply can't replicate fishing on your own. Whether you're looking to add a Lake Champlain salmon to your life list, target a trophy lake trout, or fill the cooler with prime pike-perch fillets, this charter delivers the goods. Don't wait until the last minute – book your spot and get ready for a world-class fishing experience on one of the Northeast's premier fisheries.
Meet the Missy Jean, your floating command center for serious Lake Champlain fishing. This 21-foot Trophy Bayliner walk-about packs serious punch with its 150hp Mercury cruiser and dedicated Yamaha trolling motor for precision boat control. Captain Pete named her after the two most important women in his life, and she's built to handle whatever these waters throw at you. The boat's fish finder cuts through Lake Champlain's depths to locate those elusive salmon and trout holding spots, while the GPS keeps you locked onto productive structure. VHF radio ensures you stay connected with marine traffic and weather updates during your 8-hour hunt. The bimini top and full enclosure mean you can fish comfortably whether it's blazing sun or surprise weather - because the fish don't care about conditions, and neither should you. With room for four anglers, there's plenty of space to work multiple trolling spreads without tangling lines. The walk-about design gives you 360-degree access to fighting fish, and the onboard facilities keep everyone comfortable during those long stretches between hot bites. She meets full Coast Guard standards and runs smooth across Champlain's big water, getting you to the fish fast and keeping you there all day.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon in Champlain typically run 8-12 pounds and average 28-30 inches, making them serious fighters that'll test your drag system. These silver torpedoes cruise the deeper, cooler waters during summer months, usually 40-80 feet down where temps stay comfortable. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallower and feed more aggressively. What makes them special is their stamina - they'll make long runs and jump repeatedly when hooked, giving you a battle that can last 15-20 minutes. The meat is top-shelf eating with that distinctive orange-pink color. My tip: when trolling, slow your speed down more than you think. These fish want a subtle presentation, and too much speed will turn them off fast.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the heavyweights of Champlain, commonly running 15-40 pounds and stretching 24-36 inches. They stick to the coldest, deepest water year-round - think 60-120 feet during summer months where oxygen levels stay high. Early spring right after ice-out and late fall are your best shots when they move up to 30-40 feet. These fish are built for power, not speed, giving you a bulldogging fight that'll test your arms. The payoff is some of the best eating you'll find - clean, firm meat that's perfect on the grill. Here's the local secret: when jigging deep, work your lure slowly and keep it close to bottom structure. They're not aggressive chasers, so patience pays off big time.
Sander LuciopercaPike-perch are the largest member of the perch family, averaging 20 inches but capable of reaching 39 inches in good conditions. They love murky, nutrient-rich water and often hang around structure in 15-40 foot depths. These torpedo-shaped predators have powerful jaws and feed aggressively on schools of baitfish. Spring through early fall produces the best action, especially during overcast conditions when they move shallower to hunt. Anglers enjoy targeting them because they fight hard for their size and provide excellent table fare - firm, white meat with few bones. The key trick is using dead or barely-alive bait rather than lively offerings. They're actually pretty spooky, so a subtle approach works better than aggressive presentations.
Lake Champlain