Top-Rated Lake Champlain Fishing | Fine Line

Lake Trout Bonanza: Fall Fishing on Champlain

Ready to experience some of the best lake trout fishing Vermont has to offer? Fall on Lake Champlain is prime time to get out on the water and hook into some trophy lakers. As the leaves change and the air gets crisp, these sought-after fish start feeding aggressively in preparation for winter. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the game, our 5-hour private charter puts you right in the action with an experienced local captain who knows exactly where the fish are biting.

What to Expect on the Water

You'll meet Captain Sterling at the dock bright and early, coffee in hand, ready to hit the lake. As we motor out, you'll get to soak in those stunning Adirondack and Green Mountain views that make Champlain such a special place to fish. We'll be targeting deep water haunts where the lake trout stack up this time of year. The captain will get you set up with downriggers, heavy tackle, and flashy lures to entice those big predators lurking below. When a rod goes off, get ready for an arm-wrestling match - these fish put up one heck of a fight! Between catches, you'll learn all about the lake's ecology and picking up pro tips to up your angling game.

Trolling Tactics for Trophy Trout

Fall lake trout fishing is all about finding the right depth and presenting your bait properly. We'll be using a mix of downriggers, dipsy divers, and lead core line to get our lures down where the fish are holding. Flashy spoons and big plugs that mimic baitfish are the name of the game. Captain Sterling will fine-tune our trolling speed and adjust depths throughout the day to dial in the bite. You might also pick up some bonus salmon along the way! The captain provides all the specialized gear you need, so no worries if you're new to this style of fishing. Just make sure to grab that Vermont fishing license before you hop aboard.

Customer Stories

"Had a wonderful first time experience today! Caught a lot of salmon and lake trout. Captain Sterling was extremely helpful with us newbies. It was a great learning experience too as he taught us all about the ecology of the lake and the fish living in it. So happy the weather was in our favor and just overall a very enjoyable day that we hope to repeat!" - Hank

"We had a great time out on the water. It was something we had never done before but Captain Sterling made sure that we knew what to do and we had a blast!" - Andi

Target Game: Lake Trout

Lake trout are the crown jewel of Champlain fishing, and fall is prime time to target these cold-water beauties. These fish can grow to impressive sizes, with 10-15 pounders being common and the chance at a real monster over 20 pounds always a possibility. Lake trout are actually char, closely related to brook trout and Arctic char. They prefer the deep, cold waters of Champlain and cruise the underwater shelves and drop-offs looking for schools of baitfish to ambush. In the fall, they move up a bit shallower as the surface temps cool, making them more accessible to anglers. When you hook into one, be ready for some serious weight - these fish fight hard and use the depth to their advantage. There's nothing quite like the feeling of a big laker peeling line off your reel!

Time to Book Your Spot

Fall fishing on Lake Champlain is heating up, and spots on the calendar are filling fast. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch or want to introduce the family to the joys of being out on the water, this 5-hour charter is the perfect way to experience the best of what the lake has to offer. Captain Sterling's years of experience mean you're in for a fun, safe day with a great shot at some trophy fish. Don't let this season pass you by - grab your crew (up to 5 guests total) and lock in your date now. The lake trout are waiting!