6hr Fall Lake Charter Mallets Bay Captain Thorny

6 Hour Fall Trip in Mallets Bay

Fall fishing in Mallets Bay is something special, and this 6-hour charter with Captain Thorny's puts you right in the thick of it. From September through November, the cooler water temps get the fish moving, and Captain Rob knows exactly where to find them. You'll be targeting Northern Pike, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, and Lake Trout while enjoying some of the best fishing conditions of the year. With space for up to 4 anglers, this is perfect for a group looking to capitalize on Vermont's prime fall bite. Just bring your Vermont fishing license and get ready for some solid action on the water.

What to Expect on the Water

Captain Rob runs a relaxed operation that focuses on keeping you on fish without making things complicated. The fall season brings active feeding patterns as fish prepare for winter, which means you'll see consistent action throughout your 6 hours. Mallets Bay offers excellent structure and depth changes that hold fish year-round, but fall is when everything comes together perfectly. The cooler air temps make for comfortable fishing conditions, and you won't deal with the summer boat traffic that can make other times of year more challenging. Rob keeps the vibe easy-going while staying focused on productive water, so whether you're new to Lake Champlain or a regular, you'll feel right at home on his boat.

Techniques & Gear Setup

This charter covers all the bases with trolling, jigging, and light tackle techniques depending on what the fish want that day. All your rods, reels, tackle, and lures are provided, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your license. Trolling lets you cover water efficiently and locate active schools, while jigging works great when you want to target specific structure or suspended fish. The light tackle approach keeps things fun and gives you a real fight, especially with the fall Smallmouth that are feeding heavily before winter. Captain Rob handles all the gear decisions and adjustments throughout the day, plus he and his crew help with fish handling so you can focus on the fishing part. The boat setup is designed for comfort during longer trips, with plenty of room to move around and fish effectively.

Top Catches This Season

Northern Pike: Fall Pike in Mallets Bay are aggressive and feed heavily as water temperatures drop. These fish move into shallower areas chasing baitfish, making them prime targets for both trolling and casting. Pike in the bay regularly hit 30+ inches, with bigger fish always a possibility. They're exciting to catch because they fight hard and often jump, plus they're not as finicky as some other species. September and October are peak months when Pike are most active during daylight hours.

Walleye: Mallets Bay Walleye are known for their size and fighting ability, with many fish in the 18-24 inch range. Fall brings some of the best Walleye action as they school up and feed aggressively before winter. These fish bite consistently throughout the day in fall, unlike summer when they're more dawn and dusk oriented. Walleye here are also excellent table fare, making them a favorite for anglers who like to keep a few fish for dinner.

Smallmouth Bass: The Smallmouth fishery in Mallets Bay is top-rated, with fall being prime time for numbers and size. These fish are in peak condition after a summer of feeding and put up some of the best fights you'll experience. Fall Smallmouth often school in deeper water but will chase bait to the surface, creating exciting topwater opportunities. Fish in the 3-4 pound range are common, with larger specimens always possible in these fertile waters.

Lake Trout: Fall Lake Trout fishing picks up as these fish move into shallower water following baitfish schools. Mallets Bay holds some impressive Lakers that provide strong, deep fights on lighter tackle. These fish are less active in summer heat but become much more catchable as temperatures cool. Lake Trout here can reach substantial sizes, and landing one is always a highlight of any trip.

Time to Book Your Spot

Fall fishing windows don't last forever, and the best action happens when conditions align perfectly. Captain Rob's 6-hour trips give you plenty of time to experience different techniques and target multiple species while the fish are most active. With gear included and expert guidance throughout the day, this charter takes the guesswork out of fall fishing in Mallets Bay. The combination of productive water, proven techniques, and comfortable boat setup makes this a customer favorite for good reason. Don't wait too long to secure your dates - fall fishing this good fills up fast, and you don't want to miss out on some of the year's best action on Lake Champlain.