Lake Champlain, NY/VT

Manco · 07-20-2005, 12:50 PM

How bout it, anyone ever bowfish this lake??? I'm taking my vacation here and was just wondering. August 7-12 Ill be there in Westport, NY. Im bringing my bow and my newly accuired boat and hope to get into some gar on the VT side. Never seen one in person. If anyone has fished it can you point me in the right direction abouts where Im gonna be staying?? Plan to take a lot of pics so hopefully Ill get into alot of fish. I know its over two weeks away but im jonesin'...........

Rick James · 07-25-2005, 08:15 AM

I haven't been there for probably 12 years, but when I was growing up we used to go near the bridgeport bridge. Just south of it on the VT side there was a tunnel that went under the road, and into a huge backwash area that used to be filled to the brim with gar. I remember seeing them all the time there, and I also remember seeing a dead one washed up on the shore that was well over 3' long. Don't know what it is like now, but there was lots of them back then.

Manco · 07-25-2005, 11:36 AM

Thanks for the info, I will check it out.......

jerseyhunter · 07-25-2005, 01:16 PM

There's a couple places about 12 miles n of there in Willsboro

2 are in willsboro
The Eagle' Nest on rt 22 518-963-8640
and there is a lodge and guide service a few miles before it.

Adirondack Champlain Guide Service. Found out about them at the Rockland Count Sportsman show. Stayed there quite a few times through the years. They are right on long pond. and only afew miles from Champlain. You can either rent their rooms with breakfast and dinner or can also hire a guide. They also do hunting package.
You can park your boat on premises and even use their's for free on Long Pond. I have never had a bad experience staying there. Ownd by Pete and Jane Casemento

518-963-7351 www.adirondackchamplainguideservice.com

Ps give them a call. If they can't steer you in the direction and place's you want to go , it doesn't exist. also the first time my friends and I went, we had them guide us the first day and afterthat we knew where and what to do. Man that was about 15 years ago. Good Luck. and from there you can trailer just about anywhere. there's about 4-5 public launch sites within a half hour drive. Don't forget to take the wife on some scenic drive. Ausable Chasm's comes to mind.

There's also a place called Villa Motel further north In Keesville 518-834-7579 RT 9-87 exit 34 50 N ausable st. there are 2 different types of aheh bars within walking distance and2 pools on the premises. 1,2,3 bedrooms, also a nice place to hang .

Champlain Islander · 07-27-2005, 07:28 AM

RJ that backwater spot is best in the spring when the water is high. You need a small car top type boat to get into it because to the best of my knowledge there isn't a way to access from the lake. Early spring brings all the gar/ carp,CRAPPIES to the flooded areas for spawning. Lots of other great spots for rough fish up north near the Mississquoi Bay area