World class fishing

The sea-cret is out. The Lake Champlain Region is home to some of the best fishing around. From deep corners of Lake Champlain to secluded ponds to trout streams, wherever you choose to drop a line, there is a waterway ripe for whichever species you prefer to fish. You don’t want to be a fish out of water, so read on to learn all our region has to offer!

Lake Champlain is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country! Check out these numbers for a glimpse of why Lake Champlain's fishing opportunities are never-ending:

  • 500 miles of shoreline
  • Depths of up to 400 feet
  • 80 species of fish
  • 120 miles long
  • And 70 islands
A man holds a large fish on a fishing boat out on the lake.
A woman casts off from a grassy shore.
Two men ride in a boat on the lake with a bridge in the background.
A man reels in a fish on the edge of a boat with farms in the background.

Fish on!

Lake Champlain is consistently ranked by Bassmaster as one of the top bass fisheries in the nation for the scenery and quality of fishing — including ranking top 5 in the country! But if you speak with any of the pro anglers, they might give it first! The trout fishing is exceptional, but the real excitement comes in the spring and fall, when landlocked salmon run. The landlocked salmon have been here since the Ice Age, becoming trapped inland as the glaciers melted. The population has been thriving since then. For the best salmon fishing, cast in the spring below Willsboro with fall runs extending farther upriver. We're not good at keeping secrets, so read on and learn how you can make the most of your fishing trip in the Lake Champlain Region!

 

 

Fishing in the Lake Champlain Region

The vast shorelines of Lake Champlain hold more than just the tales of Champ and incredibly vibrant communities like Essex, Port Henry, Fort Ticonderoga, and so many more!

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Champ’s Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I access the lake with my boat?

There is a number of boat launches along the lake to drop in:

For more boat launches, explore our website.

Where can I get live bait?

Visit Adirondack Outdoor Enthusiast for provisions and your fishing needs!

Where else can I fish besides Lake Champlain?

We love to fish the Boquet River, LaChute River, Putt’s Creek, the Ausable River, and Ensign and Bartlett ponds in Moriah, and other smaller ponds and lakes with wild settings.

 

What type of fish can I find in Lake Champlain?

Anglers can find lake trout, small mouth bass, atlantic salmon, largemouth bass, and rock bass in our waters.

Can I hire a guide?

Absolutely! The Lake Champlain is home to a wide array of experts in the terrain and waters of the region. Book with a guide today. 

Are there dining options accessible by boat?

Yes! Some of our restaurants live on the lake, with their own docks so you can park on the water and walk right up. Dine at the Indian Bay Marina Restaurant and The Galley Restaurant at Westport Marina

 

Will I see Champ while fishing on Lake Champlain?

You might! Just to be sure, read up on where Champ likes to hang out along Lake Champlain, you could up your chances. 

Legendary

Ticonderoga
Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-7280
These two ponds are connected by a set of narrows; both are great for fishing.
1862
Ticonderoga
Montcalm St, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-6619
This is the lower part of the river, downstream from the falls in Bicentennial Park. After the dramatic drop at the falls, the river slows down to make its way to Lake Champlain near Fort Ticonderoga. Getting There The canoe and kayak launch is across...
Paddling
1866
Ticonderoga
763 Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga | (866) 843-5253
Clear Pond is as quiet a pond as you will find anywhere, and although many hikers use the trails surrounding the pond, very few access it by boat. Use the area trails to extend your adventure, and even consider a second carry to Rock Pond to the north.
1790
Ticonderoga
Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-7280
These two ponds are connected by a set of narrows; both are great for fishing.
Fishing
1862
Ticonderoga
763 Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-7280
Putnam Pond Campground is perfect for every camping need. Its location near a wilderness area is prime for exploration, but the maintained facilities take away some of the backcountry stress.
Campgrounds
2669
Ticonderoga
763 Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga | (518) 532-7675
Crane Pond is a beautiful gem in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. 
Snowshoeing
2716
Willsboro
Marina Road, Willsboro
This lovely bay can offer a sheltered area when Lake Champlain is stirred up by wind. A marina with rentals is located on the shore for those who want to get out and fish the center but do not own a boat.
Fishing
2740
Ticonderoga
763 Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-7280
Putnam Pond Campground is perfect for every camping need. Its location near a wilderness area is prime for exploration, but the maintained facilities take away some of the backcountry stress.
Boating
2669
Willsboro
Route 22, Willsboro | (518) 597-4649
The mountains look down on some incredible fishing in this scenic, and tranquil, location.
Paddling
2741
Ticonderoga
763 Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-7280
Putnam Pond Campground is perfect for every camping need. Its location near a wilderness area is prime for exploration, but the maintained facilities take away some of the backcountry stress.
Fishing
2669
Lewis
State Route 9, Lewis | (866) 843-5253
It may not look like much on the map, but Thrall Dam Pond is a nice little getaway for anglers looking for brook trout close to town.
Fishing
1787
Mineville
County Route 7, Mineville
Mill and Murray Ponds are quiet, sheltered and calm waters that are great for paddling, fishing, and birding. 
Fishing
1867
Ticonderoga
Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-7280
These two ponds are connected by a set of narrows; both are great for fishing.
Fishing
1862
Mineville
County Route 7, Mineville | (518) 597-4649
This tranquil pond is well sheltered and is a wonderful place to be when April 1 and fishing season comes.
Paddling
1868
Ticonderoga
763 Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga | (518) 532-7675
Crane Pond is a beautiful gem in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. 
Fishing
2716
Elizabethtown
Footbridge Park, Elizabethtown | (866) 843-5253
Simply known as "The Branch," this tributary of the Boquet River winds its way through the town of Elizabethtown and offers good access for anglers in town.
Fishing
1788
Ticonderoga
763 Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga | (866) 843-5253
Clear Pond is as quiet a pond as you will find anywhere, and although many hikers use the trails surrounding the pond, very few access it by boat. Use the area trails to extend your adventure, and even consider a second carry to Rock Pond to the north.
Fishing
1790
Ticonderoga
763 Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga | (866) 843-5253
Clear Pond is as quiet a pond as you will find anywhere, and although many hikers use the trails surrounding the pond, very few access it by boat. Use the area trails to extend your adventure, and even consider a second carry to Rock Pond to the north.
Paddling
1790
Ticonderoga
763 Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga | (518) 532-7675
Crane Pond is a beautiful gem in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. 
Fishing
2716
Mineville
County Route 7, Mineville
Mill and Murray Ponds are quiet, sheltered and calm waters that are great for paddling, fishing, and birding. 
Paddling
1867
Ticonderoga
763 Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-7280
Putnam Pond Campground is perfect for every camping need. Its location near a wilderness area is prime for exploration, but the maintained facilities take away some of the backcountry stress.
Paddling
2669
Ticonderoga
County Highway 74, Ticonderoga | (866) 843-5253
Just west of the town of Ticonderoga, Chilson Brook is one of those small Adirondack brook trout streams that can easily be overlooked. The state stocks the stream, a tributary of Trout Brook, with between 300 and 400 yearling brook trout each year...
Fishing
1785
Mineville
County Route 7, Mineville
Mill and Murray Ponds are quiet, sheltered and calm waters that are great for paddling, fishing, and birding. 
1867
Elizabethtown
4363 Lincoln Pond Road, Elizabethtown | (866) 843-5253
Another of those Adirondack brook trout streams that flies under the radar, the Black River receives a good stocking from both the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Essex County Fish Hatchery.
Fishing
1786
Elizabethtown
4363 Lincoln Pond Road, Elizabethtown | (518) 942-5292
Lincoln Pond is a great fishing spot in the Lake Champlain Region! Cast a line and catch tiger muskellunge, northern pike, bass, panfish, or bullhead. If fishing isn't your thing, it's also a great place for a paddle!
Fishing
1797
Ticonderoga
Route 74, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-6619
Eagle Lake is a beautiful spot that sits right alongside Route 74 between Ticonderoga and Schroon Lake.
Fishing
1795
Ticonderoga
Route 74, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-6619
Eagle Lake is a beautiful spot that sits right alongside Route 74 between Ticonderoga and Schroon Lake.
Paddling
1795
Mineville
County Route 7, Mineville | (518) 597-4649
This tranquil pond is well sheltered and is a wonderful place to be when April 1 and fishing season comes.
Fishing
1868
Elizabethtown
4363 Lincoln Pond Road, Elizabethtown | (518) 942-5292
Lincoln Pond is a great fishing spot in the Lake Champlain Region! Cast a line and catch tiger muskellunge, northern pike, bass, panfish, or bullhead. If fishing isn't your thing, it's also a great place for a paddle!
Fishing
1797
Ticonderoga
Montcalm St, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-6619
This is the lower part of the river, downstream from the falls in Bicentennial Park. After the dramatic drop at the falls, the river slows down to make its way to Lake Champlain near Fort Ticonderoga. Getting There The canoe and kayak launch is across...
Fishing
1866
Ticonderoga
Route 74, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-6619
Eagle Lake is a beautiful spot that sits right alongside Route 74 between Ticonderoga and Schroon Lake.
Fishing
1795
Ticonderoga
Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-7280
These two ponds are connected by a set of narrows; both are great for fishing.
Paddling
1862
Willsboro
length of Essex County, Willsboro | (866) 843-5253
The Main Stem of the Boquet, the steepest river in New York state in terms of vertical drop from its origins to where it empties into Lake Champlain, begins in the upper reaches of Dix Mountain in the town of Keene and flows through the towns of...
Fishing
1768
Ticonderoga
763 Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga | (518) 532-7675
Crane Pond is a beautiful gem in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. 
Cross Country Skiing
2716
Willsboro
County Highway 14A, Willsboro | (866) 843-5253
One of the major tributaries to the Boquet River, the North Branch flows through the towns of Willsboro and Lewis. It begins in small mountain tributaries in the town of Chesterfield.
Fishing
1802
Ticonderoga
763 Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga | (518) 532-7675
Crane Pond is a beautiful gem in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. 
Campgrounds
2716
Ticonderoga
763 Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga | (518) 532-7675
Crane Pond is a beautiful gem in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. 
Hiking
2716
Elizabethtown
4363 Lincoln Pond Road, Elizabethtown | (518) 942-5292
Lincoln Pond is a great fishing spot in the Lake Champlain Region! Cast a line and catch tiger muskellunge, northern pike, bass, panfish, or bullhead. If fishing isn't your thing, it's also a great place for a paddle!
Paddling
1797
Ticonderoga
763 Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-7280
Putnam Pond Campground is perfect for every camping need. Its location near a wilderness area is prime for exploration, but the maintained facilities take away some of the backcountry stress.
2669
Ticonderoga
763 Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga | (518) 532-7675
Crane Pond is a beautiful gem in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. 
Paddling
2716
Westport
Westport
Lake Champlain is our own Great Lake: it borders two countries, two states, is 122 miles long, has hundreds miles of shoreline, and is home to over 90 species of fish.
Fishing
2739
Willsboro
Route 22, Willsboro | (518) 597-4649
The mountains look down on some incredible fishing in this scenic, and tranquil, location.
Fishing
2741
Port Henry
35 dock street, Port Henry | (866) 843-5253
Mill Brook is listed one of the top brown trout waters in Essex County by the New York State Department of Conservation.
Fishing
1789
Port Henry
Bulwagga Bay Dr, Port Henry
This lovely bay is rumored to be the home of Champ, the Lake Champlain monster because of the many "sightings." Talk about catching the big one!
Fishing
2744
Port Henry
POB 2326 Plattsburgh, Port Henry | (518) 569-5770
"Success afield is our business." Eastern View Outfitters, LLC is a fully licensed and insured outdoor guide service specializing in guided duck & goose hunts, spring turkey hunts, guided pheasant hunts, fishing charters, bow-fishing trips, and ECO-To...
1074
Port Henry
POB 2326 Plattsburgh, Port Henry | (518) 569-5770
"Success afield is our business." Eastern View Outfitters, LLC is a fully licensed and insured outdoor guide service specializing in guided duck & goose hunts, spring turkey hunts, guided pheasant hunts, fishing charters, bow-fishing trips, and ECO-To...
Guide Services
1074
Port Henry
POB 2326 Plattsburgh, Port Henry | (518) 569-5770
"Success afield is our business." Eastern View Outfitters, LLC is a fully licensed and insured outdoor guide service specializing in guided duck & goose hunts, spring turkey hunts, guided pheasant hunts, fishing charters, bow-fishing trips, and ECO-To...
Fishing
1074
Port Henry
POB 2326 Plattsburgh, Port Henry | (518) 569-5770
"Success afield is our business." Eastern View Outfitters, LLC is a fully licensed and insured outdoor guide service specializing in guided duck & goose hunts, spring turkey hunts, guided pheasant hunts, fishing charters, bow-fishing trips, and ECO-To...
Guide Services
1074
Mineville
County Route 7, Mineville
Tanaher Pond, within the Hammond Pond Wild Forest, is a nice spot for paddling and fishing with calm, sheltered waters.
Fishing
1869
Mineville
County Route 7, Mineville
Tanaher Pond, within the Hammond Pond Wild Forest, is a nice spot for paddling and fishing with calm, sheltered waters.
1869
Lewis
Dixon Road, Lewis | (866) 843-5253
Spruce Mill Brook is a major tributary to the Boquet River and features stocked brook and brown trout. The brook begins as a series of small feeder streams in the town of Lewis and joins the North Branch of the Boquet River just south of Reber...
Fishing
1803
Mineville
County Route 7, Mineville
Tanaher Pond, within the Hammond Pond Wild Forest, is a nice spot for paddling and fishing with calm, sheltered waters.
Paddling
1869
Paradox
Crane Pond Road, Paradox
A easy trail leads back to the beautiful Goose Pond in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. At 66-acres, Goose Pond isn't large, but it's deep waters offer anglers a chance to catch some really wild fish!
4718

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