Champlain Bass Fishing Report

[Champlain Angler]

Hey guys, in case anyone is wondering, the bass bite has kicked in nicely. In spite of the wind the numbers are good. We were catching a few in deep water fishing jigs in early April but that was slow and the numbers weren't good. Catching them on moving baits now, but not moving fast. On charters we prefer to power fish vs slowing down with jigs or flipping etc. I got a little spoiled size wise in Florida catching the huge largemouth down there, but it was good to find some schooling prespawn bass on home waters. Look for warm water. Fish on! Follow this link to the report and some pics...

http://www.angelfire.com/home/lake/reports.html

Captain Mick
http://www.LakeChamplainAngler.com

[Mr. Sulu]

I thought bass season began in June? This is not a criticism, just posing the question if it's legal or ethical to target bass in April/May? Maybe it is with artificial baits only, or maybe you're fishing for other species, and you "accidentally" catch bass? I know this post was made to help/inform other anglers, just looking for clarification. thx

[MarknFish (Mark)]

Mr Sulu - welcome aboard and use this link. It's a special catch and release season.

http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/Calend ... at=fishing

[Champlain Angler]

http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/31421.html

There is also a C&R season in NY from Dec 1st until the keeper season opens. Interesting that NY and VT don't have the same season, but then there is still a season that allows sportsmen to shoot pike in VT. We must leave the best judgment to the fisheries managers, who I think do a good job. Comments?

[Mr. Sulu]

Thx for the info gentlemen! I wasn't aware of the CnR season in Vt. It's fun to catch those huge pre-spawn bronze backs! Wouldn't it make sense for NY and Vt to get on the same page and have the same laws for the same fishery? Thanks again for the insight.

[muskytime]

I live Missisquoi bay Québec, here we are not allowed to fish bass in prespawn or catch and release, they say if you take the bass off the nest a few minutes or so predators will make a clean up.

I don't beleave that in VT they take good care to have a very good quality fishing on Champlain lake and it works the lake is in the top 10 for bass fishing even with a prespawn open season catch and release.

Samething for trolling we are allowed to 1 rod only here in Québec, I think Québec should look and learn from you in VT !!!!

I will fish Bass in Goose Bay soon !!
Claude

[diamondsteel]

Thanks for the report. Hoping to get out Thursday and Friday to see if there is much action yet. .
What type of depth and cover are you targeting ? .