Champlain is one of those lakes where you can throw a top water all day. In the a.m. just before the sun comes up. during the day. But during the day you need a little cloud cover, or a ripple on the water. Usually there is always a ripple. Both largemouth and Smallmouth will hit them. If you have never been to champlain before, you will be in for a treat. Hook up, and Hold on. This lake is one of the best in the country. Another bait to use is a 5" Kalins Avacado or Green pumpkin Grub Hooked on a 1/8 oz ballhead or darter head. Hit the bottom, and bring it back with small rod tip shakes, just moving it a few inches at a time, and try not to lift it up off the bottm, kind of drag it. Of course, everything in the world will hit a senko, again green pumpkin, watermellon red or black. Don't be afraid to dip them in a little bit of scent. The water in the south end is stained to dark, where the water in the north is clearer. If you're north, dip the tails of the grubs in chartruse garlic dye. The smallies love them
lake champlain is definetly a favorite of mine. you can fish almost any cover you want from thick weeds too reefs and ledges or flipping docks and timber all day. topwater on champlain is nothing short of amazing. huge numbers and quality of both smallies and largies. my favorites are flipping docks and the bridges with dragin baits softplastics and drop shottin the reefs for smallies