Perch
Spring (Start of Season)
Jumbo perch are a sought after game fish for many anglers, mainly for their scrappy
tenacity and wonderful table fare. Spring is the best time to find numbers, and size, of
big perch in shallow water feeding up after a long winter. Shallow, weedy back bays, docks
and marinas and stump fields will usually hold fish. Early season presentations consist of
tiny spinners, small crankbaits and micro jigs suspended under floats. The livebait angler
can also get in the game by using small minnows or worms either in conjunction with a
float, or on a plain, long-shanked hook and split shot. Perch like to school up in the
spring, so once you find some, you are bound to catch a bunch. They also like to school up
in the same year classes - find the big perch and there should be a ton of his
"brothers and sisters" around.
Summer
For the summer angler looking for perch, the usual docks and shoreline cover will
consistently hold fish. This is not to say that you will find the biggest perch in these
shallow spots, as jumbo perch prefer to head to deeper water during the "dog
days" of summer. Look for the first major breakline out from productive shoreline
areas, and any large weedbeds that fall within this area. Stumbling upon prime perch
habitat like this is the answer to the puzzle. Keep in mind that really big perch have
tremendous appetites - large baits may be the answer if all you are attracting is smaller
fish with your downsized presentations.
Fall
Fall is the time when perch will flood the shallows in preparation of winter's
arrival. Similar to spring, they will stage on shallow points, weedy back bays and around
man-made structures such as bridge pilings and docks. Walking the shoreline of your
favourite lake is a sure-fire method to connect with these hungry fish, and the use of an
ultra-light outfit and small spinners or jigs will help you clean up. Wearing polarized
fishing glasses will help you spot roaming fish, and keeping an eye out for surface action
may give the perch's location away. Minnows seem to be more productive in the fall months
as the preferred live bait for perch, but experimentation is always the key. The
application of scent to your lures will come in handy as the cold water slowly zaps away
the perch's activity levels. |
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