8hr Fall Pike Walleye Trip Mallets Bay Captain Thorny

8 Hour Fall Trip in Mallets Bay

Fall fishing in Mallets Bay is when the magic really happens. Captain Rob knows these waters like the back of his hand, and this 8-hour adventure puts you right in the heart of some of Vermont's best fishing action. From September through November, the fish are on the move, feeding heavily before winter sets in. You'll be targeting four of the lake's top species - Northern Pike, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, and Lake Trout - with plenty of time to work the productive spots that produce consistent results. With room for up to 4 anglers, this trip gives your group the space to spread out and really get into the rhythm of fall fishing.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't a rushed half-day where you're barely getting warmed up before heading back to the dock. Eight full hours means Captain Rob can take you to the spots that are firing and spend real time working them properly. Fall patterns change quickly in Mallets Bay, and having a captain who follows seasonal movements closely makes all the difference between a good day and a great one. You'll start early when the fish are most active, work through the prime feeding windows, and adjust tactics as conditions change throughout the day. The boat is set up for comfort during longer trips, so you can focus on what matters - putting fish in the net. Don't worry about bringing gear - all rods, reels, tackle, and lures are provided, though you'll need to grab a valid Vermont fishing license before we push off.

Techniques & Tactics

Captain Rob runs a mixed bag of techniques that keep things interesting and productive all day long. Trolling is a big part of the game plan, especially for covering water and locating schools of active fish. You'll learn how different lure presentations trigger strikes from various species, and why speed and depth control matter so much in fall conditions. Jigging comes into play when you're working specific structure or following fish on the electronics. Light tackle techniques round out the arsenal, giving you that direct connection and fight that makes every fish memorable. The captain handles all the technical stuff - reading the sonar, adjusting presentations, and positioning the boat - while the crew keeps you rigged up and ready. They're also there to help with technique tips, net fish, and handle anything that comes up during the trip.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Northern Pike are the apex predators of Mallets Bay, and fall brings out their aggressive feeding behavior. These toothy critters can stretch well over 30 inches and fight like they mean it. They're ambush hunters that love structure and weed edges, making them perfect targets for both trolling and casting presentations. Pike hit hard and fast, often jumping and thrashing at the surface - exactly the kind of action that gets your adrenaline pumping. Fall is prime time because they're feeding heavily, and the cooler water keeps them active longer throughout the day.

Walleye fishing in fall is what keeps many anglers coming back year after year. These golden beauties are notorious for their light bites and excellent table fare. In Mallets Bay, fall walleye often school up in deeper water, making them perfect targets for jigging and trolling techniques. They typically run 15-20 inches with some reaching well into the mid-20s. The challenge with walleye is feeling those subtle bites - they'll often just swim away with your bait rather than hammering it like other species. Captain Rob knows exactly where they stage during different weather patterns and times of day.

Smallmouth Bass are pound-for-pound fighters that never give up easy. Fall smallies in Mallets Bay are chunky and aggressive, often found around rocky points and drop-offs. These bronze-backed battlers typically range from 12-18 inches, but the bigger ones push 4-5 pounds and fight like fish twice their size. They're great on light tackle, jumping and diving with every bit of energy they can muster. Fall patterns have them feeding on baitfish in the shallows during warmer parts of the day, then moving deeper as temperatures drop.

Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists that really show their colors when the surface temperatures start cooling down. These silvery fighters can reach impressive sizes in Mallets Bay, with fish in the 3-8 pound range being common during fall trips. They're typically found in deeper water, making them perfect targets for downrigger trolling and deep jigging presentations. Lake trout have a different fighting style - more of a bulldogging, head-shaking battle than the aerial displays of other species. They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.

Time to Book Your Spot

Fall fishing windows are shorter than you think, and the best days fill up fast with Captain Thorny's Fishing Charters. This 8-hour trip gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Mallets Bay has to offer during prime feeding season. You'll work with an experienced crew that knows how to put you on fish, learn techniques that work in these specific waters, and have enough time to really dial in what's working best that day. Whether you're looking to put some fish in the cooler or just enjoy a full day on the water with friends, this trip delivers the goods. The fall bite won't last forever, so grab your group and get your dates locked in while the fish are still cooperative.