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Top-Rated Lake Champlain Morning Fishing Charter

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Lake Champlain Beginner Fishing Trip | Irish Raider

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<ul><li>Captains Licence</li><li>Guide Certification</li><li>Fishing Permit</li></ul>

<p><strong>Lake Trout Jigging</strong></p><ul><li>Lake trout are the species most often named in recent trip reports on Lake Champlain.</li><li>A five-hour review describes steady jigging for lake trout with Thurber putting the guest onto fish right away.</li></ul><p><strong>Lake Champlain Multi-Species Fishing</strong></p><ul><li>Trip reports from Cumberland Head and Peru, NY cover smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and northern pike.</li><li>Rate cards offer dawn, afternoon and sunset departures on Lake Champlain for species ranging from smallmouth bass to lake trout.</li></ul><p><strong>Beginner and Family Trips</strong></p><ul><li>Beginner-level trips are offered for people new to fishing, including families and anyone learning a rod and reel.</li><li>A reviewer describes Thurber as very informative and good with two young boys on a family outing.</li></ul>

Learn more about Scott Thurber a Fish and Hunt in Lake Champlain and Adirondacks in Irish Raider Outfitters LLC

Scott Thurber - Irish Raider Outfitters LLC

Lake Trout

Ladies out fish the boys.

<p><div>Great run this morning for the lady onboard in quantity & quality with a fish pushing 12 lbs!! </div><div><br></div></p>

Angler holding large lake trout catch on boat in Peru NY waters

Lake trout catch displayed on boat in Peru NY

Lake trout caught while fishing in Peru NY

Lake trout caught fishing in Peru NY displayed on boat

Largemouth Bass

Another mixed lake trout & small mouth run!

Smallmouth Bass

<p><div>Fun morning with some lake trout jigging with small mouth fishing to end the morning!!</div></p>

Lake trout caught while fishing on boat in Peru NY

Smallmouth bass caught while fishing in Peru NY

Freshly caught smallmouth bass being held over lake water in Peru NY

Bite was on fire this morning!!

<p><p><div>Awesome run with these two retires, one from Army & one from the Marnie Corps. Vicki was 💯 the fish whisperer!!. Frank believed it was her fish songs that enabled her to out fish him in numbers and size. 🤷‍♂️ Great run with multiple fish for the camp ground smoker and numerous released to fight another day. </div><div>Bite was on 🔥 again this morning!!!</div></p></p>

Lake trout caught fishing in Peru NY displayed on boat deck

Fresh caught lake trout in cooler from Peru NY fishing trip

Big fish 

<p><div> Awesome Run !! <span style="font-size: 1em;">Well 7 years later, from this father & son’s first run with the Irish Raider a lot of changes have occurred… Birch is now a teenager, Dad’s goatee is longer and the Captain has more white hair and a different boat. Plus the lad didn’t need any assistance from his Dad holding onto the rod with a big lake trout on the line… </span></div><div>Needless to say this run was a lot of fun!!! Double digit fish for everyone. Birch and I both lost a fish at the boat pushing 15lbs!!!!! No fish story, facts!!!</div><div>Looking forward to the next run with this father & son onboard!!! <span style="font-size: 1em;">Back at it at 0600 hrs tomorrow with a 6 hour am run.</span></div><div><br></div><div>🎣 ☘️ 🔥</div></p>

Lake trout catch displayed on fishing boat in Peru NY

On Fish!!

<p><div>Great morning run on some bigger fish!!!</div></p>

<p><div>Kastking Sharky III, Zoom baits.</div></p>

Lake trout catch displayed on fishing boat in Peru NY waters

Lake trout catch displayed on boat in Peru NY waters

On Em

<p><div>Combo Lake Trout & Small Mouth</div></p>

Smallmouth bass catch from Peru NY fishing trip

Lake trout with open mouth caught in Peru NY waters

Bite is on Fire!!

<p><div><b>Great run with this crew today!!! This Captain was very busy netting fish and snapping photos for the crew!!! Several doubles the entire trip!!!</b></div></p>

Big Fish Run

<p><div>Today’s crew got into some big lake trout this morning!! Average fish was 6-10 lbs!!! Biggest was pushing 15 lbs. Awesome run with some local repeat guys this morning!!!</div></p>

<p><div>Kastking Sharky III, Zoom soft plastic</div></p>

Lake trout caught fishing in Peru NY on boat deck

Lake trout fishing catch in Peru NY waters

Lake trout catch displayed on boat in Peru NY lake fishing trip

Large lake trout catch displayed on boat in Peru NY waters

Two freshly caught lake trout displayed on fishing boat in Peru NY waters

Awesome first ever lake trout!!

<p><div>Had a blast with this wonderful family crew this morning!! Everyone caught their first ever lake trout!! This Captain enjoys teaching kids how to catch big fish on Lake Champlain!! Alot of fun on the 4 hour run this morning!!!</div></p>

Lake trout fishing success on boat in Peru NY waters

Lake trout caught while fishing in Peru NY held with fishing pliers on boat

Lake trout catch on fishing boat in Peru NY

<p><p></p><div><b>Runs like this morning’s are AWESOME!</b></div><div><b>Dozens of hungry & feeding lake trout to the net this morning. Capt fished with the lads on the trip and had 24 fish himself to the net in 3 hours. </b></div><div><b>two day totals with these guys was 65+ fish!!</b></div><p></p></p>

Lake trout caught while fishing on lake in Peru NY

Lake trout catch from Peru NY fishing trip

White fishing boat named Trophy anchored on calm water in Peru NY with fishing equipment and nets visible

Large lake trout catch displayed on fishing boat in Peru NY

Angler holding freshly caught bass on fishing boat in Peru NY waters

Lake trout small mouth Combo Run

Northern Pike

<p><div>Fun 6 hr run!  <span style="font-size: 1em;">Ron and Kyle 💯 caught some nice lake trout to take back home. Rattle traps & the deal TRDs were the small mouths favorite this morning. </span><span style="font-size: 1em;">Holy stacked up bait from those strong south winds the past couple days!!!</span></div></p>

<p><div>zoom soft plastic, Zman TRDs</div></p>

Smallmouth bass caught fishing in Peru NY

Angler holding freshly caught fish on lake in Peru NY

On Fish  

<p><div>Today’s 6 hour run was fun with a family from Connecticut. Mason was 100% the fish whisper of the family!! Lad caught several lake trout and small mouths in this run. He wanted a spoon to fish bass with. Pulled out a spring salmon spoon I use for trolling and the lad put it took work catchbass… Gave that lad the spoon to take back to his Air B&B to continue his fish slaying..</div><div>if it works use it. lol</div></p>

Smallmouth bass caught while fishing in Peru NY, held up against lake backdrop

Lake trout caught fishing in Peru NY on boat

Ladies 

<p><div>It’s this Captains observations over the years that the ladies on board always out fish their spouse’s or parents.!!! Fish On!!</div></p>

Large fish caught during fishing trip in Peru NY

Awesome 17 hours with two trips!!

<p><div> Awesome day on Lake !! Fishing is on Fire!!</div></p>

Large fish caught while fishing in Peru NY

Lake trout catch on fishing boat in Peru NY waters

Steve and his son returned for another year!

<p><div>Combo small mouth and lake trout run with these repeat fishermen. Steve caught the biggest lake trout… But his son racked up the numbers with more trout & bass. </div><div>Grwat Time always with these guys.</div><div><br></div></p>

<p><div>kastking speed deamon, TRDs, Zoom swims</div></p>

Lake trout caught fishing in Peru NY held up on boat

Lake trout catch held up on fishing boat in Peru NY

Fish hugging

<p><div>Great evening run with calm seas and hungry trout!!</div></p>

<p><div>Zoom baits & kastking speed deamons.</div></p>

First lake trout

<p><div>Perry from Philadelphia area brought his son in law and grandson out for an evening run with us today.  After searching our waypoints to find fish that wanted to close the chasing game on the Garmin’s, it was on like Donkey Kong with several fish jumping into the net. Fun run getting the lads their first ever lake trout!!</div><div>Thank guys!!</div></p>

<p><div>kastking speed demons, zoom soft plastic </div></p>

<p>Hot bite and happy crew! Amber and her son joined us for an early morning summer run on Lake Champlain out of Cumberland Head NY. We launched at dawn with partly cloudy skies overhead and perfect water conditions on the lake. The Island grind was definetly worth the early wake-up call as we set out for our 4-Hour Guided Beginner Fishing Charter with Captain Scott on Lake Champlain through Irish Raider Outfitters LLC!!</p><p>
</p><p>With our gear rigged and ready, we worked the waters using jigging techniques to target the lake trout. Lake Champlain is great for these methods since the deep structure and varying depths let us cover water efficiently and find where the fish are holding. Amber and Blaine landed some solid lake trout during our session, and the regular run kept us on fish throughout the morning. The bite slowed down after a couple hours after the fish developed lock jam. We wrapped up the trip with great catches and fish smiles all around - totally awesome having this crew out on the water!!</p><p>
</p><p> Fish On!!</p>

Captain

<p>Join Captain Scott for an epic Lake Champlain dawn charter targeting lake trout from Cumberland Head—perfect conditions and proven techniques guarantee success!</p>

Early Morning Lake Trout Charter - Cumberland Head Fishing Trip

Air Fee

Bait Fee

Divemaster Fee

Mate's Fee

Nitrox Fee

Service Fee

State Taxes

Trimix Fee

<p>New to fishing? Captain Scott Thurber makes it easier to get comfortable with a rod and reel while exploring the beautiful waters of Lake Champlain. This guided outing is designed for beginners, families, and anyone eager to learn at a relaxed pace. Get familiar with casting, reeling, and the basics of freshwater fishing while pursuing Bass, Northern Pike, and Trout. Captain Scott offers guidance throughout the experience, helping you build confidence and enjoy the process rather than worry about having prior skills. Between casts, take in the lake’s scenic surroundings and enjoy quality time together outdoors. Whether you’re hoping to land your first fish or simply want to try something new, this trip offers a welcoming introduction to the sport. Bring sun protection and any personal essentials, and get ready to discover the fun of fishing on Lake Champlain.</p>

Irish Raider II

Valcour Island Marina

4 hrs 

Make Your First Cast on Lake Champlain

Amber's epic lake trout adventure on Champlain waters!

Lake Champlain Lake Trout Success - Dawn Charter from Cumberland Head

Lads put some fish in the box this morning!! 

<p><p></p><div>Adam and his fishing buddy from Quebec slammed some nice fish this morning. Their first experience with Garmin live scope 💯 sold them!! Hope you lads enjoy your fish fry tonight with the pit crew.</div><div>Lunch break and back at with Patrick from Montreal this </div><div>🎣 ☘️</div><p></p></p>

<p><div>Kastking Speed Demon, Diawa rods</div></p>

Lake trout caught while fishing at Cumberland Head NY

Lake trout catch on fishing boat in Cumberland Head NY with American flag

Lake trout caught while fishing in Cumberland Head NY

Windy run!!

<p><div>We were on the fish right out of the gate on our first waypoint. put several in the boat in the first 2 hours until the south winds made it unsafe to fish the broad lake. </div><div>Back on them tomorrow if the seas are calmer.</div></p>

<p><p></p><div>spinning rods.</div><p></p></p>

Busy past 4 days on Champlain!!

<p><div>Too busy to upload daily, so heres a photo dump of the past four days on Lake Champlain. Unbelievable bite we’ve been experiencing!!!</div><div><br></div></p>

Lake trout catch from Cumberland Head NY fishing trip

Lake trout caught fishing at Cumberland Head NY

Freshly caught fish being held on fishing boat in Cumberland Head NY

Large lake trout caught fishing at Cumberland Head NY

Cold morning.,

<p><div>So the Ole Rugby Prop from Ottawa brought the cold Canadian air down along with Mark for the morning fishing run.</div><div>Always great having Shawn out for some fishing every May!!</div><div>🎣 ☘️</div></p>

Lake trout caught fishing in Cumberland Head NY

Lake Trout bite quick this morning!!

<p><div>Always awesome have this family from Rochester out with us every season!! Mom definitely out fished Dad again!!</div><div><br></div></p>

<p><div>Kastking Speed Deamons, Zoom soft plastic!!</div></p>

Lake trout caught while fishing at Cumberland Head NY displayed on boat

Lake trout caught during fishing trip at Cumberland Head NY displayed on boat

Awesome 2 day charter with this crew!!

<p><div>it was awesome having this crew out for two six our charters over the weekend for small mouth and lake trout! These lads dropped the hammer on some lake trout!! Small mouth bite was slow but Brian did showed us how to get it done!!</div><div>Thank Brian!!</div></p>

<p><div>Kastking speed demons, zoom soft plastic baits, Zman TarDs</div></p>

Angler holding caught smallmouth bass on fishing boat at Cumberland Head NY

Lake trout caught fishing in Cumberland Head NY on boat

Think Spring!!

<p><div>As we sit here over looking a frozen Lake Champlain with an air temperature of -8 degrees, the spring small mouth bite can’t come soon enough!!! </div><div>With the large snow pack we have in the mountains the water levels on the big lake should be back to normal when we kick off our 2026 season at the end of April!!</div><div>Fish On!!</div><div><br></div></p>

Smallmouth bass caught at Cumberland Head

Smallmouth Bass caught while fishing in Cumberland Head

Smallmouth bass caught while fishing at Cumberland Head

A lone lake trout caught while fishing in NY

Small mouth and Northern Pike trip.

<p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div>Bass & Northern Pike Run. Too water action in the morning followed up with some TRDs. </div><div>Small mouths were all Littles. Fun trip with this great family!!</div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p></p>

Non-stop bites all day long! Had Meghan out for our fall early morning run on Lake Champlain, and what a mad brick morning it started as!! Early morning rain had us grindin' through some wet conditions, but by the time we got going the weather cleared to partly cloudy skies. Water conditions on Lake Champlain were perfect for what we had planned. This was our 6-Hour Lake Champlain Fishing Adventure with Captain Scott Thurber through Irish Raider Outfitters LLC.

Once the stage was set, we got into the Island grind with trolling, bottom fishing, and casting with lures to work the lake proper. Meghan dropped the hammer on some solid Northern Pike throughout the day!! Lake Champlain is definetly one of those spots where you can mix up techniques and stay on fish - the structure and depth changes make it perfect for switching between trolling the deeper areas and casting lures along the shorelines. We wrapped up this regular run with fish smiles and a totally awesome day on the water!

If you're looking to get out on Lake Champlain for some serious fishing action, our Extended Half Day Fishing Trip On Lake Champlain - Perch, Bass And More is the way to go!! This Captain runs the concrete to coast hustle year-round, and fall fishing on Lake Champlain is when things really heat up. We're grindin' Northern Pike, bass, perch and more using trolling, bottom fishing and casting techniques that work the lake's structure perfectly. The 6-hour trips give us plenty of time to work different areas and techniques - from deep water trolling to shallow casting along the drop-offs. Irish Raider Outfitters LLC has been putting lads on fish in these waters for years, and we know exactly where to find em!! Whether you're upstate for the weekend or making the regular trek to fish Lake Champlain, we'll get you on the bite. Tight lines and Fish On!!

Experience non-stop Northern Pike action on Lake Champlain's perfect waters with Captain Scott's 6-hour adventure, mixing trolling and casting techniques!

Fall Pike Fishing on Lake Champlain | Irish Raider Guide

Air fee

Bait's fee

Mate's fee

Nitrox fee

Trimix fee

<p>Discover the variety of Lake Champlain with Guide Scott Thurber, where anglers can pursue everything from hard-fighting Smallmouth Bass to impressive Lake Trout. This expansive freshwater fishery offers a mix of species and fishing opportunities, giving you plenty to look forward to as you explore its waters. Depending on conditions and the day’s approach, you may target Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, or Northern Pike. Whether you enjoy the challenge of battling a strong fish or the satisfaction of learning new techniques, Scott helps guide the experience toward productive fishing areas. The trip is a great fit for anglers looking to spend meaningful time on the water while enjoying Lake Champlain’s tranquil surroundings. If you plan to bring a child, contact Guide Scott Thurber at 518-523-4275 beforehand to discuss the arrangements. Book your outing and experience this celebrated lake firsthand.</p>

American Yellow Perch

6.00hour

Chase Lake Champlain’s Powerful Freshwater Fighters

Meghan crushes Northern Pike on Lake Champlain's perfect waters!

Lake Champlain Northern Pike Action - 6-Hour Adventure Trip

Bass & pike run

<p><div>Got into some nice small mouth and pike despit the Bassmasters being on the water for a qualifying event. Alot of pressure on the fish the past few days.</div></p>

Photo of a Northern Pike caught while fishing in NY

One chain pickerel caught while fishing at Cumberland Head

<p><div>Great having these 4 lads out this morning on a bass & pike run!! Fish On!!</div></p>

Fisherman with northern pike caught at Cumberland Head

A great barracuda fish caught at Cumberland Head

Small mouth run. 

<p><div>This couple put the TRDs to work on the small mouth!!</div></p>

A smallmouth bass caught while fishing at Cumberland Head

Fish On!!

<p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div>Kimmy's first ever lake trouts!!</div><p></p><p></p><p></p></p>

Fish on!!

<p><div>Father and son team were on the fish with doubles hooked up on our first waypoint!! The crew was only able to fish forcabout an hour before the south winds drove us back to the marina.</div><div><br></div></p>

Two anglers fishing on the banks of Cumberland Head

Outstanding run with these Ole Boys!!

<p><div>This group of lads fish as often as they can together.</div><div>At the end of the trip they informed me I was in the top two of Captains they ever went out with!! </div><div>Plus they booked 4 more chaters with us for the 2026 season!!</div></p>

Angler with a lake trout at Cumberland Head

Four Chinook salmon, Chum salmon, and Rainbow trout caught during fishing at Cumberland Head

<p>One for the books today! I took Devin out for a fantastic summer morning of fishing with Irish Raider Outfitters LLC. We set off from Cumberland Head, NY as the sun was just starting to peek over the horizon. The early morning air was crisp, and the sky was clear - perfect conditions for a day on the water. Our 4 Hour Trip (AM) began at 6:30, giving us plenty of time to make the most of the prime fishing hours. As we headed out, I could already tell it was going to be a great day for chasing some smallmouth bass.</p><p>With our gear rigged and ready, we got straight to work. I decided to mix things up and use a variety of techniques to give Devin the best shot at landing some fish.&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout the morning, we focused our efforts on targeting smallmouth Devin got to experience the thrill of battling these hard-fighting fish. The clear conditions made for some exciting visual fishing at times, as we could occasionally spot bass following our lures. We wrapped up the trip with smiles all around, having enjoyed a productive morning on the water.</p><p>If you're thinking about coming out for some fantastic bass fishing, I can't recommend Cumberland Head, NY enough. Here at Irish Raider Outfitters LLC, we specialize in providing the best experience for anglers of all skill levels. Our 4 Hour Trip (AM) is perfect for those looking to make the most of the early morning bite. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, we've got the knowledge and equipment to put you on fish.&nbsp;</p><p>The smallmouth bass fishing in this area is top-notch, and there's nothing quite like the fight these fish put up. So if you're ready for some exciting bass action, give us a call and let's get you out on the water. We'll provide everything you need for a memorable day of fishing, and who knows - you might just land that trophy smallmouth you've been dreaming about. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience some of the best bass fishing Cumberland Head has to offer. Book your trip with Irish Raider Outfitters LLC today, and let's create some unforgettable fishing memories together!</p>

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