When lake trout are on the surface early in the season, Rapalas and Rebels are good bets, although local tackle and bait shops can add to the list of favorite offerings. Shore-bound anglers should not hesitate to work off points, bridges and piers, particularly around deep water.

Brown trout are popular in the lake, too, especially from ice-out and through May and early June. The best places to find them is in the shallow water from Crown Point north in the main lake in places like Malletts Bay, Colchester Point and Arnold’s Bay and the Inland Sea area, especially around the Sandbar. Shelburne Bay can be a hot area just after ice-out.

Working the mouths of tributaries can produce some good browns, too, particularly off the Lamoille River and Winooski River. These areas are also potential hotspots for landlocked salmon, and during the first few weeks after ice-out, or as soon as open water is available along the ice pack. Both species will readily accept trolling flies, such as the Gray Ghost, Nine-Three, Magog Smelt and Governor Aiken, and various small fluttering spoons and junior Mooselooks just below the surface. As browns seek deeper water later on, using downriggers around the 20- and 25-foot mark is popular and productive.

While the steelhead trout inhabiting Lake Champlain generally offer the best action in tributary rivers between late fall and early spring, they are also taken in the lake, especially near the mouths of tributaries as they head upstream to spawn. When open water is available, April can be a good time to troll off the mouth of the Winooski River and Lewis Creek.

Considering its size, first-time fishermen or boaters who don’t know this lake should consider hiring one of the many charter boats that are available on Lake Champlain. Hiring a guide for a day or weekend is a great way to get to know the best fishing areas. Rates are reasonable, and not only will you fish productive areas, you will also learn the best techniques and offerings to use. It is an investment well made.

For fishermen bringing their own craft, launch facilities will be found near many of the best fishing areas, and lodging, tackle shops and other services are well established. There are also some excellent trout-fishing opportunities on the New York side of the lake, and a Vermont fishing license is reciprocal on most of the lake.

For more information on charter boats and other services in the area, contact the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, 60 Main Street, Suite 100, Burlington, VT 05402; call (802) 863-3489 or (877) 686-5253, or visit their Web site at www.vermont.org.

Lake Willoughby

Several lakes in Vermont are home to lake trout, but not many are as prolific at producing monster lakers as Lake Willoughby in Westmore. The lake consistently produces the state record on the species, with the latest, taken in 2003, weighing better than 35 pounds. Lake trout in the 6- to 10-pound range are nothing unusual in this lake, and specimens weighing from 20 to 25 pounds are possible.

Lake Willoughby also has an excellent rainbow trout fishery. These fish do not run as big as the lake trout, but specimens in the double digits are quite possible and the action can often be consistent, especially during the early season.

Lake Willoughby covers 1,653 acres in one of the most scenic regions in Vermont, and is often referred to as the “Lucerne of America.” The area can be easily accessed from the south via Route 5 out of Lyndonville and Route 5A from West Burke, or via Route 16 from Barton. Lyndonville and Barton are easily reached from Interstate 91.

Boat access is possible at several points off Route 5A on the east shore near Westmore, on the north end at North Beach and at the south end near White Caps Campground within Willoughby State Forest.

April can be a testy time on Lake Willoughby due to the hilly terrain and unpredictable because ice-out may not be until the latter days of the month. Once open water is available, wind and cold temperatures are always possibilities. However, by the end of April, things generally start to settle down somewhat, and as the season progresses into early May, some great fishing is possible.

Lake trout at this time can be just about anywhere due to cold water temperatures, but trolling off Mt. Hor on the west shore and Mt. Pisqah on the east are popular spots. There is also some prime early-season water along dropoffs on the north and south ends where the bottom runs 40 feet, then down to 80 feet. These areas are also good for rainbows. If unsure where to start or concentrate, look for boats working a particular area, always a good indication of where the fish are.