As of October 9, 2024, Lake Champlain is offering some excellent fishing opportunities despite the transitioning fall weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Conditions
The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit. The water is slightly stained, which can be beneficial for certain types of fishing. Expect partly cloudy skies with a gentle breeze.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 6:55 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:55 PM. These times are ideal for catching fish, especially during the early morning and late afternoon when fish are most active.

### Fish Activity
Fish activity has been robust, with many anglers reporting successful catches. Yesterday, anglers caught a variety of species including largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and trout.

### Catches
Reports from yesterday indicate that several largemouth bass in the 3-5 pound range were caught, along with smallmouth bass up to 4 pounds. Northern pike were also active, with some catches reaching up to 10 pounds. Walleye and trout were caught in smaller numbers but were still present in the mix.

### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, soft plastics and crankbaits have been working well. Use lures that mimic baitfish or crawdads, as these are natural prey for bass in Lake Champlain. For northern pike, spoons and spinnerbaits are effective. Walleye can be caught using jigging lures tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers. Trout are biting on small spinners and flies.

### Hot Spots
Two hot spots to consider are the areas around the Champlain Bridge and the mouth of the LaPlatte River. The structure around the bridge attracts bass and pike, while the LaPlatte River mouth is known for its walleye and trout activity.

### Tidal Report
While Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake and does not have tides like saltwater bodies, water levels can fluctuate due to wind and other factors. Currently, the water levels are stable, which should help in locating fish in their usual habitats.

Overall, Lake Champlain is buzzing with fishing activity, and with the right lures and knowledge of the hot spots, you should have a productive day on the water.