The approach of winter

Winter brings a variety of activities to the North Country, but for many of us, it means one thing: Ice Fishing!

Panfish like these yellow perch and bluegill, make great table fare. The popularity of fishing for these scrappy, smaller fish is growing each year with tournaments and national teams heading to Lake Champlain for some of the best ice fishing in the east.

Although the walleye population is not what it once was, restoration projects by groups like the Lake Champlain Walleye Association are helping this great game fish make a comeback in Lake Champlain. It's a thrill to see those "eyes" coming to the hole and a great treat to enjoy catching these wily fish.

Considered a "trash fish" for many years, the northern pike is easily the most sought after species using tip ups in the northern tier of Lake Champlain. Knowing how to dress these fine fish and eliminate the Y bones, makes for some of the finest eating fish in all the lake. If you want to give it a try, contact Bruce at Holiday Harbor for more info.


These guys know what it's all about: a fine day of ice fishing with family and friends and a chance to land a good pike or two in the bargain. It's all here at Holiday Harbor. Why not give it a try?

Vermont robes itself in splendor.

Early fall shows its colors in the swamps and wetlands first. The tawny grasses and bare trees are in sharp contrast to the emerging colors.

Fence lines and hedgerows point the way to long travelled entrys and exits to farms and fields.

Lake Champlain has its own magestic beauty as the exposed shorelines separate the colorful trees from the sparkling water.


Almost every road becomes a riot of color and texture. Each tree has a speciality to display at this time of year.

Some of the most dramatic views involve reflections of color. Autumn is also a time of reflection for all of us at Holiday Harbor as we give thanks for a prosperous summer and look ahead to another exciting ice fishing season. Enjoy the colors!

Again, a tip of the hat to brother Mark, for several of these terrific shots! Thanks, bro.

Fins, Feathers and Fur

Fat smallies are found both deep and shallow in early to mid fall. As the water temps begin to drop, both live bait and artificials work well on these hungry, foraging brown backs.

All wildlife begins to stir as the cool nights and changing leaves remind all of us of this beautiful season in Vermont and also what lies ahead in the coming days.

Largemouth in great numbers are caught each fall - both in the weeds and off points and drop offs. Some nice fish are still being caught right off the dock and up and down the shorelines of the Alburgh Passage.

Big pike are smashing anything shiny that comes by. Several fishermen target these toothy beasts at this time of year. One father and son trip (usually only bass fishermen) ended their trip with "the best day of fishing we've ever had!" - broken rods, burned out reels and several pike in the 10lb class. It's hard to stop when the action is this hot.

Selective harvesting allows for a nice meal of fresh fish. These beauties will make a couple of nice suppers for Leo and company.

The pictures tell the story

Happy fishermen and plenty of fish make for smiles and good times at Holiday Harbor. Summer means rest and relaxation for folks who come to the Lake Champlain Islands for a break. The peace and quiet of rural Vermont blends with the terrific fishing right off the dock or in a nearby cove. After a good day on the the lake, many guests say they've not slept this well in years! Fresh air, good company, great fishing and clean, comfortable rooms all add up to an affordable vacation that's not too far from home.

Whoever said it's all about the fishing was absolutely right! These fat largemouth bass are just some of the early season bass that have come to the boat. Largemouth bass can be caught in the nearby waters like the Alburgh Passage, Carry Bay, Pelot's Bay and Macomb Bay.

Fiesty smallmouth bass are coming in good numbers, too. Most fishermen are suprized by the healthy action and clean condition of the fish. As the smallies complete their spawning and return to the deep water humps and reefs, most anglers target the daily movement of these fighters as roam back and forth from deep water to shallow.

Northern Pike are found on the outside weed lines, waiting to ambush bait fish. They fall easy prey to big lures and flashy spinners.

Let the Games begin!

A nice run of warm, fair weather greeted fishermen in mid May with air temps in the 70's and water temps approaching the magic 55 degrees here in the Alburgh Passage. Both large and smallmouth bass, northern pike and even the occasional walleye and salmon chased the variety of offerings.

We're happy to welcome friends (both old and new) back to Holiday Harbor for another fishing season. The lake and fishery seem healthy and the scenery is always changing. Thanks to my brother, Mark, for providing some of these nice shots of life in and around Holiday Harbor.

Early Season Salmon

Captain Tony Bushway has been putting his clients on fish all spring as evidenced by these fine catches of Atlantic Salmon. Capt. Tony leaves from Apple Island Marina in South Hero. You can experience some of this exciting fishing by contacting him at (802) 654-9282 or email at anbradonfishingcharters@yahoo.com These fish are real acrobats; fun to catch and great table fare.

Dandelions and Apple Blossoms

Early spring is preparation time for the approaching fishing season. High water in the Champlain Basin helps to flush out the low lying areas and swamps as fish move in to spawn primarily guided by changing water temperatures. These photos show last fall's water levels compared with this spring.

Docks, which have been safely stored on the shore away from the dangerous ice break-up, are hoisted back into the water. When the water recedes, they will be reattached to the cement foundation anchors using chains.

April - the in between month

Melting snow in the mountains creates dramatic changes here in the Champlain Valley. Rivers unlock their frozen secrets and the rush of open water is heard everywhere. Lake Champlain refills once again as the level of the lake reaches 100' above sea level all the while emptying north via the Richelieu River into the great St. Lawrence Seaway.

Open water enthusiasts ready their boats for another exciting season on the lake.

The Ice of March

The last weekend in March promised good pike action and believe me, it was true to it's reputation. After a slow start with fish grabbing the bait and dropping it on the return, we began to sink the hooks and landed nearly 30 fish for the day. Besides some good pike in the 4-6lb range, we tusseled with a few in the 7-8lb class and even pulled in some big bowfin. A few crappies, sunnies and perch rounded out the day.

We're setting up closer and closer to the marsh where the big hen pike are cruising in as they begin their spring spawn run. Most of the fish were returned to the water and the ones we did harvest for a fish fry were all clean and healthy looking ones both inside and out.

Ice conditions continue to hold up well here in the Alburgh Passage. The channel is opening up out in the middle where the current flows strongest, but the inside bays are still well locked in. Even the shorelines are stable; plenty of 4 wheelers still find good access and can travel up and down the bays. I fished for crappies yesterday and counted 38 cranks with the hand auger to get through the solid ice pack. That translates to about 16" of good ice still in the bay. With temps holding below freezing most nights this week, we'll be ice fishing again this weekend for sure!

Late day on the Ice

Andy and Jason found a weed edge on a deep water breakline as the pike began moving from the channel into the head of the bay. Flags were flying all day. These photos are just some of the highlights.