What You'll Find at Point Au Roche

Point Au Roche State Park sits on the western shore of Lake Champlain about 10 miles north of Plattsburgh, offering direct access to one of the Northeast's most productive freshwater fisheries. The park spans 251 acres and includes a boat launch, shoreline fishing, and a mile-long sandy beach. For anglers, the draw is straightforward: you can fish Lake Champlain's main basin from a public launch without the hassle of private marinas or expensive slips.

The park's boat launch is a two-lane concrete ramp with a parking area that fills on weekends during the season. There's no reservation system—it's first-come, first-served. The launch fee is modest and covers day-use parking. If you're fishing from shore, you can walk the beach and rocky points without a boat, though the best structure and deeper water lie a quarter-mile out.

Key Takeaways

  • Point Au Roche has a public two-lane boat launch with day-use parking, located 10 miles north of Plattsburgh on Route 9.
  • Lake Champlain at this location holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, pike, and perch, with seasonal patterns that shift between spring spawning and summer deep-water holds.
  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most reliable times to fish; summer requires deeper presentations and early morning or evening trips.
  • The park charges a day-use fee for parking; New York State fishing licenses are required for all anglers over 16.
  • Shore fishing is possible along the beach and rocky points, but boat access opens up the deeper basin and structure that holds larger fish.

Seasonal Patterns and What Bites When

Lake Champlain's fish follow predictable seasonal movements, and Point Au Roche's location on the main basin means you can intercept them at different depths depending on the time of year. In spring (April and May), bass and walleye move shallow to spawn. Largemouths will be in the 2- to 6-foot zone around any weed growth or rocky points; smallmouths prefer the harder bottom and slightly deeper structure. Walleye spawn in the shallows at night and retreat to 15- to 25-foot depths during the day, so early morning and dusk are prime times.

Summer (June through August) pushes most fish deeper as the lake warms. Largemouths scatter into weed beds and deeper holes; smallmouths and walleye move to 25- to 45-foot depths where the water stays cooler. This is when a boat becomes essential—shore fishing slows considerably. Pike remain active in shallower weed zones throughout summer and are often the most reliable catch from shore during midday.

Fall (September and October) reverses the pattern. As water cools, fish move back toward shallower structure. Bass return to 8- to 15-foot zones, walleye move into the 15- to 30-foot band, and pike become aggressive in the shallows again. This is often the best time to fish from shore or in a small boat without specialized deep-water gear.

Species You'll Encounter and How to Fish Them

Largemouth bass dominate the shallow weed zones and are most active in spring and fall. They respond to soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater lures in low-light conditions. Summer largemouths are sluggish in the shallows; focus on deeper weed edges and holes.

Smallmouth bass prefer rocky bottom and harder structure. They're more active in cooler water than largemouths, making them a better target in spring and fall. Jigs, tubes, and small crankbaits work well. They'll stay shallower than walleye but deeper than largemouths in the same season.

Walleye are the park's most sought-after species. They're nocturnal feeders and most active at dawn, dusk, and night. Live shiners or crawlers under a slip sinker rig work well; jigging with live bait is also productive. Spring and fall are best; summer requires night fishing or very early morning trips to deeper water.

Northern pike are aggressive and less seasonal than other species. They hunt in weed beds and shallower structure year-round. Large spoons, swimbaits, and topwater plugs draw strikes. Pike fishing from shore is often better than boat fishing because they hunt the shallow margins.

Perch are abundant and underrated. They school in 15- to 30-foot depths and bite small jigs or live shiners. They're not trophy fish, but they're reliable and fun on light tackle.

Access, Parking, and Facilities

Point Au Roche is located at 191 Point Au Roche Road, Champlain, New York 12919. From Plattsburgh, take Route 9 north about 10 miles; the park entrance is well-marked. The boat launch parking lot holds roughly 40 vehicles and fills quickly on summer weekends and holidays. There is no reservation system, so arrive early if you're launching on a Saturday or Sunday.

The park has restrooms, picnic tables, and a small concession area during summer months. There is no fuel dock, so fill up in Plattsburgh before you arrive. The launch ramp is maintained year-round, though winter ice-out dates vary—typically mid-April. Call ahead during shoulder seasons to confirm the ramp is open.

Day-use parking requires payment at the entrance booth or via an honor system box. The fee is modest and covers parking for the day. Overnight camping is not available at Point Au Roche, but nearby Ausable Point State Park (about 5 miles south) offers campground sites if you want to stay longer.

Licensing and Regulations

All anglers 16 and older must carry a valid New York State fishing license. You can purchase a one-day license, a seven-day license, or an annual license through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website or at most bait shops in Plattsburgh. A license covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing in New York.

Lake Champlain has specific size and creel limits that vary by species and change periodically. Largemouth and smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum with a five-fish daily limit. Walleye have a 15-inch minimum with a five-fish limit. Pike have a 24-inch minimum with a three-fish limit. Perch have no minimum size but a 25-fish daily limit. Check the current regulations on the DEC website before you fish, as limits are updated annually.

The lake is also subject to a fish consumption advisory for certain species due to mercury and PCB levels. Walleye and pike over a certain size are recommended for limited consumption, especially for children and pregnant women. The DEC website lists the current advisory details.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

If you're launching a boat, bring a trailer-rated vehicle and confirm the ramp condition before you arrive. The ramp is concrete and well-maintained, but spring runoff can make it slippery. A basic tackle box with soft plastics, crankbaits, jigs, and live bait rigs covers most situations. Bring more than you think you'll need—Lake Champlain's structure is snaggy, and you will lose lures.

Shore fishing requires less gear but benefits from a good pair of polarized sunglasses to spot fish in shallow water. Bring a small cooler, sunscreen, and water. The beach can be exposed, and afternoon winds are common in summer. If you're fishing from shore in spring or fall, layers are essential—water temperature can be 20 degrees colder than air temperature.

Check the weather forecast before you go. Lake Champlain can build rough water quickly, especially in afternoon wind. If you're in a small boat, stay close to shore and know where the nearest landing is. The park's beach provides a safe exit if conditions deteriorate.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (April and May) is the most reliable time to fish Point Au Roche. Water is cool, fish are shallow and aggressive, and the park is less crowded than summer. Expect to catch bass, walleye, and pike in the 2- to 20-foot zone. Mornings and evenings are best, but midday can produce if you're fishing structure.

Summer (June through August) is busiest for recreation but slowest for fishing. The park fills with swimmers and boaters. If you fish, go early (before 7 a.m.) or in the evening. Bring a boat and fish deeper water, or focus on pike in the shallows. Walleye fishing improves after dark.

Fall (September and October) rivals spring for fishing quality. Water cools, fish move back to shallower structure, and the park empties of summer crowds. This is an excellent time to fish from shore or a small boat. Expect consistent action on bass, walleye, and pike.

Winter (November through March) is possible but requires ice-out confirmation. The ramp closes when ice forms and reopens after ice-out, typically mid-April. Some anglers fish through the ice, but that requires separate equipment and knowledge of safe ice conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at Point Au Roche?

Yes. The beach and rocky points along the shoreline are open to fishing. Shore fishing is most productive in spring and fall when fish are shallow. Summer shore fishing is slower because most fish move deeper, though pike remain active in the shallows. You'll need a fishing license and must follow all state regulations.

Do I need a boat to fish here?

No, but a boat opens up deeper water and more productive structure. Shore fishing works in spring and fall and for pike year-round. Summer fishing from shore is possible but slower. If you don't have a boat, focus on early morning or evening trips and fish the rocky points and any visible structure.

What's the best time of year to fish Point Au Roche?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are most reliable. Water is cool, fish are aggressive, and they're in shallower, easier-to-reach depths. Summer is slower and requires deeper presentations or night fishing. Winter is possible after ice-out but requires confirmation that the ramp is open.

How much does it cost to launch a boat?

The day-use fee is modest and covers parking for the day. Exact pricing varies by season and is set by the New York State Parks system. Call the park directly or check the DEC website for current rates. There is no annual pass specific to Point Au Roche, but New York State Parks offers season passes that cover multiple parks.

Are there bait shops near the park?

Yes. Plattsburgh has several tackle shops within 10 miles of the park. They stock live bait, lures, and licenses. Arriving early means better bait selection, especially on weekends. If you're launching in the afternoon, buy bait the day before or bring your own.