Plattsburgh fishing charters work the open waters of Lake Champlain along with its bays, weedlines, and rocky drop-offs for lake trout, landlocked salmon, bass, and northern pike.
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Plattsburgh sits on the western shore of Lake Champlain, giving anglers quick access to one of the Northeast’s most productive freshwater fisheries. Most Plattsburgh fishing charters offer half-day and full-day trips, with some captains running seasonal specialty outings for trophy lake trout, salmon trolling, or warm-weather bass trips. The lake’s structure is varied — expansive open basins, steep rocky points, submerged reefs, and weedy shallows — and each section fishes differently depending on the season. Many charters launch from the Plattsburgh City Marina, Wilcox Dock, or Peru Boat Launch, with run times often under 20 minutes to prime spots like Cumberland Head, Valcour Island, and the Four Brothers area.
Spring kicks off with trolling for landlocked salmon and lake trout along the surface and near shoreline drop-offs as the water warms. In summer, salmonids push deeper, and captains deploy downriggers and lead-core setups to reach them, while bass anglers work weed edges, shoals, and rocky humps. Fall brings a surge of salmonid activity in shallower water, and smallmouth bass action peaks around rocky flats and points. Winter transforms the scene into an ice-fishing destination, with northern pike, yellow perch, and lake trout targeted on the bays and sheltered sections of Lake Champlain.
Techniques vary widely — light tackle casting for bass, vertical jigging for trout, trolling with planer boards and downriggers for salmon, and tip-up rigs under the ice for pike. Live bait like shiners and smelt are popular in colder months, while crankbaits, jerkbaits, and tubes see heavy use in the warmer seasons. Anglers in Plattsburgh also have easy access to nearby waters such as the Saranac River for seasonal trout runs and smaller backcountry lakes for panfish and pickerel. With such a diverse fishery right out of the marina, it’s easy to match the trip to the bite any time of year.
Early spring on Lake Champlain is prime time for landlocked salmon and lake trout. As ice recedes and surface temps rise, these fish cruise the top 10–20 feet, making them accessible to flatline trollers and planer board spreads. Charters often work shorelines near Cumberland Head and Valcour Island, using stickbaits and small spoons. Bass fishing is limited until later in the season, but northern pike start getting active in the warming shallows. Water clarity can vary with snowmelt, so bright lures and scented presentations help trigger strikes. Run times are short since many spring fish stay close to the western shoreline.
Summer pushes trout and salmon deeper, often into the 50–100 foot range, so charters rely heavily on downriggers, lead-core lines, and deep-diving spoons. Smallmouth bass fishing peaks on rocky flats, breakwalls, and offshore humps, with tubes, drop-shot rigs, and crankbaits being top producers. Largemouth bass and northern pike patrol weedlines in the bays, where spinnerbaits and swimbaits excel. Most trips in summer target a mix — starting with salmonids early, then shifting to bass or pike later in the day. Warm weather also makes for comfortable, longer runs to the mid-lake reefs.
Fall brings cooler water and aggressive feeding. Salmonids move back toward the surface, and trolling speeds pick up. Lake trout and landlocked salmon can be caught closer to shore again, especially near river mouths like the Saranac. Smallmouth bass feed heavily on baitfish along rocky points, and pike hunting in shallow bays becomes intense. Many charters in fall focus on big-fish potential, running specialized trophy trips. Changing weather can mean rougher lake conditions, but the bite is often worth it.
Plattsburgh becomes a hub for Lake Champlain ice fishing in winter. Popular ice spots like Treadwell Bay, Point Au Roche, and Carry Bay see tip-ups for northern pike and jigging rods for perch and lake trout. Smelt fishing is also a unique local winter tradition, often done at night. Ice thickness varies depending on the section of the lake, so local guides and charters provide up-to-date safety info. Winter trips are typically half-day to keep anglers warm and mobile, with portable shanties and heaters keeping things comfortable.
Most captains use the Plattsburgh City Marina, Wilcox Dock, or Peru Boat Launch, all offering quick access to Lake Champlain’s prime fishing grounds.
Half-day trips (4–5 hours) are popular for targeted species, while full-day trips give time to cover multiple spots or mix salmonid trolling with bass or pike fishing.
Yes, most charters supply rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Specialized gear like downriggers or ice shelters is also provided depending on the season.
Yes, a valid New York State fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older when fishing Lake Champlain and its tributaries.
Spring and fall are prime for salmonids, summer is excellent for bass and pike, and winter offers great ice fishing for perch, pike, and trout.
Trolling with downriggers and planer boards for salmonids, casting and jigging for bass, and tip-ups for pike under the ice.
Lake trout can exceed 15 lbs, salmon up to 8 lbs, pike often top 10 lbs, and bass commonly run 2–5 lbs.
Many boats can take 4–6 anglers comfortably, and larger groups can be split between multiple boats if arranged in advance
Yes, some captains run trophy lake trout trips, smelt outings in winter, or mixed-bag charters targeting multiple species in one day.