What Point Au Roche Offers

Point Au Roche State Park sits on the western shore of Lake Champlain in Champlain, New York, about 30 miles north of Plattsburgh. The park is a day-use and camping destination built around a rocky point that juts into the lake, offering direct access to one of the Northeast's largest freshwater fisheries. You can fish from shore, launch a boat, camp overnight, or simply walk the shoreline — but most visitors come for the water.

The park's main draw for anglers is Lake Champlain itself. The lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, perch, and landlocked Atlantic salmon. The rocky bottom and structure around the point create habitat that holds fish year-round, though spring and fall are the most productive seasons for most species. The park provides a boat launch, which is the fastest way to reach deeper water and the main fishing grounds.

Access is straightforward: the park sits on Route 9, about 20 minutes south of the Canadian border. There is a day-use parking area and a campground with 36 tent and trailer sites. The park is open year-round, though the campground operates seasonally from mid-May through mid-October.

Key Takeaways

  • Point Au Roche has a public boat launch on Lake Champlain, making it the most practical access point for anglers targeting bass, walleye, pike, and salmon in the northern lake.
  • Shore fishing is possible from the rocky point and beach areas, but a boat gives you access to deeper structure and better odds during most seasons.
  • The campground has 36 sites available mid-May through mid-October; day-use parking is available year-round.
  • New York State fishing regulations apply; you will need a valid New York fishing license to fish Lake Champlain from any shore or boat.
  • The park is located in Champlain, New York, about 30 miles north of Plattsburgh and 20 minutes south of the Canadian border.

Boat Launch and Lake Access

The park's boat launch is a single-lane concrete ramp that handles small to medium recreational boats. There is a parking area adjacent to the ramp with space for vehicles with trailers. The launch is free to use for day visitors and campers. During peak season (May through September), the ramp can get busy on weekends, particularly Saturday mornings, so arriving early improves your chances of a smooth launch.

Once on the water, the lake bottom around Point Au Roche transitions from rocky shallows near shore to deeper channels and drop-offs within a mile. Smallmouth bass hold on the rocky structure in 8 to 15 feet of water during spring and fall. Walleye move into shallower water at dawn and dusk, especially in May and June. Northern pike patrol the weed edges in summer. If you have a fish finder, the structure becomes obvious — the point itself is surrounded by good habitat.

Lake Champlain is large (about 120 miles long and up to 12 miles wide), so plan your trip with a map or GPS. The park provides a good home base for exploring the northern section of the lake, but do not venture far without understanding the weather forecast — the lake can develop rough water quickly, and the water temperature stays cold even in summer.

Shore Fishing and Day-Use Access

If you do not have a boat, you can fish from shore along the park's rocky point and beach areas. The rocky shoreline holds smallmouth bass and perch, especially in spring and early summer. The beach area is less productive for fishing but offers easier access and is popular with families. Shore fishing is most effective during low-light hours — early morning and evening — when bass move into shallower water.

Day-use visitors can park in the main lot and walk to the water. There are picnic tables, restrooms, and a small pavilion available. The park does not have a dedicated fishing pier or platform, so you will be casting from rocks or the beach. Bring appropriate footwear if you plan to fish the rocky point — the rocks are slippery when wet and uneven.

Camping at Point Au Roche

The campground has 36 sites arranged in a loop near the water. Most sites accommodate tents or small trailers; a few are pull-through for larger RVs. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There are no hookups (no water, electric, or sewer at individual sites), so this is a rustic camping experience. Restrooms and a dump station are located centrally in the campground.

Reservations are handled through the New York State Parks system and can be made online or by phone. Sites book up quickly during July and August, especially weekends. If you are planning a summer trip, reserve at least a month in advance. The campground operates from mid-May through mid-October; winter camping is not available.

Camping gives you the flexibility to fish early morning and evening without a long drive. Many anglers stay overnight and fish the first light hours before breaking camp. The campground is quiet and well-maintained, though it can be crowded during peak season.

Fishing Regulations and Licensing

You must have a valid New York State fishing license to fish Lake Champlain from shore or boat. Licenses are available online through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website, at sporting goods stores, and at some bait shops near the park. A one-day license is available if you do not want to commit to a full-year license. Licenses are inexpensive and can be purchased the same day you fish.

Lake Champlain has specific regulations for each species. Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size limit and a daily limit of five fish. Smallmouth bass are also 12 inches minimum with a five-fish daily limit. Walleye are 15 inches minimum with a three-fish daily limit. Northern pike are 24 inches minimum with a one-fish daily limit. Landlocked Atlantic salmon are 15 inches minimum with a two-fish daily limit. These regulations change periodically, so check the current DEC guide before you fish.

The park itself has no additional restrictions beyond state law. You can fish 24 hours a day if you are camping, and day-use hours are typically dawn to dusk, though the park office can confirm current hours.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (May through June) is one of the best times to fish Point Au Roche. Walleye and bass are active as water temperatures warm. The campground opens mid-May, and the weather is generally mild. Mornings can still be cool, so bring layers. Insect activity increases as the season progresses.

Summer (July and August) brings warm water and crowded conditions. Bass fishing slows during the heat of the day but picks up again in evening. Pike fishing can be good in early morning. The campground is at capacity most weekends. Swimming is popular, so the park is busier overall. Water temperature reaches the low 70s Fahrenheit.

Fall (September and October) is excellent for bass and walleye. Water cools, fish become more active throughout the day, and crowds thin out. The campground closes mid-October, but day-use access continues. Weather becomes unpredictable — some days are warm and clear, others cold and windy. Bring rain gear and warm layers.

Winter is not a typical fishing season at Point Au Roche because the campground is closed and day-use access is limited. The park can be icy and snow-covered. Some anglers fish from shore during winter, but conditions are harsh and the park does not maintain facilities.

Facilities and Amenities

The park has restrooms in both the day-use area and the campground. There is no on-site bait or tackle shop, so bring your own or purchase supplies in Champlain or Plattsburgh before arriving. The nearest town with services is Champlain, about 5 miles south, which has a few restaurants, a grocery store, and gas stations.

The park has picnic areas, grills, and a small pavilion available for day-use visitors. There is no food service or concessions at the park itself. Cell phone service is available but can be spotty depending on your carrier. There is no WiFi at the campground.

The park is dog-friendly on leash in most areas, including the campground. Check current pet policies with the park office before your visit.

Getting There and Planning Your Visit

Point Au Roche State Park is located at 191 County Route 9 in Champlain, New York 12919. It is about 30 miles north of Plattsburgh on Route 9. From Plattsburgh, take Route 9 north for roughly 45 minutes. The park is well-marked from the highway.

There is no entrance fee for day-use parking. Camping fees vary by season and site type; expect to pay between $20 and $30 per night during peak season. Reservations are required for camping and can be made through the New York State Parks website or by calling the park directly.

Plan to arrive early if you are launching a boat on a weekend, as the ramp can have a wait. If you are camping, arrive with enough daylight to set up and get oriented. The park office can provide maps and answer questions about current conditions and fishing reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Lake Champlain without a boat?

Yes. You can fish from the rocky point and beach areas at Point Au Roche without a boat. Shore fishing is less productive than boat fishing but works for smallmouth bass and perch, especially during early morning and evening. A boat gives you access to deeper structure and better odds overall.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (May and June) and fall (September and October) are the most productive seasons. Water temperatures are moderate, fish are active throughout the day, and crowds are smaller than in summer. Summer can be good for early morning and evening fishing, but midday is slow.

Do I need to reserve a campsite in advance?

Yes, especially for summer weekends. Sites book up quickly from July through August. Reserve at least a month ahead for peak season. Spring and fall often have availability with shorter notice, but calling ahead is still a good idea.

What species of fish are in Lake Champlain?

The lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and landlocked Atlantic salmon. Bass and walleye are the most commonly caught. Pike are present but less frequently targeted. Salmon fishing requires specific techniques and is less common for casual anglers.

Is there a bait and tackle shop at the park?

No. Bring your own tackle or purchase supplies in Champlain or Plattsburgh before arriving. The nearest town with a sporting goods store is Plattsburgh, about 30 miles south.