Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

late season perch


gunderson21

Recommended Posts

just wondering what type of areas most people try for late season perch? mud on top of flats, on the sides, in between flats in dead man areas? Ever try southern areas like vineland/rocky reef area? depths?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I tend to be off the edge of the mud flats targeting 30-32'. But travel out to those areas will be tough the next few days/weeks with all the snow and the promise of warm weather.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I know here in the metro area it's supposed to get into the 40's over the weekend. At one point does the shoreline ice start to deteriote on mille lacs? I wouldn't mind getting some last minute perch action.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

yes, the shore is always the first to go. last year i caught my bigger fish in march in 23 feet one just short of 15, but moved into 13 feet and caught more fish but they were more of the 10" variety. best of luck, will be up on saturday to give it a shot.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i have always found the same-big fish deep, more fish in the keeper range shallow.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO DRAG THE CANOE UP THERE AND TRY CATCHING THOSE JUMBOS WHEN THEY WERE IN REALLY SHALLOW IN APRIL. WE USED TO NAIL THEM IN MARYLAND WHEN THE PERCH WOULD COME UP OUT OF THE CHESAPEAK BAY TO SPAWN IN THE RIVER BACKWATERS. ANYBODY EVER TRY FISHING THEM AFTER ICE OUT IN THE SHALLOWS?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Years ago, my friends and I would fish out cove and other open area's from shore for perch. In the eightys we would do very well. I have not tried it for years, so I do not know how productive it would be. That time of year I am down on mississippi catching walleyes or cats on my boat. That would be more fun than going for perch on a half frozen lake. At least for me it is. In another month I will start paying more attention to Mississippi forum nd then after opener, will come back to Mill Lacs forum. Still trying to plan a good perch run in a week or two to Mill Lacs. Any takers?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Taking a canoe up there when the shoreline ice is gone doesn't sound like a bad idea at all. I've never even considered doing something like that before. I think that'd be neat to fish along the edge of the ice in a canoe and catch some jumbos and maybe the occasional crappie. I smell a trip in april brewing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
    • monstermoose78
      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.