Our friend Gerry of Fairfax, VT put together some cool videos from his recent Salmon and Trout fishing trips on Lake Champlain. It’s always a pleasure to see our users sharing their experiences us and the community, as it is a testament as to just how much there is to do out on the water.

We encourage you to send along your pictures, videos or stories about your boating and angling experiences this season.

And now, for the feature presentations…

Fishing Lake Champlain, Trolling for Browns and Salmon. We caught smaller fish this day but did loose a nice brown at the back of the boat. Probably 3 pounds, the biggest fish of the day. It’s always a riot fishing Lake Champlain aboard the Razzle Dazzle.

Gerry and Cathy trolling Lake Champlain Vermont for Landlock Atlantic Salmon and Brown Trout. A great day on the water. We went eight for nine, only loosing one fish. We ended up with four Salmon and four Browns.

Please consider taking part in this workshop, as it has kindly been passed along to us by our friends at the Vermont Boat & Marine Association.

- The Burlington Boatyard Crew

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2009
Contact: Julie Moore (802-241-3687)

** For Your Calendars **

Workshop seeks public input on Lake Champlain water quality efforts

WATERBURY – The Center for Clean and Clear at the Agency of Natural Resources is seeking public input as it evaluates current and potential phosphorus control strategies to improve water quality in Lake Champlain.

A public workshop is scheduled for July 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Shelburne Town Offices, 5420 Shelburne Road.

Working at the direction of the Vermont Legislature, the Agency is revising the implementation plan for the Lake Champlain phosphorus TMDL.

The workshop is geared toward watershed and environmental interest groups, town conservation commissions, and other groups or individuals who are interested in efforts to reduce phosphorus pollution and improve water quality in Lake Champlain.

To ensure enough seating and materials, please RSVP to Julie Moore by calling 802-241-3687 or email her at julie.moore@state.vt.us.

Greetings Lake Champlain enthusiasts! Spring is upon us and many boaters are already out navigating across the waters of the big lake. In spring it’s usually the fishermen who are first willing to endure the cold weather to cure their cabin fever. I pride myself in being one of the first few anglers to launch following ice-out. This year I was on the lake targeting lake trout and salmon during the last week of March. Believe it or not, I was catching some dandy lakers trolling just a few feet from the edge of the melting ice on Cumberland Bay. The lake trout fishing has been outstanding. As of this writing, May 1, 2009, my charters have landed 171 trout. Many fish where in the ten-pound range and the largest weighed in at just over thirteen pounds. I fish for Lake Champlain’s Seneca Lake strain of trout in 50 to 80 feet of water even in the early season. The Atlantic salmon fishing has been great too. The spring run in the tributaries brought in a good stock of salmon accessible to riverbank and fly fishermen. Those of us who trolled for salmon just after ice-out on the broad water in spots like Sandbar on the Inland Sea and Willsboro Bay on the main lake also did very well. The key to good salmon fishing in spring is finding slightly warmer water temperatures. The bass and pike fishing heated up in the rivers as well by the last week of April.

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There’s no doubt that this summer is going to be unforgettable here on Lake Champlain. With the celebration of the Quadricentennial taking place over the next few months, the waterfront will be filled with boating, sailing, fishing and most of all, lots of fun for the whole community.

As nice as it is to relax on the rocks by the boat house or have a delicious lunch at Splash, we urge you to get out there and be part of the action! Our friends at the Lake Champlain Sailing Center have just announced and unbelievable “2 for 1 Season Pass Special” that will have you and a first mate experiencing the beauty of Lake Champlain off shore and on the water.

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The best part about what we do here at Burlington Boatyard is having the chance to meet new people in and around the Lake Community, assisting them as best we can, however we can.

Over the last few weeks we have been trying to help out Emily, a local sailor who loves spending time with her boyfriend on their Cape Dory 25. They are searching for a new Dinghy, and despite there being no current listings for one on our site, we want to reach out to all of you who may be able to help them in their search. Here is her letter:

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For those passionate about Lake Champlain and the issues surrounding its well being, we suggest you visit the Voices For The Lake Blog. The VFL project, spearheaded by Bridget Butler and our friends over at the ECHO Center in Burlington, utilize social media technology to foster stewardship and awareness throughout the lake community. This fresh approach taken by the folks at ECHO blends the “old with the new” by tackling timeless issues of conservation and preservation through their use of YouTube, RSS Feeds and Twitter.

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Well, the boating season is a’comin’ and we wanted to take a minute to highlight some of the new listings for sale on BBY. In this post, we have selections from both ends of the spectrum, fast & fun to comfort & luxury.

First up is a 2008 Rinker 260 Express Cruiser out of Addison, Vermont. This cabin cruiser is a sizeable 28ft, that packs a powerful punch with its 350 Mercruiser.

With only 15 hours logged, this boat is aching to get out there for a weekend trip or an afternoon cruise around the lake. The Garmin color map, flat screen TV and Ipod stereo will keep you on course and in tune with your favorite shows or songs. It has been stored inside and is in “like new” condition. To read more about its features and how to contact the owner click here.

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It seems someone is interested in telling people that Lake Champlain might not be the best place to visit. According to the Burlington Free Press, popular travel writer Peter Greenberg recently told travelers to “bring a haz-mat suit along” on visits to Lake Champlain. These insults have sparked arguments last Thursday between environmentalists and the Douglas administration.

A few particular environmental groups have accused Gov. Douglas for failing to stem the population that feeds toxic algae blooms in the northern parts of the lake and revisited their call for more action to restore and protect the lake environment and its tourist economy.

Perhaps Mr. Greenberg and his following may wish to invest some time in researching the large amount of progress made in the efforts to revitalize the lake environment, specifically the ongoing control of sea lamprey and their effects on the economy here on Lake Champlain. Various organizations such as Lake Champlain International, Trout Unlimited, Vermont Fish & Wildlife, and both Gov. Douglas and Sen. Leahy’s administrations have dedicated thousands of hours to ensure that our fisheries be restored and are well protected against the detrimental effects the lamprey have had on our economy and environment. Over the past few years there have been multiple watersheds treated and the benefits are clearly being seen, as biologists and fishermen alike are noticing the increase in number and size of those fish affected.

In fact, Burlington Boatyard covered the press conference involving the above organizations that took place at this year’s 2009 Yankee Sportman’s Classic, and we invite you to watch these videos to learn more of the successes of these initiatives.

Lake Champlain International Sea Lamprey Press Conference Part 1

Lake Champlain International Sea Lamprey Press Conference Part 2

For more information on the Greenberg’s comments:
Read this article from the Burlington Free Press

During the past few days, the temperature has risen and so has the temptation to get back out on the lake. Unfortunately, the cold weather has returned and reality has settled back in. If you find yourself still yearning in anticipation for the boating season, then the Vermont Boat Show might just be what you need.

This weekend, February 13-15, come to the Robert E. Miller Expo at the Champlain Valley grounds in Essex Junction and see the widest selection of the latest boats and gear for 2009. Being one of the biggest boat shows on the east coast, Burlington Boatyard will be there talking about all the exciting plans for the 2009 boating season and will have information on all of our great online services.

If you can’t make the show, then stay connected through the live BBY Blog, as Guy Mitrano (CEO) brings you all the latest news from the expo. Hope to see you there!

- The Burlington Boatyard Crew

Well, as many of you know by now, one of the world’s best ice fishermen, Dave Genz, is coming to Vermont this January to spend time with local anglers who wish to learn more about every aspect of the sport. On the contrary, many of you haven’t heard about me, Shawn Hayes, and I want to use this blog post to share a bit more about who I am, what I do, and my relationship with fishing and being a close friend with “Genzy”.

For years now I have run my own charter service out of Lake Champlain and Bomoseen, am a member of many Prostaffs, and try and give back to the outdoor community as much as possible. In having my hand in many opportunities to promote angling and the outdoor lifestyle, I have been fortunate enough to know and work closely with Dave Genz, and value this more than I can put into words.

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