Next to Walleye, I would say Yellow Perch, also known as Lake Perch, are the most popular fish anglers pursue. Usually, you will see boats near windblown shorelines, sitting over weeds or rocks close to weed beds, because these areas attract baitfish and baitfish attract perch. But I hear anglers are not catching perch like we used to, or finding schools of perch has been tough.

So where are perch hiding? Spots that have produced a good number of fish in the past have changed. Why? Mostly because the invasive species of vegetation (EURASIAN MILFOIL) has taken over many Wisconsin lakes and changing the habitat for fish by choking out natural vegetation. Can we still catch perch? You bet we can, but it’s just a little harder to find them.

AGAIN, when it comes to fishing, this site is mainly for novice, weekend angles or folks that come north for a week or two on vacation but will get into more fishing techniques in weeks to come. So, when looking to locate perch, here’s some information that could help you catch more fish. To me, there are three things to consider when looking for this species.

Those three main things are COVER, FOOD, and WATER TEMPS. With perch pretty much on the bottom of the lake’s food chain, they need a place to hide from predators, so vegetation is where you will ALWAYS find perch. Also, vegetation produces oxygen that all fish need to survive. Remember this, perch can be at different depths but are normally close to the bottom.

Wind blowen shorelines are a great location to start because wind pushes aquatic insects and zooplankton towards shore and minnows come to dine on these so perch will basically be there eating minnows. Like most fish, I have found that when water temperatures are cooler perch will be shallower (4 to 6 feet) and when the water temps get rises, they will be a little deeper (6 to 8 feet). That being said, if you are only getting smaller fish, try moving out to the deeper part of those weeds or fish the weed edges and that could be 10 feet.

Now for catching Perch. As I wrote above, find green weeds in 4 to 8 feet of water and (fan cast) out on all sides of the boat will help find their location. Using a plan hook, small jig or even an ice fishing jig is recommended. I have always said, and will continue to say, NOTHING catches more fish then live bait.

When you catch perch here is a little information on sizes of perch. Perch that are 5 to 8 inches are around 3 years old; 7 to 10 inchers are 5 years old and 10-to-11-inch perch is 7 to 8 years old. The Wisconsin state record perch is 3lb 4oz. caught in 1954 on Lake Winnebago. Hope this week’s topic helps you catch more perch.

PLEASE RELEASE WALLEYES OVER 24 INCHES. THESE BIG GIRLS PRODUCE MORE EGGS & LARGER WALLEYES IN THE FUTURE.