Every Boat Ramp on Lake Champlain

About Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain is the sixth largest natural freshwater lake in the United States, spanning 271,000 acres along the border of New York and Vermont. This massive waterway stretches 120 miles from Whitehall in the south to the Canadian border, with 587 miles of shoreline and depths reaching 400 feet. The lake's extraordinary size and diverse structure support one of the most varied fisheries in the Northeast, with over 80 species of fish inhabiting its waters.

Bass fishing on Lake Champlain is world-renowned, regularly hosting major tournament circuits including the Bassmaster Elite Series. Smallmouth bass in the 3- to 6-pound class inhabit the rocky reefs and ledges, while largemouth bass thrive in the weedy bays and backwaters. The lake's walleye population has surged in recent years, creating a destination fishery for this prized species. Landlocked salmon and lake trout patrol the deep main-lake basins, northern pike haunt the marshy shallows, and musky lurk in select bays and river mouths.

On the New York side, the Adirondack Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to fishing on Champlain. Plattsburgh, the largest city on the lake's western shore, offers full services and multiple launch sites, while smaller communities like Westport, Port Henry, and Ticonderoga provide more rustic access. The lake's rich history, including Revolutionary War and War of 1812 battle sites, adds cultural depth to any fishing excursion.

Nearest towns: Plattsburgh, Burlington, Ticonderoga, Westport