Wind is whistlin’ off the Adirondacks and the Champlain Valley’s cloaked in classic October chill. For those ready to brave the bite, there’s plenty to chase and a few tales to tell—let’s get into it, straight from the dock.

## Weather & Water

It’s another gusty morning on Lake Champlain, with west-southwest winds keepin’ the rollers white-capped and the drift lively—Anglers and guides have been talkin’ about how these fall blows can shift a trip from calm to chaos in a hurry, and today’s no exception. Expect the chop to complicate boat control, especially for deeper presentations, but on the upside, it’s pushing bait and active fish into predictable chutes. The thermometer’s runnin’ from crisp low-40s at first light to a sunny mid-60s by afternoon, so layer up and shed as it warms. Sunrise was at 6:57 AM and sunset’ll show at 6:16 PM—plenty of time to work the water, though the best bite’s been starting mid-morning as things warm.

Lake Champlain’s tide? Nope, it’s all about the wind-driven currents here, so watch the drift and adjust your approach as the rollers change direction. If you’re out of the breeze, the water’s flat and slick, but offshore, it’s choppy—pick your comfort zone and fish accordingly.

## Fish Reports & Recent Catches

Smallmouth bass are still king, and Champlain’s been generous to those willing to chase ‘em. Over the last week, guides and regulars have been finding smallies stacked on rocky points and drop-offs, with solid numbers coming on deepwater dropshot rigs. Folks are catchin’ plenty of quality fish, with 3- to 5-pounders common and the occasional giant—there was even talk of a 7-pound, 8-ounce largemouth busted outta Champlain recently, accordin’ to Compass Vermont. And while that’s a beast, it’s the smallies that are the stars right now—plenty of 2- to 4-pound smallmouths, with fish coming on a mix of jigs, Ned rigs, and deeper diving crankbaits, especially when the wind’s up.

Walleye’s a tougher bite this week—lots of dinks and missed strikes, with only a rare keeper eye comin’ over the rail. This time of year, they’re starting to school tighter, so if you’re after eaters, keep circling those deep breaklines and don’t get discouraged by the slow pick. Pike are always around, and a few big northerns have found the net recently, especially on larger swimbaits and spinnerbaits fished slow over weed edges. If you’re after panfish, there’s a good bluegill bite in the bays and marinas, and some real slabs to be had off docks and downed timber.

## Best Lures & Baits

If you’re chasing smallies, the finesse bite is on—dropshot with a finesse worm (think green pumpkin or natural shad colors) is top dog. When the wind’s up, beef up your dropshot weight to stay in touch with the bottom, and keep your line tight. Jerkbaits are also producing, especially on windy points—try a KVD 300D in shad or bluegill for the bigger fish.

For walleye, jigging minnows or slow-trolling crankbaits just off the bottom is the play, but you gotta work for ‘em. If you’re pike hunting, a big white or chartreuse spinnerbait or a Husky Jerk in silver gets those big gators to react. Bluegill? Small jigs tipped with waxworms or bits of worm, fished under a bobber.

Live bait’s always an option—minnows for walleye and pike, worms for panfish—but the artificial game is strong right now, and you’ll cover more water with faster presentations.

## Hot Spots

If you’re launching from Vermont, try the rocky points off Isle La Motte and the broadlake humps out from St. Albans Bay—smallies stack here this time of year, and you can duck the worst of the wind by working the inside edges. On the New York side, the area around Willsboro Bay and Split Rock has been producing both smallmouth and the occasional walleye, especially on those deeper breaks. For panfish, the sheltered bays around Crown Point and Ticonderoga are just loaded with bluegill and perch—bring the kids and enjoy some

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