Browns and Steels

[Debra]

Hey all! I promise this will be my last question post for a while! This ones about Browns and Steelhead in Champlain! If you have ever caught one trolling or jigging in Champlain, please bestow some knowledge upon me.about things like area, speed (if caught trolling), lure, or anything that seems helpful! Ill be sure to report this summer if I catch any!
Thanks, Deb!

[Reelax]

Welcome aboard Debra! Your fishing passion shows thru your posts!

You’re asking for a “firehose” flow of cold water species. You’re at the right place to learn fast but it would take a 10000 word post to try to scratch the surface of your request. You can search the 14 years of fishing reports and posts on this forum to learn anything you need to be successful targeting the fish you want. I use the data for reference every week to see where I was fishing and catching 4 years ago on this date. (For example)

We will be holding the LCU Draw Your Partner Derby toward the middle of May and it is an annual chance for non cold water trollers to jump in a boat with an experienced fisherman for a days worth of hands on learning and a little fun competition. No entry fee all you need is a licence and an item to share with the fleet at the bbq afterwards.

here is a link to last years festivities;

https://www.lakechamplainunited.com/for ... 50#p222950


You can sign up with boat or without boat and you will be randomly paired with a partner to try to catch the biggest salmon of the day.


Many cold water virgins have struck chrome, silver or Brown in the 14 years we have held this derby. Recently we have added a family category where a parent and off spring can fish together and compete just like the rest of the fleet.

We will be an announcing this years date within a week or so….stay tuned!

Matt

[Debra]

Hey Matt! Have you ever had luck with browns or steels on spoons like Crazy Ivans, Little Cleos, or wobblers? Heard they are good options for them!
Thanks, Deb!

[ChessieMan]

Hi Deb and welcome to the Lake - you have asked the question for the ages - I'd wager that there are 100's of us lurking in the weeds waiting for someone to reveal their "Magic" - I've been fishing Champlain since 2003 and have caught a fair number of browns, many fewer steelies and of late very few of either - there was a question raised about browns at the "State of the Lake" mtg last month in Burlington. .

All have been on conventional trolling spoons, Speedi's, CI's Honey Bees,... I fish Oct-Jan on the lower end, Split Rock south, and most of the browns I've caught have been just north of Port Henry in the 60-100 FoW areas, mainly west side - I'd be lying if I said I could target them.

Keep asking questions = that's how I learned - there are lots of people willing to share on this website - AND, take advantage of the "Draw your Partner" or any other opportunity to fish with or near someone.

[Mistress]

I heard Cap. Bony only caught finless browns??