Saturday Salmon Search

[Mistress]

Fished the IS today. Air temp was 15 degrees at 7:30 when I left the house, 18 at the ramp when we dumped the Mistress at 8:30. Wind was forecast for 5-10k SE, I think the meteorologist meant to add the 2 together for a 15k steady blow because that is what we had, avg 18” wave height. Didn’t find the fish until 10:15 and when we did it was fast and furious, 8 salmon and one brown boated and three lost for a total of 12 hookups in 1 1/2 hrs running 4 rods clean (no cheaters). The bite came on longlines and riggers, depths 10 down to 40 and they hit everything including my favorite white perch spoon All were 13” or better, no smolts or monsters, biggest 20”.
We kept 2 16” salmon and the brown for the smoker. Great day on the water!

[Marco]

Great fishing in winding conditions....
I thought salmon had to be 18" to keep, perhaps different on the Vermont side or I could be wrong about the 18"...

[Mistress]

Table 2: General Fishing Regulations for Lake Champlain

General Fishing Regulations for Lake Champlain include the setbacks at the same water level and the lower portion of its tributaries as defined. Spawning waters are not included.

Lake Champlain Open-Water Fishing—Number of Lines/Rods:
A person may take fish only by using not more than two lines of which he or she has immediate control over all lines. Each line may not have more than two baited hooks or three artificial flies or two lures with or without bait.

SPECIES
OPEN SEASON FOR HARVEST
MINIMUM LENGTH
DAILY LIMIT
LEGAL METHODS
Bowfin, Mullet (Redhorse), Gar
All year
None
No more than 5 of any one species
Open-water and Ice fishing, Spear gun, Bow and crossbow all with line attached
March 25 to May 25
Shooting, hand-held spearing
Brook Trout and Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout
All year
12”
Total of brook + brown +
rainbows = no more than 3
Open-water and Ice fishing
Bullhead
All year
None
No limit
Open-water and Ice fishing
March 25 to May 25
Shooting, hand-held spearing
Carp, Suckers (Longnose and White), Cull Fish
All year
None
No limit
Open-water and Ice fishing, Spear gun, Bow and crossbow all with line attached
March 25 to May 25
Shooting, hand-held spearing
Chain Pickerel
All year
None
10
Open-water and Ice fishing
March 25 to May 25
Shooting, hand-held spearing
Crappie
All year
8”
25
Open-water and Ice fishing
Lake Sturgeon
No open season
NA
0
No fishing
Lake Trout
All year
15”
3
Open-water and Ice fishing
Landlocked Atlantic Salmon
All year
15”
2
Open-water and Ice fishing
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass
2nd Sat. in June to Nov. 30
12”
Total of largemouth +
smallmouth = no more than 5
Open-water fishing
Muskellunge
All year
NA
0
Catch and release with artificial lures and flies only
Northern Pike
All year
20”
5
Open-water and Ice fishing
March 25 to May 25



Just to clarify, I think you saw the table for ponds and streams for landlocked salmon which is 18”. Sometimes I wish that was the limit for Champlain. I personally release 95% of what I catch, just keep a few occasionally to smoke to go with Cabot Mad River Reserve cheddar and crackers

[Gecha (Gerry)]

Nice explanation. Thanks for sharing.
While most of the boats are now in storage, it's pleasant to see some are still chasing fish and reporting their trips.

[Reelax]

Thanks for the post! I’m thinking of taking a day outta the woods to fish this week and the inland sea is MUCH closer for me. if there is a hope, there is an outting!

Great results and shows that scouting and Perseverance pays off!

Thanks again for sharing Pat!

Matt

[Marco]

Yes, I agree, thanks for sharing.
I'm still new to "silver" fishing on lake Champlain, coming from lake Luzerne area. About five years now.
My freezer is pretty full, between Kings from Mexico Bay, lake Ontario and salmon lake Champlain.
But it's good to know 15" will work as keepers.
I'll probably be in the Port Henry Bay next spring... which hasn't been too productive last couple years, mostly lake trout.
Enjoy the frostbit fishing,
Thank you

[Marco]

South of Skyler Island

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Douglas boat launch area was very productive, 6-1/2 lb salmon and a Buck swimming was fun....
About one month ago....

Buck swimming

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[cpmaple]

Looked like a great day once you found them, cant wait for spring to get the boat back out.

[striper192001]

Where do I find those "Penguin" gloves ??

Thanks

[Mistress]

I found them at Walmart a few years back and they are excellent for cold weather fish handling and have a felt like liner that provides some warmth but not bulky. Highly recommend them!!!
If they don’t have them in stock you can order them online, I believe Amazon has them as well.

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