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Top-Rated Lake Champlain Morning Fishing Charter

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

Summary

Join us for an early morning fishing charter on Lake Champlain, one of the best freshwater spots in the country. We'll head out as the sun rises, giving you 4 hours to cast your line in these fish-rich waters. Our guides know all the prime locations to help you land some of the area's most popular species. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, we'll make sure you have a great time out on the lake. It's a relaxed way to start your day, surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Champlain. Just remember, if you're bringing kids along, give Guide Scott Thurber a call beforehand. We can take up to 4 guests per trip, so gather your group and get ready for a morning of fishing and fun on the water. Keep in mind that deposits aren't refundable, but the memories you'll make are priceless.
Top-Rated Lake Champlain Morning Fishing Charter

Lake Champlain Catches

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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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Lake Champlain's Morning Fishing Bonanza

Ready for some crack-of-dawn action on Lake Champlain? Our 4-hour morning charter is your ticket to some of the best fishing this side of Vermont. We're talking world-class smallmouth bass, monster pike, and more - all before most folks have had their coffee. Our seasoned guides know every nook and cranny of this massive lake, and we're itching to put you on the fish. So grab your hat and let's hit the water!

Trip Overview

Picture this: You're cruising out as the sun peeks over the Adirondacks, casting your line into the misty waters of Lake Champlain. This ain't no ordinary fishing trip - it's a top-rated adventure on one of America's premier freshwater fishing grounds. For four solid hours, you'll be targeting some of the lake's most prized catches, from hard-fighting smallmouth bass to toothy northern pike. Our expert guides have been fishing these waters for years, and they know exactly where the big ones are hiding. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, we'll make sure you're in for a good time. And hey, if you've got a kiddo who wants to join, just give our main man Scott Thurber a ring at 518-523-4275 to sort out the details.

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard our fully-rigged fishing boat, you're in for a treat. We use a mix of techniques to land the big ones - everything from trolling deep water for lake trout to flipping jigs near shoreline structure for largemouth bass. Our guides are stocked with all the right gear, from sensitive graphite rods to the latest in fish-finding tech. We'll show you how to work a crankbait, finesse a drop shot, or chuck a topwater - whatever it takes to get those fish biting. And don't worry about bringing your own tackle; we've got you covered with all the rods, reels, and lures you'll need. Just remember to pack some snacks and maybe a thermos of coffee - nothing beats sipping a hot brew while waiting for that next big strike!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let me tell you, there's something special about fishing Lake Champlain that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of battling a chunky smallmouth as it leaps clear out of the water. Or perhaps it's the heart-stopping moment when a massive pike slams your lure right next to the boat. Whatever it is, our customers can't get enough. The lake's diverse ecosystem means you never know what you might catch next - could be a hard-pulling lake trout from the depths or a bucket-mouth largemouth from the shallows. Plus, with the stunning backdrop of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains, even a slow day of fishing is a day well spent in Mother Nature's playground.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Smallmouth Bass: These bronze bombers are the crown jewels of Lake Champlain. Known for their acrobatic fights, smallies in Champlain can grow to trophy sizes. We typically target them around rocky points and drop-offs, using tube jigs or finesse worms. The best action usually kicks off in late spring and lasts through fall. When you hook into a 4-pounder, hold on tight - these fish will make you earn every inch of line!

Northern Pike: If you're after a true freshwater monster, the northern pike is your target. These toothy predators can grow over 40 inches long in Lake Champlain. We often find them lurking in weed beds or along drop-offs, ready to ambush any prey that swims by. Casting big spinnerbaits or trolling with large crankbaits is the name of the game here. Pike fishing is hot in the cooler months, especially in spring and fall. The strike of a big pike is something you'll never forget - it's like hooking into a freight train!

Lake Trout: For those who like to fish deep, lake trout are the ultimate prize. These cold-water specialists can be found in Champlain's deeper basins, often suspending over underwater humps and ledges. We typically troll for them using downriggers, with spoons or cut bait being the lures of choice. Lake trout fishing is at its peak in the colder months, making them a great target for our morning charters when the water's still cool. Landing a 10-pound laker is a true test of an angler's skill and patience.

Largemouth Bass: While their smallmouth cousins get a lot of the glory, don't sleep on Champlain's largemouth bass. These fish love to hang out in the weedy bays and around docks, providing some exciting shallow-water action. We often target them with plastic worms, jigs, or topwater lures. The excitement of seeing a big largemouth explode on a surface lure is hard to beat! They're active throughout the summer months, making them a reliable target when other species might be in a funk.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, let's cut to the chase - if you're itching for some world-class fishing action, our 4-hour morning charter on Lake Champlain is calling your name. We're talking prime time on prime waters, with a crew that knows how to put you on the fish. Whether you're dreaming of battling bronzebacks, tangling with toothy pike, or hauling up lake trout from the depths, we've got you covered. And remember, with a max of four guests per trip, you're getting the personalized attention you need to make the most of your time on the water. So what are you waiting for? Grab your fishing buddies, give us a call, and let's make some memories on Lake Champlain. Just don't forget - those deposits are non-refundable, so when you book, be ready to fish! See you on the water, and tight lines!

Learn more about the species

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the kings of the deep in Champlain. These coldwater bruisers average 5-10 pounds but 20+ pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them in the lake's deepest basins, usually suspended over 50-100 feet of water. Early spring and late fall offer the best chance at shallower fish. Lakers are prized for their hard-fighting ability and rich, orange meat. Trolling with downriggers is the most effective method, using large spoons or stickbaits. For a real thrill, try jigging heavy metal lures in deep water - the strikes can be bone-jarring. A local secret is to troll just after ice-out when lakers come shallow to feed. Use planer boards to cover water and keep lines spread out. These fish are a blast, but you've got to put in the work to find them.

Lake Trout

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are the bread and butter of Champlain fishing. These bucket-mouths average 2-4 pounds but can top 8 pounds in our waters. You'll find them in weedy bays, around docks, and near fallen trees. Spring and early summer are prime, but they bite year-round. Anglers love largies for their aggressive strikes and aerial acrobatics when hooked. Try pitching jigs or Texas-rigged worms into heavy cover. Topwater lures like buzzbaits or poppers can be dynamite early and late in the day. A local trick is to fish deeper weed edges with big plastic worms in summer when the shallows heat up. Just be ready to muscle them out of the grass - these fish know how to use cover to their advantage!

Largemouth Bass

Northern Pike

Northern pike are the apex predators of Lake Champlain. These toothy critters average 24-30 inches but can top 40 inches and 20 pounds. You'll find them lurking in weedy bays, around submerged timber, and near drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime pike seasons when they're in shallower water. Anglers love targeting pike for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. Use heavy tackle - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through light line. Try casting or trolling large spoons, inline spinners, or live bait like suckers. My go-to summer tactic is slow-trolling big swimbaits along weed edges in 8-15 feet of water. Just hang on tight when a big one hits - pike are known for explosive runs and acrobatic jumps. And watch those teeth when unhooking!

Northern Pike

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are a blast to chase on Lake Champlain. These scrappy fighters average 1-3 pounds but can reach 5+ pounds. Look for them around rocky areas, drop-offs, and submerged structure in 5-25 feet of water. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are in the 55-70°F range. Smallies put up an impressive fight for their size, with acrobatic leaps and powerful runs. Their firm white meat is also excellent eating. For the best action, try casting tube jigs, crankbaits, or live minnows along rocky points and shelves. A local trick is to use a drop shot rig with a small plastic worm when the bite gets tough - it's deadly for finicky smallmouth holding tight to the bottom. Just be ready when they hit - these bronzebacks don't mess around!

Smallmouth Bass
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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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