Lake Champlain fishing report for the week of October 22, 2026. Cooler water is bringing landlocked salmon and lake trout to the surface and moving smallmouth to deeper structure.
What’s Hitting
Landlocked salmon and lake trout are cruising near river mouths and the main lake, smallmouth bass have moved deeper to rocky structure, and northern pike are around weed edges. Yellow perch are schooled in mid-depths, and walleye are active at night.
Looking ahead, salmon fishing near tributaries improves with rain and falling temperatures.
Where to Find Them
Fish near the mouths of the Boquet, Saranac and Ausable Rivers for landlocked salmon, drop-shot the rocky humps for smallmouth, and work weed edges for pike.
Tides & Conditions
Lake conditions depend on wind. Calm mornings fish best, and cold fronts can slow the bite for a day. Check a current marine forecast.
Tackle & Tactics
Trolling spoons and streamers for salmon, drop-shot rigs with finesse plastics for smallmouth, and large swimbaits or spinnerbaits for pike.
Cold hands slow reactions, so dress warmly.
Local Intel This Week
Public access includes Plattsburgh, Burlington and Grand Isle launches. Check current New York and Vermont regulations and seasons, especially for salmon and bass.
This Week’s Tip
Fish slowly. Cold water means less aggressive strikes.
More Lake Champlain Resources
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