Lake Champlain Weekday Fishing with Captain Seth
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Half-day guided fishing trips targeting crappie and bass speciesCaptain Seth provides all necessary gear for up to 6 guestsLake Champlain fishing with experienced local guide service
When you're looking for consistent action on one of the Northeast's premier fishing destinations, Captain Seth's weekday trips on Lake Champlain deliver exactly what serious anglers want. This half-day adventure puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive waters in Vermont, where multiple species keep your rod bent and your drag screaming. With Captain Seth handling the navigation and providing all the gear, you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the boat.
Your morning starts at one of Lake Champlain's launch points, where Captain Seth has everything rigged and ready to go. The weekday timing gives you a real advantage – less boat traffic means the fish are more relaxed and willing to bite. You'll be targeting multiple species throughout the trip, which keeps things interesting since you never know what's going to hit your line next. The lake's diverse structure, from rocky drop-offs to weedy flats, means we're constantly adjusting our approach based on what the fish are telling us. Captain Seth reads the water like a book, positioning the boat where the action is hottest. Whether we're working the shallows for aggressive bass or dropping into deeper water for suspended crappie, every spot has potential. The six-person capacity keeps the boat from getting crowded, so everyone has plenty of room to fight their fish without tangling lines.
Captain Seth brings a full arsenal of techniques depending on what's working that day. We might start with live bait presentations around structure, then switch to casting jigs if the fish are more active. The beauty of Lake Champlain is that different techniques work at different times, and Captain Seth knows exactly when to make the call. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait come included, so you don't need to worry about rigging up or choosing the right presentation. We use everything from finesse tactics for pressured fish to power fishing when they're really turned on. The lake's varying depths – from shallow bays to 400-foot holes – mean we're constantly adapting our approach. Captain Seth positions the boat using GPS and fish finder technology to put you over productive water, but it's his local knowledge that really makes the difference. He knows which points hold fish during different weather patterns and which flats come alive when conditions are right.
Largemouth Bass are the bread and butter of Lake Champlain fishing, and these fish have serious attitude. They average 2-4 pounds but don't be surprised when a 5-pounder crushes your bait near cover. Spring through fall offers consistent action, with early morning and late afternoon typically producing the most aggressive strikes. What makes these bass special is how hard they fight in Champlain's clean, cold water – they'll jump, run, and do everything they can to throw your hook. The lake's abundant forage keeps them chunky and strong.
Crappie fishing on Champlain is absolutely lights-out when you find them. These slab-sided fighters school up around brush piles and drop-offs, and when you locate a good school, you can catch them one after another. They typically run 10-14 inches, with some real slabs pushing 15+ inches and 2 pounds. Spring spawning action is legendary, but they bite consistently through summer around deeper structure. Crappie have paper-thin mouths, so the fight is all about keeping steady pressure – but that delicate nature makes landing them even more satisfying.
Northern Pike are the lake's ultimate predators, and hooking into one is like grabbing a freight train. These toothy missiles can stretch 30+ inches and hit your bait with explosive force. They love weedy areas and ambush points where they can attack unsuspecting prey. Pike season runs strong from ice-out through late fall, with cooler water periods often producing the biggest fish. The fight is pure power – long runs followed by head-shaking jumps that'll test your drag setting. Captain Seth always has wire leaders ready because these fish will slice through regular line like butter.
Tarpon on Lake Champlain might surprise you, but these silver kings occasionally make their way into the lake system and provide world-class excitement when hooked. These acrobatic fighters are famous for their spectacular jumps and bulldogging runs. While not as common as our other target species, connecting with a Champlain tarpon is a bucket-list experience that anglers talk about for years. They can show up any time during the warmer months, often when you're least expecting it.
Redfish round out our target list and bring their own unique fighting style to Lake Champlain waters. These copper-colored bruisers use their broad tails and strong shoulders to make powerful runs along the bottom. They're known for their dogged determination – rarely jumping but never giving up until they're in the net. Redfish can be caught year-round but really turn on during transitional seasons when they're actively feeding to prepare for weather changes.
Captain Seth's weekday trips fill up fast because savvy anglers know that's when Lake Champlain fishing is at its absolute best. You're getting expert guidance, all the gear you need, and access to honey holes that produce fish year after year. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new water or someone just getting serious about fishing, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps you coming back. The combination of multiple target species, professional guidance, and Lake Champlain's incredible fishery makes this a top-rated choice for anyone wanting to experience Vermont's best fishing. Don't wait – these weekday slots book solid, especially during prime fishing seasons.
The RVGS Motorboat Model 2000 is your ticket to Lake Champlain's best fishing spots. This sturdy 6-person vessel cuts through the water with ease, getting you to where the crappie and bass are biting without wasting precious fishing time. The built-in fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while the GPS keeps you on course to those honey holes Captain Seth knows like the back of his hand. With plenty of room for your crew to spread out and work their lines, this boat's designed for serious anglers who want comfort without sacrificing performance. The reliable motor means more time with lines in the water and less time dealing with mechanical headaches. Whether you're targeting largemouth bass in the shallows or going after northern pike in deeper water, this boat handles Lake Champlain's varied conditions like a champ. Perfect for half-day trips where every cast counts.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are some of the best eating fish in Lake Champlain, and they're perfect for families. Both black and white crappie swim here, usually running 7-12 inches and weighing around a pound. They school up in deeper water near structure - think submerged trees, brush piles, and drop-offs in 10-20 feet. Spring spawning time is fantastic when they move shallow, but we catch them year-round. What guests love most is the steady action and that sweet, flaky white meat. They're not huge fighters, but when you find a school, you can fill the cooler quick. Here's my go-to trick: use a small jig tipped with a minnow and fish it slow. Crappie are light biters, so pay attention to your line - sometimes you'll only feel a slight tick before they're gone.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the kings of Lake Champlain's warm-water fishing. These green fighters typically run 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds, but we see plenty bigger. They love shallow, weedy areas and hang around structure like fallen trees, docks, and rocky points. Spring through fall are prime times, especially early morning and evening when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? That famous fight - they'll jump, dive, and pull drag like crazy. Plus, they're great eating if you want to keep a few. Here's a local tip: when the water's murky after rain, throw something with red in it. Bass are drawn to red lures, and it really shows on Champlain. We fish them with everything from topwater plugs to deep-diving crankbaits depending on conditions.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are Lake Champlain's apex freshwater predators, and they're built like underwater missiles. These toothy creatures average 24-30 inches but can push 40+ inches and 15-20 pounds. They ambush prey from weed lines, drop-offs, and rocky structures in 5-15 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active, though we catch them all season. What anglers love is their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights - plus they're surprisingly good eating when prepared right. The key is fishing fast-moving lures like spinnerbaits and spoons to trigger their predatory instincts. Here's a pro tip: always use a steel leader because their razor teeth will cut through regular line instantly. And when you hook one, keep steady pressure - they'll throw the hooks if you give them slack during their head-shaking runs.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are bronze-colored fighters marked by distinctive black spots near their tails. They average 20-30 inches in our waters, preferring shallow flats and grass beds where they cruise looking for crabs and baitfish. Summer and early fall are best when water temperatures climb. What makes redfish exciting is their powerful runs and the way they'll crush topwater lures in skinny water - sometimes with their backs showing above the surface. They're also excellent table fare with firm, mild meat. The trick with reds is staying quiet and watching for their telltale wakes or tailing behavior in the shallows. When you spot one feeding, cast well ahead and work your bait slowly past them. They spook easily, so keep noise down and make long, accurate casts for the best shot at these copper-colored bruisers.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon in Lake Champlain are a rare treat - these silver giants can reach 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds of pure muscle. They're typically found in deeper, warmer sections of the lake during summer months, often rolling on the surface to gulp air. When conditions are right - calm, warm days - they become the ultimate sight-fishing target. What makes tarpon special is their raw power and aerial displays. When hooked, they'll jump repeatedly, shaking their heads to throw the hook. Most anglers practice catch and release since they're tough eating with lots of bones. Here's the key: when you see one roll, cast ahead of where it's moving and strip your lure steadily. Once you hook up, bow to the fish when it jumps to keep slack in the line - that's how you avoid getting thrown.
Lake Champlain