02-05-2025
Lake Champlain gets national recognition
PLATTSBURGH — Lake Champlain, long known anecdotally as one of the best fisheries in the nation, has gained official recognition of such a title.
FishingBooker, one of the world's largest platforms for booking fishing trips, has listed the lake as one of the top 18 freshwater fishing destinations in the country.
FISHING 'GREAT THROUGHOUT' SEASON
In naming Lake Champlain as one of the best, FishingBooker said, 'To start with, you'll get to chase after big lake trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, and bass here. These are the most commonly targeted species, but the lake also holds northern pike and musky, as well as yellow perch and walleye.'
It also mentioned, 'Trout and salmon fishing starts in early April, which is also an excellent time to reel in the rest of the lake's most coveted game fish. Usually, the fish will be lurking close to shore in spring and fall and moving deep in summertime, but the fishing is great throughout the open water season.'
FishingBooker offers more than 50,000 fishing trips in more than 2,370 destinations worldwide.
The North Country Chamber of Commerce, which promotes many of the professional fishing tournaments on the lake, said the lake has once again proven itself a world-class destination for anglers.
'Recognized for its incredible variety, accessibility, and strong year-round fishing, the lake stands proudly alongside some of the most iconic freshwater fisheries in the country,' the chamber said.
NATIONAL RADAR
The chamber noted that FishingBooker highlighted Lake Champlain for its abundance of sought-after species, making it a dream for anglers of all interests and skill levels.
'With its natural beauty, diverse fishery, and strong local partnerships, Lake Champlain continues to rise on the national radar,' Kristy Kennedy, Vice President of Marketing for the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau, said.
'This recognition wouldn't be possible without the years of dedication from our team — and especially Alyssa Senecal, who has planned and executed these nationally recognized tournaments for the past 11 years with incredible professionalism and care.'
Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman said the lake is truly one of the great treasures of the North Country, and its recognition as one of the best fishing lakes in the nation is well deserved.
'We are proud to celebrate the lake's remarkable fishery... But Lake Champlain is more than just a fishing destination. It's a critical economic engine, a recreational playground, and an environmental asset that shapes the character of our entire region,' Cashman said.
'This national recognition underscores the importance of safeguarding the lake's health and ensuring it continues to thrive for the benefit of our residents, visitors, and future generations.'
