North hero area

[Trout471]

Hello all I am looking to take my first trip to lake Champlain ice fishing. I was wondering how is the ice conditions areound the grand use and n hero area.  I’m not looking for people spots just wanna be safe any tips would be great, you can always pm me too
Thanks all

[flagfishon]

It would help, if you said when and what you were planning on fishing for.  Do you have a wheeler or sled?  Tipups?


But in general most places have good ice.  Some areas may be sketchy after the last few warm days and water widening holes.  Be more specific and you'll get better answers. 

[Champlain Islander]

I was on both the broad lake side and inland sea side in North Hero yesterday. Lots of water trapped on top of the ice on the broad lake side. It got skimmed over but using a wheeler we broke through and had to power out of it to get on top of good ice. Not a good feeling and I could see some fishermen who walked on have to walk through it and they must have gone over their boots because they left. The Inland Sea side ice was solid and everything is 16" +.

[Trout471]

Thanks for the info guys,  I am using tip ups and jigging rod, hopping for perch and or trout, a walleye would be nice to, I'll be dragging a sled no 4 wheeler unfourtunatly, also by the way how many traps are allowed on the ice in VT, where I am we can use 6, so not sure what to bring as far as traps, Ill prob be dragging a tent along I guess you have to be a guest to rent from holiday harbor unless there is any other place that rents shanties,
thanks for any and all info
John

[gogetthegaff]

Thanks for the info guys,  I am using tip ups and jigging rod, hopping for perch and or trout, a walleye would be nice to, I'll be dragging a sled no 4 wheeler unfourtunatly, also by the way how many traps are allowed on the ice in VT, where I am we can use 6, so not sure what to bring as far as traps, Ill prob be dragging a tent along I guess you have to be a guest to rent from holiday harbor unless there is any other place that rents shanties,
thanks for any and all info
John

John, 15 "traps" allowed on Champlain, 8 on all inland waters. If you are jigging and using traps, your rod is considered to be one of your lines. So in other words 14 traps plus a rod on Champlain.

[pmaloney86]

I was on both the broad lake side and inland sea side in North Hero yesterday. Lots of water trapped on top of the ice on the broad lake side. It got skimmed over but using a wheeler we broke through and had to power out of it to get on top of good ice. Not a good feeling and I could see some fishermen who walked on have to walk through it and they must have gone over their boots because they left. The Inland Sea side ice was solid and everything is 16" +.

How is the snow situation on the inland sea side?  I'll most likely be on foot unless I drive my truck out which I don't like doing.

[Champlain Islander]

Inland sea side was solid, no snow and the ice was smooth and at least 16". zThere are a few heaves to deal with but for the most part are easily crossed by foot or a wheeler.

[Trout471]

thanks everyone I appreciate the info

[pmaloney86]

thanks everyone I appreciate the info

X2 thank you!

[Jschumacher]

Good luck Pat. Let me know how you do. I head up in less than 2 weeks.

[pmaloney86]

Good luck Pat. Let me know how you do. I head up in less than 2 weeks.

Thanks Jeff!  Glad to hear that walking a decent distance might be manageable!  I will have a wheeler for next year, just waiting on that bonus!