Fishing at Lake Champlain, New York
271,000-acre natural lake · Clinton County · 95 ft elevation · 4 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in New York, Lake Champlain is one of the most consistently productive natural lakes in Clinton County. At 271,000 acres, it offers big-water fishing across diverse habitat — exactly the kind of water that rewards anglers who pay attention to stocking schedules and seasonal patterns.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 7 stocking events on record for Lake Champlain:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 21, 2026 | 🐟 Lake Trout | 21,287 | 3.2″ |
| Feb 4, 2026 | 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | 1,976 | 8.2″ |
| Nov 12, 2025 | 🐟 Yellow Perch | 47,072 | 8.7″ |
| Oct 10, 2025 | 🐉 Northern Pike | 7,110 | 6.3″ |
| May 22, 2025 | 🐉 Northern Pike | 9,165 | 5.7″ |
| Feb 11, 2025 | 🐟 Lake Trout | 24,722 | 4.6″ |
| Aug 11, 2024 | 🐉 Northern Pike | 7,443 | 6.9″ |
Species You Can Catch
- 🐟 Lake Trout — best in spring, fall
- 🐟 Smallmouth Bass — best in late spring, summer, fall
- 🐟 Yellow Perch — best in winter, spring
- 🐉 Northern Pike — best in spring, fall
Where to Catch Lake Trout in New York
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Lake Champlain, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Lake Trout lakes in New York
- Top Smallmouth Bass lakes in New York
- Top Yellow Perch lakes in New York
- Top Northern Pike lakes in New York
Best Time to Fish Lake Champlain
For lake trout, the best fishing on Lake Champlain is typically in spring and fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 42–55°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with natural lake thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Gear Recommendations
Curated picks for the species stocked in Lake Champlain. Links go to Amazon — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- rod: Medium-heavy jigging rod
- lure: Jigging spoons 1-2 oz
- rod: Medium 7' spinning rod
- lure: Tube baits
- rod: Light spinning rod 6'
- rig: Perch spreader rigs
- rod: Medium-heavy 7' rod
- lure: Daredevil spoons
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Lake Champlain:
- Lake George — 68.8 mi (28,000 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid New York fishing license is required at Lake Champlain. Buy one online and check current regulations at the New York DEC. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Lake Champlain?
Lake Champlain has been stocked with Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike.
When was Lake Champlain last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Feb 21, 2026, when 21,287 lake trout were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Lake Champlain?
Yes — a valid New York fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the New York DEC.