Breaking down lake Champlain

[Kowen117]

I will be heading up to Plattsburg to fish the FLW Tour as a co angler next month, and i am looking for as much info on Champlain as i can get. Ive never fished the lake before so any help breaking it down would be great. Whats the water clarity like? Structure or cover? any advice for basic color of baits? Im assuming these fish are going to be completely done spawning and transitioned into "summer" patterns? 

[KHNC]

I spent a week up there mid june in 2014. It is an awesome lake. The Southern part is stained water and mostly largeheads. Lots of lily pads and typical bassy looking habitat. At that time, all the fish were done spawning and there were a bunch of people fishing. Even during the week. It was a tough day down south the one time i tried it down there. I rented a house in the middle section of the lake. The mid section is not very good for bass. Extremely deep bluff banks and clear water. We did catch a few bass, but no numbers. Spent two full days in this area. NOW, on to Plattsburg!! Last 3 days of the trip were in this area. It was AWESOME! Fishing was on fire! 40 plus fish every day. Most were on jighead/grub combo and drop shot. I concentrated on 30-35' humps all around the Plattsburg area. Every spot had lots of fish and were very active. Tried topwater but it just wasnt on yet. Water temp was only mid 60s by then. Did not see any bedding fish so i assume most were done. Wish i wouldve been in that area the whole week. You should have a great trip! 

[Mainebass1984]

 Fish are on beds now. Most of them will be done spawning when you are up there. From the Crown Point bridge south it is mostly largemouth. I would recommend a frog, soft body swimbait, jig or senko. From Shelburne Bay North is split smallmouth/largemouth. Be prepared for both. As a co angler you will most likely have zero input on where you fish. I would be prepared for anything from punching thick mats to drop shotting 35 ft. Champlain is an awesome fishery. Gonna take some serious weight to win it.

[webertime]

The whole lake is spawning now.  Got 40 bigheads off beds this past Saturday.  3 weeks out and you are looking at post spawn...  smallies by in large will not have moved out to their usual deep spots.  Mainebass summed up the largemouths pretty well.  The lake, especially down south will be a freaking zoo for the next month.  

Baits:

4.8" Keitechs

Bone Super spooks

Black/Blue chatterbaits

Frogs

Jigs 

Drop shot 3" swing impacts

Senkos

Do not underestimate throwing a Carolina Rig with a Green Pumpkin Magic speedcraw if you got a guy drop shotting.  Seriously.

 

Structure:

Literally everything...   Clay stained southern Champlain is a mix of soft and hard bottom with a lot of weeds.  Look for coontail.  Mid Lake is huge and deep, real hit or miss smallies.  Northern lake/inland sea , deeper and much clearer than the south but also a mix of gnarly rock and sand.

 

[jmk248]

Anyone have any input on fishing this weekend launching out of shelborne? It will be my first time up there. Should I expect deep water? Clear water? Dirty water? Any input would be helpful!