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Expert Lake Champlain Fishing | Reel Vermont
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Lake Champlain
- $475 - $575 price range
Summary
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Reels and Reveals
Nice Morning Fishing For Bass
Pretty Pumpkin Seed Fish!
Good size Northern Pike
Largemouth Bass Fishing In Vermont
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Lake Champlain fishing guides
fishing charters on lake champlain
Night Bowfishing Trip in Vermont
Child-Friendly Charter Fishing For Northern Pike
Guided Fishing Trip For Bass, VT
Nice Morning Fishing For Bass
Pretty Pumpkin Seed Fish!
Good size Northern Pike
Largemouth Bass Fishing In Vermont
null
Lake Champlain fishing guides
fishing charters on lake champlain
Night Bowfishing Trip in Vermont
Child-Friendly Charter Fishing For Northern Pike
Guided Fishing Trip For Bass, VT
Nice Morning Fishing For Bass
Pretty Pumpkin Seed Fish!
Good size Northern Pike
Largemouth Bass Fishing In Vermont
Lake Champlain: 4-Hour Fishing Adventure
Get ready for a top-notch morning on Lake Champlain with Reel Vermont Guide Service! We're talking prime fishing action, killer views, and the chance to land some real beauties. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, our 4-hour charter is the perfect way to kick off your day. Captain Seth knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to put you on the fish. So grab your gear, your buddies (up to 5 of 'em), and let's hit the lake!
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: You're cruising out on Lake Champlain as the sun's coming up, mist rising off the water, and the smell of fresh coffee in the air. That's how we start our mornings here. We'll hit some of the lake's sweetest spots, targeting everything from hard-fighting Northern Pike to tasty Redfish. Captain Seth's got all the latest gear and local know-how to make sure you're in the right place at the right time. And don't worry if you're new to this – we'll show you the ropes and have you casting like a pro in no time. Just remember to bring your camera, 'cause you're gonna want proof of the monster you reel in!
Techniques That Land the Big Ones
Alright, let's talk strategy. On Lake Champlain, we mix it up depending on what's biting. For those big Northern Pike, we might be trolling with some flashy spoons or casting big swimbaits near weed edges. If we're after Largemouth Bass, we could be flipping jigs into cover or working topwater lures in the early morning. For species like Redfish and Black Drum, we'll often use live bait or soft plastics, fishing near structure or in the shallows. Captain Seth's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, and he'll tailor the approach to what's working best that day. We've got all the gear you need, from light tackle for panfish to heavier setups for those toothy predators. Just bring your A-game and be ready to learn some new techniques!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Lake Champlain's got a killer lineup of fish, and each one's got its own personality. Let's break 'em down:
Largemouth Bass: These bruisers are the rockstars of freshwater fishing. They love to hang out near structure and put up a wicked fight when hooked. In the spring and fall, you can find them in shallower water, while they head deeper in the heat of summer. Expect fish in the 2-5 pound range, with the chance at a real trophy over 7 pounds. Nothing beats the excitement of a big largemouth smashing a topwater lure!
Northern Pike: The wolves of the water, these toothy predators are all about the ambush. They're long, sleek, and mean business. Pike love cooler water, so spring and fall are prime times to target them. You'll find them lurking near weed edges and drop-offs. Most run 24-36 inches, but we've seen some pushing 40+ inches. When a big pike hits, hold on tight – it's like hooking a freight train!
Redfish: Also known as Red Drum, these copper-colored beauties are a blast to catch. They've got a distinctive spot near their tail and put up a great fight. In Lake Champlain, we catch them in the 18-27 inch range, though bigger ones aren't uncommon. They love to cruise the shallows, and sight-fishing for tailing reds is an absolute rush. Plus, they're delicious if you're looking to take some home for dinner.
Black Drum: The bulldogs of the bunch, Black Drum are known for their powerful runs and distinctive "croaking" sound. They can grow huge, with some topping 50 pounds, though most we catch are in the 5-15 pound range. These guys love to hang around structure and will test your arms with their stubborn fights. The bigger ones can be a bit tough eating, but the smaller "puppy drum" are excellent on the grill.
Freshwater Drum: Often overlooked, these fish (also called sheepshead) are gaining popularity with anglers. They put up a great fight and can grow pretty big – 10-15 pounders aren't uncommon. They've got a unique look with their downturned mouth and silvery scales. Drum love to hang out near rocky areas and will readily take live bait or jigs. While not as prized for eating as some other species, they're still fun to catch and release.
Time to Book Your Spot
Listen, if you're looking for a morning well spent, this is it. Four hours of prime fishing time on one of the most beautiful lakes in the Northeast. You've got Captain Seth's expertise, top-notch gear, and a boatload of fish just waiting to be caught. Whether you're out to land that personal best, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a peaceful morning on the water, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially on weekends, so don't wait around. Grab your fishing license, round up your crew (remember, we can take up to 6), and let's make some memories on Lake Champlain. Book your charter now and get ready for some serious tight lines!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are hefty fighters, usually weighing 5-30 pounds but sometimes topping 90. You'll spot them by their grey-black color and whisker-like barbels. These bottom-feeders hang out in shallow, brackish waters around oyster beds and mud flats. Spring's the best time to target them as they school up to spawn. Black Drum put up a solid fight and make that signature croaking sound when hooked. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating too - firm, white meat with a mild flavor. To catch 'em, use fresh crab or clams on a weighted rig. Let it sit on the bottom and wait for that telltale thump. Here's a local tip: on windier days, look for them in protected coves where they'll be feeding more actively.
Freshwater Drum
Freshwater Drum, aka sheepshead, are an oddball fish that's fun to catch. Most run 2-5 pounds but can top 20. Look for them near the bottom in 10-20 feet of water, especially around rocky areas. They're active all year but bite best in summer. Drum put up a decent fight and make a grunting noise when caught - hence the nickname "croaker." They're not known as great table fare, but some folks enjoy the smaller ones. To catch drum, use simple bottom rigs with nightcrawlers or crayfish. Let it sit and wait for that distinctive tap-tap-tap bite. Here's a local secret: drum love crayfish-imitating crankbaits bounced along rocky bottoms. The hits can be bone-jarring!
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass are the rockstars of freshwater fishing. These guys typically range from 2-5 pounds but can grow much bigger. You'll find them lurking around submerged logs, weed beds, and drop-offs in 5-15 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime bass fishing seasons when they're most active. Anglers love targeting largemouth for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. To land a big one, try working a plastic worm slowly along the bottom near cover. These fish have excellent eyesight, so use natural colors on bright days and darker lures in low light. My go-to trick is twitching a topwater lure right at dawn - the explosions when they hit are unforgettable. Just be ready to set the hook hard, as largemouth have bony jaws that can throw a lure easily.
Northern Pike
Northern Pike are the wolves of freshwater - long, toothy predators that hit like a freight train. Most run 24-30 inches but can reach 4 feet or more. You'll find pike in cool, weedy shallows of lakes and rivers, especially near drop-offs. Spring and fall are peak seasons when water temps are cooler. Anglers love pike for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. Just watch those teeth when unhooking! Pike aren't known for their eating quality, but the fight makes up for it. To catch 'em, use big flashy spoons or soft plastic swimbaits. Work them with a steady retrieve, occasionally pausing to trigger strikes. Here's a local tip: focus on weed edges early in the morning - that's when big pike are actively hunting baitfish.
Redfish
Redfish are a blast to catch in the shallows. These copper-colored beauties usually run 5-15 pounds but can get much bigger. Look for them tailing in water as shallow as 1-4 feet, especially around oyster bars and grass flats. Fall is prime time when they school up. Anglers love sight-fishing for reds - watching that big tail wave above the surface before your lure gets crushed. They pull hard and make long runs, so hang on tight. For eating, smaller ones are tastier with firm, white meat. To target redfish, try a gold spoon or scented soft plastic on a light jighead. Work it slowly along the bottom, almost bumping the grass. My favorite local trick is to look for diving birds - often there's a school of reds underneath chasing bait.
About the RVGS Motorboat
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
