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Discounted Lake Champlain Fishing for Heroes

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Lake Champlain
  • $325 - $700 price range

Summary

Join Captain Scott, a former Law Enforcement Officer, for a rewarding 4-hour fishing charter on Lake Champlain. This trip is perfect for first responders and veterans looking to enjoy a day on the water while pursuing Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Landlocked Salmon. Captain Scott's passion for giving back to those who serve shines through in this specially discounted adventure. With room for up to 4 guests, it's a great opportunity to relax and fish in the beautiful surroundings of Vermont and Upstate New York. The charter provides a chance to test your angling skills and potentially land some impressive catches. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so be sure to check the Trips & Rates page for details. If you're planning to bring a kid along, give Guide Scott Thurber a call at 518-523-4275 to make arrangements. Get ready for a day of fishing, relaxation, and appreciation on Lake Champlain with Irish Raider Outfitters LLC.
Discounted Lake Champlain Fishing for Heroes

Catches on Champlain

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A single brook trout caught while fishing in NY

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Two people fishing in New York

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Two people fishing in NY

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Two people fishing at Cumberland Head

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Angler holding a large lake trout in New York

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A scenic view of Cumberland Head

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A single lake trout fish caught at Cumberland Head

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Two people fishing in NY

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Bull Trout, 19 inches, caught fishing at Cumberland Head

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Lake trout caught in Cumberland Head during fishing trip

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A single brook trout caught while fishing in NY

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Two people fishing in New York

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Two people fishing in NY

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Two people fishing at Cumberland Head

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Angler holding a large lake trout in New York

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A scenic view of Cumberland Head

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A single lake trout fish caught at Cumberland Head

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Two people fishing in NY

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Bull Trout, 19 inches, caught fishing at Cumberland Head

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Lake trout caught in Cumberland Head during fishing trip

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A single brook trout caught while fishing in NY

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Two people fishing in New York

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Two people fishing in NY

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Two people fishing at Cumberland Head

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First Responders' Lake Champlain Fishing Deal

Hey there, hero! Captain Scott here, ready to take you on a sweet fishing trip on Lake Champlain. As a former cop myself, I know you first responders and military folks could use some R&R. That's why I'm offering a special discount on my 4-hour charters. We'll be chasing after some monster Lake Trout, hard-fighting Smallmouth Bass, and acrobatic Landlocked Salmon. It's just my way of saying thanks for keeping our communities safe. Grab up to 3 buddies and let's hit the water for some well-deserved fishing therapy!

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising on Lake Champlain, straddling the border of Vermont and New York, with Green Mountains on one side and Adirondacks on the other. The air's crisp, the water's calling, and you've got a hot cup of coffee in hand. We'll spend 4 solid hours targeting the lake's prime fishing spots. I'll get you set up with all the gear you need, share some local knowledge, and maybe even spill a few law enforcement war stories if you're up for it. It's all about relaxing and hopefully landing some big ones. Just remember, if you're bringing a kiddo along, give me a shout at 518-523-4275 so we can make sure everything's squared away for them.

Techniques We'll Use

Alright, let's talk shop. Depending on what's biting, we might be trolling for Lake Trout in the deeper parts of the lake, using downriggers to get our lures down where the big boys hang out. For Smallmouth Bass, we could be working the rocky shorelines with jigs or topwater lures. If we're after Landlocked Salmon, we might try some drift fishing or casting spoons. I'll show you how to read the fish finder, set the drag just right, and play those fish like a pro. Don't worry if you're new to this – I'll walk you through every step. By the end of the trip, you'll be handling that rod like you've been doing it for years.

Top Catches This Season

Lake Champlain's been giving up some real beauties lately. We've had guys pulling in 5-pound Smallies that fight like they're twice that size. One group last week nailed a 15-pound Lake Trout that had everyone on board hollering. And let me tell you, when a Landlocked Salmon hits and starts tail-walking across the water, it's a sight you won't forget. But the best part? Seeing the grins on folks' faces when they reel in their personal best. That never gets old.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Smallmouth Bass: These bruisers are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in the lake. They love hanging around rocky areas and drop-offs. In the summer, you can often spot them cruising the shallows. When you hook one, hold on tight – they're known for their acrobatic jumps and strong runs. They average 2-4 pounds, but 5-pounders aren't uncommon.

Northern Pike: The "water wolves" of Lake Champlain, these toothy predators are ambush hunters. They lurk in weed beds, waiting to pounce on anything that moves. Pike can grow big here, with some topping 40 inches. They're most active in cooler water, so spring and fall are prime pike seasons. When one of these hits, it's like setting the hook on a freight train.

American Yellow Perch: Don't let their size fool you – these tasty panfish are a blast to catch, especially if you've got kids on board. They school up, so when you find them, it's often non-stop action. They average 8-12 inches, but Lake Champlain is known for producing some real jumbos. They're great eating too, if you're looking to take home a meal.

Lake Trout: These deep-water monsters are the prize of Lake Champlain. They like the cold, so we target them in deeper water using downriggers. Lake Trout here can easily top 10 pounds, with some real giants lurking in the depths. They're a slow-growing species, so landing a big one is extra special. The fight is usually a battle of endurance as you work them up from the deep.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've fished all over, but there's something special about Lake Champlain. Maybe it's the way the mountains frame the water, or how you can be reeling in a bass one minute and fighting a salmon the next. But I think what really hooks people is the peace you find out here. For you first responders and military folks, it's a chance to switch off, forget about the job for a while, and just focus on the rod in your hand and the fish below. Plus, the lake's so big and diverse, every trip's different. You never know what you might catch, and that's half the fun.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, heroes, here's the deal. You spend your days looking out for others – now it's time to treat yourself. This 4-hour charter is your ticket to some serious Lake Champlain fishing action, with a nice discount as a thank you for your service. We've got room for up to 4 on the boat, so bring your buddies or family along. Just remember, spots fill up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons. So if you're ready to trade in your uniform for a life jacket and spend a day chasing Lake Champlain's finest, give me a call. Let's get you out on the water and make some memories. Trust me, after a day of fishing these waters, you'll be hooked – pun absolutely intended!

Learn more about the species

American Yellow Perch

Yellow perch might be small, but they're one of Lake Champlain's most popular catches. These tasty panfish usually run 7-10 inches, with anything over 12 inches considered a trophy. You'll find big schools in 15-30 feet of water near weed beds and drop-offs. They're active year-round, but spring and fall offer the best action. Perch aren't known for hard fights, but they make up for it in numbers and flavor. It's not uncommon to catch dozens in a single outing. They're also arguably the best-tasting freshwater fish around. Light tackle is the way to go - try small jigs tipped with worms or minnows. My secret weapon is a drop-shot rig with a live minnow. Work it slowly near the bottom, and you'll be in for some non-stop action.

American Yellow Perch

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the giants of Lake Champlain, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. These deep-water predators hang out in the coldest parts of the lake, typically 50-100 feet down. Spring and fall are prime times, as they move shallower to feed. Lakers are slow-growing but long-lived, so landing a big one is always special. They put up a dogged, powerful fight - more like reeling in a freight train than a fish. Jigging is the go-to method here. Try heavy spoons or large soft plastics, working them slowly near the bottom. The bite is often subtle, so watch your line closely. Here's a local trick: if you see fish on the sonar but they won't bite, try reeling up about 10 feet. Sometimes that triggers a reaction strike from curious lakers following your lure.

Lake Trout

Northern Pike

Northern pike are the apex predators of Lake Champlain. These toothy missiles average 24-34 inches but can grow over 40 inches and 20 pounds. Look for them in weedy bays and along drop-offs, especially in spring and fall when they move shallow. Pike are ambush hunters, so cast near cover like weed edges and fallen trees. They'll smash just about any lure, but big spoons and inline spinners are local favorites. Be ready for explosive strikes and powerful runs - these fish don't give up easily. Pike fishing is all about the adrenaline rush. Just remember to use a steel leader, or you'll lose more lures than you catch fish. Here's a pro tip: after a missed strike, let your lure sit still for a moment. Pike often circle back for a second look.

Northern Pike

Smallmouth Bass

Lake Champlain's smallmouth bass are a real treat to catch. These feisty fighters typically range from 2-4 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 5-pounder. You'll find them around rocky areas, fallen trees, and weed edges in 5-20 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime times, when they move shallow to feed. Smallies put up an amazing fight for their size - prepare for acrobatic jumps and strong runs. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few. For best results, try fishing with soft plastic jerkbaits or tube jigs. Work them slowly along the bottom, giving them little twitches. The bite is often subtle, so stay alert. When you feel that telltale tap, set the hook hard and hold on tight!

Smallmouth Bass

About the Irish Raider II

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Picture yourself cruising across the sparkling waters of Lake Champlain with Captain Scott, a former law enforcement officer who now shares his love for fishing with guests. This 4-hour charter welcomes up to 4 people to cast their lines for Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Landlocked Salmon. As a way of giving back, Captain Scott offers a special discount to first responders and veterans. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, you'll enjoy the scenic beauty of Vermont and Upstate New York while trying your luck on one of North America's most diverse fisheries. Captain Scott's knowledge of the lake and its inhabitants ensures you'll have the best chance at landing a memorable catch. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning views and, hopefully, your prize fish. This laid-back trip is perfect for unwinding and connecting with nature, all while honoring those who serve our communities.
Irish Raider Outfitters LLC

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Discover Lake Champlain Fishing

Come witness the astonishing beauty of Lake Champlain with Irish Raider Outfitters, led by Captain Scott Thurber! Be sure to take advantage of our expertise for everything from Adirondack ice fishing to bass fishing - book your trip today to create an unparalleled outdoor experience you'll never forget! Don't wait - unleash the great outdoors and discover its mesmerizing majesty now!

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