Champlain Fishing Report: Smallmouth on Fire, Lakers Biting Deep, Perch Feeding Strong

This is Artificial Lure, checking in with your Lake Champlain fishing report for Saturday, November 1st, 2025. The sun came up just after 7:30 this morning and it'll drop below the horizon about 5:38 tonight, giving us a solid window for casting lines. Weather’s typical November Champlain—crisp air, mostly cloudy skies early, with temperatures floating near 41°F when the day breaks, warming up just a bit by mid-afternoon. Winds are out of the northwest at 8 to 12 knots, so expect a little chop, especially mid-lake—makes for a bracing ride but the big fish don’t seem to mind. No tides to worry about here, but water levels this week are steady, thanks to the region’s rain tapering off---visibility is fair in most bays and the main channel, colored up some after last week’s blow. Fish activity is steady as water temps dip into the upper 40s. The smallmouth bite is hot, especially in the deeper ledges off Valcour Island and down toward Juniper Point, with some slabs pulled just yesterday. Local anglers have reported strong numbers, with catches up to 18 inches not uncommon. Largemouth are hanging closer to the weeds and rocky shorelines—south end of the Inland Sea’s been good. This week, the best presentations are slow and tight to structure. Green pumpkin tube jigs and ⅜-ounce black and blue dock jigs are putting fish in the boat; Apex Tackle ANARKIE jigs, according to Major League Fishing at the nearby St. Lawrence, are hooking up consistently. Strike King Rage Craw trailers in green pumpkin are matching the forage. For bait, you can’t beat live shiners or perch if you’re soaking under slip bobbers—especially in Malletts Bay and the Sand Bar area, where the perch bite itself has been steady. Folks have been icing solid yellow perch and the occasional northern pike in these spots. Jig them on ultra-light for best results. Walleye are still active near the river mouths, especially as daylight fades—so plan your set for the evening. A chartreuse or fire-tiger Rapala jigging minnow is your go-to, especially near the Winooski and Missisquoi river deltas. A few bonus reports from the past couple days: Some big lake trout have moved up, found over 50-80 feet of water around the Thompson’s Point drop-off. White tube jigs and smelt-patterned spoons are your best bet. Hot spots for today: - Valcour Island drop-offs and the rocky points of Juniper. - Malletts Bay for perch and pike. - Thompson’s Point for lakers. If you’re out for some scenery, the foliage on the Champlain coast is still hanging on, with bursts of gold and burnt orange making for a postcard backdrop—Parade magazine just named this area a top fall destination. Just a quick safety note: The water’s cold—wear your PFD. Recent news has reminded us that late fall lake conditions can turn fast, so keep it smart. Thanks for tuning in to today’s Lake Champlain fishing report from Artificial Lure. Be sure to subscribe and never miss another update on hot bites, local tips, and must-fi This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.