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Lake Champlain

Boat Ramps
63
Access Points
73
Species
35

Lake Champlain, a magnificent freshwater lake straddling the border between New York and Vermont with a small portion extending into Quebec, Canada, is renowned as one of the premier fishing destinations in the northeastern United States. Encompassing approximately 490 square miles and stretching 107 miles in length, this vast body of water reaches depths of up to 400 feet (with an average depth of 64 feet) between Charlotte, VT and Essex, NY. The lake offers exceptional fishing opportunities for both warm and cold-water game fish throughout all four seasons, making it a year-round angler's paradise. Connected to the Richelieu River and ultimately the Saint Lawrence River, Lake Champlain is flanked by the stunning Adirondack Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains to the east, creating a spectacular backdrop for your fishing adventures.

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Walleye15,806 fish · 1.9 inJun 3, 2026
  • Walleye58,477 fish · 1.9 inJun 2, 2026
  • Walleye108,461 fish · 1.9 inJun 1, 2026
  • Walleye491,000 fish · 0.2 inMay 1, 2026
  • Atlantic Salmon6,500 fish · 7.2 inApr 15, 2026

Source

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lake Champlain. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Wilcox Access

Wilcox Access

Access Point
Butterfly Bay

Butterfly Bay

Access Point
North Hero Causeway Access

North Hero Causeway Access

Access Point
Powerhouse Park Access

Powerhouse Park Access

Access Point
Tiger Point

Tiger Point

Access Point
Schuyler Island Primitive Area Trail

Schuyler Island Primitive Area Trail

Access Point
Charcoal Creek Access

Charcoal Creek Access

Access Point
Allen Point Access

Allen Point Access

Access Point
Ed Weed Access

Ed Weed Access

Access Point
Schuyler South Trail

Schuyler South Trail

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Lake Champlain

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

New York licenses and regulations

New York Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the weblink below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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New York Fishing License

"You need a fishing license if you are 16 years and older and fishing for: -Freshwater fish species by angling, spearing, hooking, longbow, and tip-ups. -Frog species by spearing, catching with the hands, or by use of a club or hook. -Freshwater baitfish for personal use."

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New York Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you to check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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New York Stream Access Laws

Public Fishing Rights (PFRs) are permanent easements purchased by NYSDEC from willing landowners, giving anglers the right to fish and walk along the bank (usually a 33' strip on one or both banks of the stream). This right is for the purpose of fishing only and no other purpose. Fishing privileges may be available on some other private lands with the permission of the landowner. Courtesy toward the landowner and respect for their property will ensure their continued use.

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Take Lake Champlain with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Lake Champlain to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Champlain to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Lake Champlain and check the forecast before you go.

MILL RIVER AT GEORGIA SHORE RD, NR ST ALBANS, VT

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