Lake Champlain Fishing Report: Fall Bites, Bass, Trout, and More

Artificial Lure here with your Lake Champlain fishing report for Saturday, October 18, 2025. We woke up to a crisp fall morning, sunrise coming in at about 7:12 AM, with sunset expected around 6:05 PM according to the Lake Champlain Daily Fishing Report. Air temps at dawn were in the low 40s, and we’re looking at highs pushing into the mid-50s by afternoon—a true Vermont autumn, with mostly clear skies and a soft breeze out of the northwest. Water temps continue to cool; those targeting early fall bites know this is prime time for some of Champlain’s best action of the year. Lake Champlain, given its size and geography, isn’t tidal, so anglers can focus strictly on weather and water conditions. With steady conditions and only light wind chop, expect fish to be following seasonal patterns, pushing into shallower water and chasing bait as they feed up for winter. Bass action has remained steady. This past week, locals have been pulling **smallmouths** off rocky points and main-lake humps, especially around the north end and near Valcour Island. Most are ranging 2–4 pounds, and a few over 5 pounds have been reported just outside of Point Au Roche State Park. Largemouth bass have been found back in the bays—go shallow near weed lines, especially on sunnier afternoons. Top lures this week have been **medium-diving crankbaits** in perch and craw patterns, green pumpkin or black/blue **jigs**, and silver or white **swim jigs**. Ned rigs and dropshots also continue to produce, with Z-Man TRD and Berkley MaxScent in green pumpkin running hot. Early in the day or at dusk, a topwater like a Whopper Plopper or a Zara Spook will move some bigger fish in the flats. The pike and pickerel bite is picking up in the cooler water—look for them in the weedy stretches near Ticonderoga and Carry Bay. Big **spoons**, white paddle-tail swimbaits, and classic red/white Dardevle spoons will do the trick. Walleye action is still solid in the southern reaches below Crown Point Bridge. Anglers drifting with crawler harnesses in 12–20 feet have reported moderate catches, mostly eater-sized 16–20 inchers. Try orange and chartreuse blades on sunny days. Trout and salmon are moving toward tributary mouths. Shore anglers at the Winooski River mouth and Otter Creek have picked up a few browns and landlocks tossing smaller silver spoons at dawn. Best bet is to stick with live shiners, fathead minnows, or Berkley PowerBait eggs for trout. Panfish—perch, bluegill, and even some crappie—are schooling up in back bays like Keeler Bay. Try a simple slip-bobber rig with worms, or small tubes in chartreuse and pink. For bait, Norm’s Bait and Tackle in Plattsburgh is stocked up on live shiners and nightcrawlers. Given the cooling water, fish are getting more active and responsive to livebait, but a well-presented artificial still gets it done most days. Looking for hotspots? Head to **Point Au Roche State Park** on the New York side—lots of access, shore fishing, and plenty of str This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.