Justy-Joe Charters

Florida, New York sits on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, a 109-mile glacial lake straddling the Vermont border. This section of Champlain is characterized by deep, cold water and rocky shoreline—conditions that support a robust population of landlocked salmon and lake trout year-round, with smallmouth bass providing reliable summer and fall fishing. The lake here ranges from 400 to 600 feet deep, and fish hold tight to structure: submerged boulders, rocky points, and the steep drop-offs that define this part of the lake.\n\nSpring (April through June) is prime landlocked salmon season, when fish move shallow to feed before summer stratification pushes them into the depths. Guides working out of Florida focus on early morning and evening dry-fly and streamer presentations along the rocky shoreline and near the mouth of local tributaries. Lake trout fishing peaks in fall (September through November) when cooler water temperatures bring them back to shallower structure; jigging and trolling streamers in 40 to 80 feet of water produces consistent results. Smallmouth bass fishing is strongest from June through September, with topwater and subsurface patterns working well around weed beds and rocky outcrops.\n\nThe village itself offers easy access to the lake via several public launch points and a working waterfront that has supported fishing for generations. Water levels on Champlain are regulated by dam releases upstream, which can affect fishing conditions; local guides monitor gauge readings and adjust tactics accordingly. The combination of cold-water species diversity, consistent structure, and a compact fishing area makes Florida a reliable destination for anglers targeting multiple species across seasons without the need for long boat runs.