The Lake Champlain International Bass Tournament brings competitive and recreational anglers to one of the Northeast's best smallmouth fisheries
The Lake Champlain International Bass Tournament is an annual event that draws anglers from across the region to fish the lake's 435 square miles of water. The tournament typically runs over a weekend in summer, with specific dates announced each year by the organizers. Anglers compete in both pro and co-angler divisions, meaning you can fish as an independent competitor or partner with a boat captain who handles navigation while you fish from the co-angler seat.
Lake Champlain itself is known for its smallmouth bass population and consistent summer conditions. The lake borders New York and Vermont, and the tournament takes advantage of both sides. Most weigh-ins and competitor meetings happen at a central location — usually a marina or public boat launch on the New York side — but fishing happens across the entire lake.
Key Takeaways
- The Lake Champlain International Bass Tournament runs annually in summer with separate pro and co-angler divisions, so you can fish independently or as a co-angler with a boat captain.
- Entry fees, boat requirements, and exact tournament dates vary year to year, so you need to contact the tournament organizers directly for current information.
- Lake Champlain's smallmouth bass bite peaks in summer, and the lake's size means you should know your fishing zones or fish with someone who does.
- Weigh-ins are public events where you can watch anglers bring in their catches and learn what patterns worked that day on the water.
How the Tournament Structure Works
The pro division is open to anglers who fish competitively for a living or have a history of tournament participation. The co-angler division pairs you with a pro or experienced boat captain — you fish from their boat, and both of you compete for prizes based on your individual catches. This setup lets newer tournament anglers learn from experienced fishermen while still competing fairly.
Tournaments typically run Friday through Sunday, with practice days sometimes available the day before official competition begins. Each day you launch at a set time, fish for a set number of hours, and return to weigh in your catch. The angler or team with the heaviest total weight across all days wins their division.
Catch-and-release rules are standard at most modern bass tournaments, meaning you weigh your fish at the end of the day and release them back into the lake. This protects the fishery and keeps Lake Champlain healthy for future tournaments and recreational fishing.
What You Need to Bring and Know
If you are fishing as a pro, you need a boat that meets tournament safety standards — typically a 16-foot minimum with a functioning livewell to keep fish alive during the day. If you are fishing as a co-angler, you show up at the launch site and meet your assigned boat captain. Either way, bring your own fishing rod, tackle, and personal flotation device.
Lake Champlain is large and has deep structure, shallow bays, and rocky points. Smallmouth bass in summer respond to early morning and late evening activity, but the lake also produces fish throughout the day if you work the right depths. If you are new to the lake, fishing as a co-angler gives you the advantage of riding with someone who knows the water.
Check current New York and Vermont fishing regulations before the tournament. Both states require fishing licenses, and bass seasons and size limits can change. The tournament organizers will confirm what regulations apply to the event, but the responsibility to know the rules is yours.
Finding Current Tournament Information
Tournament dates, entry fees, and registration details change each year. The best source is the tournament's official website or social media pages, which post updates as the event approaches. Local tackle shops in the Lake Champlain area — particularly those in Plattsburgh, Peru, or other New York communities on the lake — often have printed materials and can answer questions about the tournament.
If you are considering fishing as a co-angler, register early. The number of co-angler spots is limited by the number of boats in the pro division, and popular tournaments fill up weeks in advance. Registration typically closes a week or two before the event.
What Happens at Weigh-In
Weigh-ins are public events, and you do not need to be a competitor to attend. Anglers bring their fish to a central location where they are officially weighed, recorded, and released back into the lake. Weigh-ins usually happen in late afternoon or early evening and last an hour or two depending on the number of competitors.
Watching a weigh-in teaches you what patterns worked that day — which baits, which areas of the lake, and what depths produced fish. You will see the size and condition of Lake Champlain's smallmouth, and you can talk to anglers about what they caught and how. It is free to watch and one of the best ways to learn the lake if you plan to fish it yourself later.
Preparing Your Tackle and Technique
Lake Champlain smallmouth respond well to crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures in summer. Early in the morning, work shallow structure and rocky shorelines. As the day heats up, move to deeper points and drop-offs where fish retreat from the sun. Tube jigs and finesse presentations often outfish aggressive lures when the bite gets tough in midday heat.
Bring more tackle than you think you need. A tournament day is long, and you may need to change patterns multiple times. Have backups of your most productive lures, and bring extra line so you can retie quickly if you break off.
If you are fishing as a co-angler, talk to your boat captain before the day starts. Ask what patterns they plan to fish, what lures they recommend, and what role they want you to play — some captains prefer you to fish specific areas while they fish others, while some want you to mirror their presentations. Clear communication makes for a better day on the water and better fishing for both of you.
Getting to Lake Champlain and Where to Launch
Lake Champlain runs north-south along the New York-Vermont border. Major launch sites on the New York side include marinas and public boat launches in Plattsburgh, Peru, and Ticonderoga. The tournament organizers will specify which launch site to use and what time you need to be there.
Arrive early on tournament days. You will need time to rig your boat, check your equipment, and handle the mandatory competitor meeting. Launching can get crowded in the hour before official start time, so plan to be at the ramp at least 90 minutes before you are scheduled to fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish this tournament?
No. If you fish as a co-angler, you are paired with a boat captain and fish from their boat. You still need to register and pay an entry fee, but you do not own or operate the boat. Pro division anglers must have their own boat that meets tournament safety standards.
What size bass do I need to catch to place?
There is no minimum size requirement to weigh fish — the tournament is based on total weight across all fish caught. However, New York and Vermont both have minimum size limits for bass that you must follow. The tournament organizers will confirm current state regulations before the event.
Can I fish Lake Champlain on my own after the tournament?
Yes. Lake Champlain is open to public fishing year-round with a valid New York or Vermont fishing license. Summer is prime smallmouth season, and the lake has plenty of water and fish for recreational anglers. Many people fish the lake the weekend after the tournament ends.
What if I have never fished a tournament before?
The co-angler division is designed for people new to competitive fishing. You fish with an experienced captain, learn how tournaments work, and compete without the pressure of running a boat. Talk to the tournament organizers about what to expect, and ask your assigned captain questions throughout the day.
How much does it cost to enter?
Entry fees vary by division and change year to year. Contact the tournament organizers directly for current pricing. Co-angler entry is typically less expensive than pro division entry because you do not have to provide a boat.