Destination: Lake Champlain

EverStart Series Northern Division, Sept. 22-25

Lake Champlain in upstate New York is a rock ’em, sock ’em bass fishery where mixed bags of largemouths and smallmouths topping 20 pounds are brought to tournament weigh-ins on a regular basis. It is no wonder that followers of the popular EverStart Series Northern Division get excited when Champlain pops up on their tournament schedule.

The circuit lands in Plattsburgh Sept. 22-25, and Kellogg’s pro Dave Lefebre of Erie, Pa., will be among the long list of pro anglers who will be casting for the lion’s share of the $256,825 purse. Like the majority of the field, Lefebre is understandably fired up about the event.

“Champlain is an incredible fishery,” Lefebre said. “The lake is full of quality smallmouths and largemouths, and it’s good from one end to the other. The bass are everywhere, and it could be won just about anywhere on the lake. It’s really going to be an exciting tournament.”

Early fall on Champlain means water temperatures are going to be mild, so the bass are going to be in energetic moods and they will be willing to chase an assortment of lures.

Spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top-waters will produce some quality sacks of smallmouths. Lefebre said there also could be a good flipping bite in progress along the outside edges of milfoil, coon tail and cabbage grass beds.

“The more productive patterns are definitely going to be centered around the weeds,” Lefebre said. “The lake has a million points, humps and underwater islands, and they will all have weeds on them. Places where rock and weeds collide also could be key areas.”

Lefebre’s Call: Lefebre predicts the heavier sacks will include a mixture of smallmouths and largemouths. It will take 27 to 28 pounds to make the top 20 and 36 pounds to win it.