Tourists Claim Sighting of Legendary Lake Champlain Monster 'Champy'

A recent alleged sighting at Lake Champlain has renewed discussion about the existence of America's own version of the Loch Ness Monster, a legendary creature known as Champy.

Visitors at Marine Village Cottages along Point au Roche reported seeing a strange object moving through the water on August 7. Beth Haig described the phenomenon as resembling a wave, but with a serpentine form moving up and down across the lake. Hailee Finkle, who was with Haig, captured a 24-second video of the event before the object disappeared. Finkle noted the experience as unusual, stating, "I'm definitely more of a scientific person, but it was weird seeing it in person." Susan Sisti, Haig's mother, observed the creature moving at the speed of a small motorboat and described it as resembling a large alligator with raised sections.

Stories about Champy have been a fixture along Lake Champlain for centuries, influencing local businesses and attracting tourists. The earliest accounts are often attributed to Samuel de Champlain, the lake's namesake, who in 1609 described a 5-foot gar with specific physical characteristics. Over time, descriptions have evolved, with some accounts detailing a "giant sea serpent" or "dragon-like beast." A notable sighting from 1819 by Captain Crum described an 187-foot black serpent with a seahorse-shaped head.

Filmmakers Kelly Tabor and Richard Rossi also reported an alleged sighting on camera in early June. Their footage documented a large, mysterious shape in the lake, which they believe could be evidence of Champy's existence. Tabor described seeing a "skinny neck" that oscillated, with the body becoming larger. Rossi emphasized the importance of having expert examination of such footage.

The duo is currently working on a film titled "The Secrets of Lake Champlain," a sequel to their movie "Lucy and the Lake Monster," which is expected to be released in 2027. "To see our hometown legend of Champ being debated and celebrated from New York to Tokyo is an incredible honor for our entire lake community," Tabor told the Adirondack Explorer.

Despite these accounts, skepticism persists. Experts suggest that large bodies of water can create optical illusions caused by floating logs, swimming animals, seaweed, or unusual light conditions. Nevertheless, both the New York and Vermont governments have policies in place stating that if the creature exists, it "should not be disturbed, injured or harassed."

Haig, despite her experience, stated she does not believe the sighting was Champ but found it intriguing, noting that she had never witnessed anything similar in her life growing up on the lake.