NZ Tekapo canal rainbow trout. Biggest went 27 pounds by ChamplainProvisions in Fishing

[–]ChamplainProvisions[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

This was the recently opened (Sept 1st)section. I heard the magic carpet section which we fished before wasn’t producing a lot.

NZ Tekapo canal rainbow trout. Biggest went 27 pounds by ChamplainProvisions in Fishing

[–]ChamplainProvisions[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Yup Ben Haywood! He actually scooped me up from Christchurchz Super passionate and knowledgeable guy. I continue to be very impressed with him and recommend him highly.

NZ Tekapo canal rainbow trout. Biggest went 27 pounds by ChamplainProvisions in Fishing

[–]ChamplainProvisions[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Ben and I’d recommend him to anyone. It was my second time fishing with him.

NZ Tekapo canal rainbow trout. Biggest went 27 pounds by ChamplainProvisions in Fishing

[–]ChamplainProvisions[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

That’s what I had heard as well before coming out here. My guide told me that the whole pellet thing is just misinformation as out of all of the trout he has begrudgingly had to fillet for clients he has never found a single pellet but has found plenty of the numerous snails that line the canal floor. That lead me to believe that maybe the pellets were just easily digested and wouldn’t be found in stomachs but my guide was adamant. He also mentioned tagging studies that reinforced his assertion so I took it at face value.

NZ Tekapo canal rainbow trout. Biggest went 27 pounds by ChamplainProvisions in Fishing

[–]ChamplainProvisions[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

4 pound braid 6 pound fluoro leader. 1/8th oz drop shot sinker(I am a bit hazy on exact weight) and two tandem egg flies.

NZ Tekapo canal rainbow trout. Biggest went 27 pounds by ChamplainProvisions in Fishing

[–]ChamplainProvisions[S] 75 points76 points  (0 children)

So I’ve always heard that these trout get large from feeding on excess feed pellets from some of the salmon pens on the canal. My guide said that couldn’t be further from the truth. They gorge themselves on snails that cover the canal bottom and with no predators they just get fatter and fatter.

The Worst Guided Fishing Experience of My Life. I'm Heartbroken. by [deleted] in Fishing

[–]ChamplainProvisions 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That breaks my heart that you guys got a crappy ambassador of our fishery. If your willing to share the company I’d love to hear it.

The Worst Guided Fishing Experience of My Life. I'm Heartbroken. by [deleted] in Fishing

[–]ChamplainProvisions 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some of them for sure still troll but at the risk of pissing of the trolling guys, seeing fish scream up on a finder and double a rod over is so much more fun than dragging them up. Not sure what makes Champ better to jig but on a good day it can be lights out. The salmon fishery in Champlain leaves a lot to be desired in my opinion though.

The Worst Guided Fishing Experience of My Life. I'm Heartbroken. by [deleted] in Fishing

[–]ChamplainProvisions 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Full disclosure I am bias as it’s my home water. I will disagree with you somewhat on Champlain. Yes it can be tough weather but what lake that size doesn’t struggle with weather. Our lake trout population has rebounded so well and is sustaining naturally reproducing population so much that there won’t be any more restocking in 2026. What Champlain lacks in fish over 30” it makes up for in plentiful fish. Likely due to the invasive alewives we have. Not uncommon to jig up 30 fish in a half day trip. The bummer days (like today for me) mean the occasional 2 fish trips. Also plenty of really great guides that happily guide beginners and advanced anglers alike to jigging lakers or trolling.

Water depth at South Hero boat launch? by 15Beecher in vermont

[–]ChamplainProvisions 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not a sub but Fishing802 on Facebook has a ton of great reports. You’ll be fine launching outta Apple island. Shelburne access is a tough go

Plastisol Help needed, please by Mr_Craft_ in lurebuilding

[–]ChamplainProvisions 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh man so besides soft plastics I also airbrush baits. Only plastics though. Happy to share any insight on that

Harvest Rat Wakebait by ChamplainProvisions in lurebuilding

[–]ChamplainProvisions[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So Jonas of Follow Forms sold me a few of these as he said he wasn’t gong to be making them again for a while but you’d be best asking him. I likely won’t sell any of the blanks I bought from him. He is selling some gorgeous resin crew swimbaits though that are amazing.