Fishing from the Hole

The scenery of the Lake Champlain totally changes in the winter. Each day, the ice slowly covers more of the lake's surface toward the south and the depth of the ice keeps increasing. But that doesn't mean the lake is totally frozen; below the ice is still home to a number of fish. Lake Champlain's ice fishing season usually starts from mid-December and continues through late January. And during that time, the lake becomes a hotspot for local fishermen.

 What should we prepare before venturing out on the ice?
“For the beginning ice-fishing angler, getting and studying the hydrographic map is critical,” says Steven Flint, a licensed guide in New York. It's not a good idea to go to the lake without knowing anything. On any lake, a good map will show the changes in shoreline depth. Once you get the map, make sure that you also check the weather and temperature for the day you are planning to go out. According to Flint, up-to-date information from institutions such as the Department of Environmental Conservation or the Lake Champlain Basin Program are great resources to check for anticipating the thickness of the ice.

What kind of fish are under the ice?
There is a vast number of fish species in Lake Champlain, including yellow and white perch, pike, salmon, walleye, lake trout, and smelt. “Depending on the spot, the fish will be different,” says Mickey Maynard, Champlain Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited board member and publisher of the Lake Champlain Angler. In the north and south ends of the lake, yellow and white perch are most commonly fished, while the mid-lake region from Willsboro to Port Henry is prosperous for smelt fishing. The cold-water species such as salmon and trout are also abundant mid-lake.

The ice covers the lake and thickens more every day. photo courtesy of Mickey Maynard

What should people know about safety?
Though the ice seems to be thick enough, you must remember that it is still ultimately made of water. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, when stepping on the ice, it must be thick enough. “Three inches is the minimum, but I prefer five,” says Flint, who has more than 25 years of ice-fishing experience. He emphasizes that the most important thing to consider is not fishing, but safety.

In case you fall into the water, a loud whistle and a rubber-handled ice pick are necessary, particularly for those who fish alone. You should also let someone know where you are going and when you are planning on returning.

Preparing warm clothing, as well as something that guards the eyes, head, feet, and hands, is also essential for successful ice fishing. Each safety tip is driven by one's own judgment, so doing your homework before actually going on the lake is a must.

Let's start ice fishing!
If you are a beginner, perch is a good species to start ice fishing. Because their habitat is closer to the shore, points such as Kings Bay and Monty's Bay may be good places to get started. After you start to feel comfortable with perch fishing, try going out a little further and targeting other kinds of fish further from the land.

“Lake Champlain is a fantastic place to ice fish,” says Maynard. “The lake is abundant with a various kind of fish, and the climate of this region is great to make ice.” Although this winter has been relatively mild so far, it's only temporary and the lake will eventually be frozen. By late December, Maynard hopes to see some ice by the northern bays around Rouses Point. “I expect the fishing will be good,” he says.

Do you ice fish trout? Or are you more of a pike person?

Lake Champlain International

Lake Champlain International is an organizational effort to help revitalize the fishing activities and communities. Over the years, Lake Champlain International has been working on the various issues, such as invasive species, fish stocking and pollution of the lake.

By creating the great opportunities for people to visit the lake, they are trying to increase the awareness of these issues. Based on the idea of environmental conservation, they actively encourage local communities and businesses to learn more about the issues of the lake.