Lake Champlain
Vermont · Grand Isle
Spans: NY, VT
- 277,118 acres mapped (USGS NHD)
- 998.6 km shoreline
- County: Grand Isle
- Shoreline outline: USGS NHD
The pin marks the middle of the water, for directions. The shoreline on the map comes from USGS NHD.
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Overview
Lake Champlain lies between New York and Vermont, with a small portion reaching into Quebec. Lake trout, wiped out by the late 1800s, are back thanks to stocking and sea lamprey control by New York, Vermont and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Fishing
Much of the lake trout fishing runs from the Westport area north to Cumberland Head near Plattsburgh. Smelt are the main forage, so long narrow spoons and plugs are favored. In summer, use downriggers or lead core to fish deep. In spring and fall, lake trout can be near the surface. Landlocked Atlantic salmon are also present.
Licensing
New York and Vermont have a reciprocal license agreement for Lake Champlain.
Boat ramps & launches
New York state launches include Great Chazy River, Point Au Roche, Peru Dock, Port Douglas, Willsboro Bay, Westport, Port Henry, Ticonderoga and South Bay.
Safety & advisories
The lake can build dangerous waves fast. Willsboro Bay and the Peru launch near Valcour Island can offer shelter. Winter ice can be thin, ridged or broken up by wind.
Nearby waters
- Ausable River · 10 km (NY)
- Salmon River · 11.8 km (NY)
- Dry Mill Brook · 12 km (NY)
- Saranac River · 16.4 km (NY)
- Patterson Brook · 24.7 km (NY)
- Boquet River · 26.5 km (NY)
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
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