What You'll Find at Blanchard Beach

Blanchard Beach is a small public access point on the Burlington waterfront where Lake Champlain's shallow flats hold walleye, pike, and perch. The beach itself is narrow and rocky, backed by a modest parking area and a boat launch. It's not a destination beach for swimming—the water stays cold and the bottom is soft mud—but it's a working fishing access that locals use year-round, especially in spring and fall when walleye move into shallow water.

The real draw here is the structure just offshore. A series of submerged rock piles and drop-offs begins about 50 to 100 yards out, and that's where the fish hold. The bottom transitions from sand to mud to harder substrate, and that change is where walleye hunt at dawn and dusk. Pike cruise the shallows looking for panfish, and if you're patient, you can sight-fish for them in clear water.

Access is straightforward: park in the small lot, walk your gear down the beach, and launch a small boat or wade if the water level is low. The launch is basic—no amenities, no fuel dock—so come prepared. The beach faces west, so afternoon sun can be brutal in summer, but it also means you get good light for sight-fishing in the morning.

Key Takeaways

  • Blanchard Beach offers direct access to shallow walleye and pike habitat on Lake Champlain's Burlington side, with a small parking lot and basic boat launch.
  • Spring and fall are the most productive seasons, when walleye move into the shallows and pike are active in cooler water.
  • The best fishing happens within 100 yards of shore, where rock piles and depth changes hold fish at dawn and dusk.
  • Bring your own supplies—there are no facilities, fuel, or food vendors at the beach.
  • A small boat or waders work best; the rocky bottom and soft mud make this a technical access point rather than a casual walk-on spot.

Spring Walleye Run: April Through May

Walleye move shallow to spawn in April and early May, and Blanchard Beach sits right in their migration path. Fish the first two hours after sunrise and the last two hours before sunset—walleye are light-sensitive and hunt in low-light conditions. Use a 1/4-ounce jig tipped with a live minnow or a soft plastic, and work the drop-offs where the bottom transitions from sand to rock.

The water temperature matters more than the calendar. When the lake hits 48 to 52 degrees, walleye are most active. Check the Lake Champlain water temperature before you go—it's posted online by several fishing forums and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. If the water is still below 45 degrees, fish will be sluggish and deeper; wait a few days and try again.

Casting from shore works if you're willing to wade, but a small boat gives you access to the deeper structure where bigger fish hold. If you launch a boat, stay in the 8- to 15-foot range and use a depth finder to locate the rock piles. Walleye hold tight to hard bottom, so precision casting matters.

Fall Pike and Walleye: September Through October

Fall is the second-best season at Blanchard Beach. Water temperature drops, pike become aggressive, and walleye move back into the shallows to feed before winter. The fishing window is longer than spring—you can catch fish throughout the day, though dawn and dusk are still most productive.

Pike respond well to larger lures: 4- to 6-inch soft plastics, spinnerbaits, or small crankbaits. Cast parallel to the shoreline and work the edges where the rocky bottom meets deeper water. Pike are ambush predators and will chase a lure if it moves fast enough. If you're sight-fishing in clear fall water, watch for the dark shapes of pike cruising the shallows—they're easier to spot than walleye and more willing to strike a moving target.

Walleye in fall respond to the same jigs and minnows that work in spring, but they're less predictable. Fish the deeper structure—15 to 25 feet—and be patient. A slow presentation works better than speed; let the jig sit on bottom for a few seconds between hops.

Summer: Low Activity and Deeper Fish

Summer is the slowest season at Blanchard Beach. Walleye retreat to deeper, cooler water—often 30 to 50 feet down—and pike move to weed beds elsewhere on the lake. The shallow flats that hold fish in spring and fall become a desert in July and August.

If you fish here in summer, focus on early morning and late evening when the water is coolest. Fish deeper than you would in spring, and use live bait rather than lures—walleye are less aggressive in warm water and will mouth a bait before committing. Perch are still active in the shallows, and they're easier to catch than walleye in summer, so if you want consistent action, target them instead.

Winter Access and Ice Fishing

Lake Champlain's ice is unpredictable. Some winters it freezes solid by December; other years it stays open until February. Before you venture onto the ice, check with local bait shops or the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department for current conditions. Ice thickness should be at least 4 inches for walking and 8 inches for a small shelter.

When the ice is safe, Blanchard Beach becomes an ice-fishing access point for walleye and perch. Drill holes in 12 to 20 feet of water and use small jigs tipped with minnows or maggots. The bite is often slow in winter, but the solitude and the chance of a large walleye make it worth trying. Bring a hand auger, a shelter, and extra layers—wind off the lake can be brutal.

Parking, Launch, and Facilities

Blanchard Beach has a small gravel parking lot with space for roughly 10 to 15 vehicles. There's no attendant, no fee, and no reservation system. The lot fills quickly on weekends during spring and fall, so arrive early if you're fishing a popular day.

The boat launch is a simple concrete ramp with no dock or lift assistance. It's suitable for small boats, kayaks, and canoes, but not for large trailers or heavy equipment. The ramp can be slippery when wet, so wear good footwear and take your time. There are no restrooms, no water, and no trash service, so pack out what you pack in.

Parking is on-street only; do not block the launch or the parking area. The beach itself is public, but respect private property on either side. The area is quiet and lightly patrolled, so use common sense and leave no trace.

What to Bring and What to Know

Blanchard Beach is a bare-bones access point, so come prepared. Bring your own tackle, bait, water, and food. A headlamp or flashlight is essential for dawn and dusk fishing. If you're launching a boat, bring a trailer and a vehicle with adequate towing capacity. If you're wading, wear a personal flotation device—the bottom is soft and can be deceptive, and the water is cold even in summer.

The beach is rocky and uneven, so wear water shoes or boots with good grip. Bring a net if you plan to land pike or larger walleye. A depth finder is useful if you have a boat, but not necessary if you're fishing from shore. Check the weather before you go—wind can make the lake rough and the beach uncomfortable, especially in spring and fall.

Respect the other anglers and the local community. Keep noise to a minimum, especially in early morning. If you catch fish, handle them carefully and release any you don't intend to keep. Lake Champlain has specific regulations on size and bag limits for walleye, pike, and perch—check the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's current rules before you fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Blanchard Beach without a boat?

Yes. You can wade from shore or cast from the beach, though you'll be limited to the first 50 to 100 yards of water. Wading works best in spring and fall when walleye are shallow. Wear a personal flotation device and water shoes, and watch for soft spots in the mud bottom.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Dawn and dusk are most productive year-round. Walleye are light-sensitive and hunt in low-light conditions. If you can only fish midday, focus on deeper water and use live bait rather than lures.

Do I need a Vermont fishing license?

Yes. Vermont requires a fishing license for anyone 15 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website or at local bait shops. A one-day license is available if you're visiting.

Is the water safe to swim in?

Blanchard Beach is not a swimming beach. The water is cold, the bottom is soft mud, and the area is primarily used for fishing. If you want to swim, use one of Burlington's designated public beaches instead.

What size fish can I keep?

Walleye and pike have minimum size limits that change year to year. Check the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's current regulations before you fish. As of recent years, walleye have a 15-inch minimum and pike have a 24-inch minimum, but verify this before you go.