Perch Fishing Is Next

The walleye spawn and migration is on. Limit catches of walleye are being taken in shallow water in the reef area just off Magee Marsh. That can only mean that the perch are next.

The warm weather has caused the walleye to spawn early and I’m sure it will cause the perch to do the same. If that holds true we should be getting limit catches of perch in the next week or so. The problem. We have to find them to catch them.

Early last year we were catching perch limits all around Kelly’s Island. Our favorite spot was just off the airport runway in about 30’ of water. We had consistent luck in that location. Another area that produced a lot of fish was south of the marina in 27’ to 30’ of water. We usually avoided that area due to the density of fishermen. One other area that produced some great perch fishing was the bay on the north side of Kelly’s at the 26’ break line.

So we’re pretty sure the perch will be biting early and we know where we caught them last year. How do we figure out where they will be this year. I usually follow the walleye fishing forums and walleye bloggers. Perch are often caught while trolling or jigging for walleye and their reports often include the number and size perch they have caught.

The best method is to get out there and try all the hot spots from last year. Don’t spend a lot of time in one area. Give it a half hour, if they aren’t biting move until you find them.

Once you find the perch make sure you mark that location. Store it in your GPS if you have one. If you don’t, gather all the data you can and write it down. Depth, water temperature, weather conditions and landmarks on shore will allow you to come back to that area.

Perch are not finicky eaters especially in the spring. That said, their all time favorite food is the shiner minnow. Since the season looks to be an early one it will pay to check with your favorite bait store to make sure they are going to have minnows. This early season has everyone scrambling to get ready.

The daily bag limit for perch is 30 fish per angler. There is one new regulation you need to take note of. The skin must be left on all fish whether they be whole fish or fillets. The skin must remain on the fish until you arrive at the address that is on your fishing license.