South Hero flats / Grand Isle areaon Lake Champlain
What's working on Lake Champlain
- 01Baetis hatches are actively occurring from late September through October, providing consistent dry fly and nymphing opportunities.
- 02Predatory species like salmon, lake trout, walleye, pike, and bass are actively feeding on baitfish and other larger prey.
- 03Bottom-dwelling species such as carp, perch, and panfish are still accessible and can be targeted with nymphs and smaller streamers.
- 04Focus your efforts around submerged structures, weed beds, and transition zones where baitfish are likely to congregate.
- 05Anglers should also consider deeper water trolling for active salmon and lake trout, especially in areas with varied bottom contours.
What to tie on at South Hero flats / Grand Isle area
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Scud (Pink/Orange)
Freshwater shrimp are a consistent food source in Lake Champlain, effective year-round, especially for various panfish and bottom feeders in fall.
Buy at AmazonChironomid Pupa
Midges are a consistent food source in Lake Champlain, and this pupa pattern is effective for subsurface feeding fish in fall.
Buy at AmazonPerch Pattern
Yellow Perch are a primary forage base in Champlain. In winter, juvenile perch congregate in deep water, and a slow-stripped or jigged perch imitation is a high-confidence trigger for predatory Lake Trout and larger Walleye.
Balanced Leech
Leeches are a year-round protein source in Lake Champlain. The balanced design allows the fly to sit horizontally under a slip indicator or when jigged vertically through the ice, staying in the strike zone longer for cold-sluggish fish.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Black/Olive)
A versatile streamer effective year-round, especially for predatory species like Walleye, Bass, Pike, Salmon, and Lake Trout as they become more active in warming spring waters, imitating leeches and baitfish.
Clouser Minnow (Bass)
An excellent baitfish imitation, effective year-round, especially in clear water for targeting Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Pike, and Perch, which are active in spring.
Buy at AmazonScud (Pink/Orange)
Freshwater shrimp (scuds) are a consistent food source in Lake Champlain, especially in areas with aquatic vegetation. A pink or orange Scud can be very effective in early spring for Walleye, Panfish, Perch, and Carp.
Buy at AmazonElk Hair Caddis
With Black Caddis and Cinnamon Caddis becoming active in mid-May, a tan or olive Elk Hair Caddis is a superb imitation for adult caddis, drawing aggressive strikes from various species.
Buy at AmazonCrappie Jig Fly
Effective in spring when Crappie, Walleye, and other Panfish spawn around structure and emerging weed beds. Its profile imitates small baitfish or invertebrates.
Buy at AmazonVermont season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.