Catch More Jumbo Perch This Fall
By Jason Halfen - October 20, 2020Look to the first break in bad weather. Nothing is more consistent in the fall than inconsistent weather. Wind, rain and snow will push shallow perch into weeds along the first prominent breakline that separates shoreline flats from deeper water. These fish will still bite, but expect the action to be slower and require a live bait approach. Under these conditions, pivot from a soft plastic on a jig to a fathead minnow presented beneath a bobber. As you look for fish, remember that a few boat lengths can make a big difference in terms of the number and quality of fish that are present; patience will be rewarded!
Look to river channels in reservoirs. Small reservoirs - often called flowages across the Northland - often host extraordinary perch populations of their own. On many of these bodies of water, fall perch action is concentrated in the deeper water that represents their original river channels. Look for small schools of jumbos with help from your Side Imaging-equipped fishfinder, and then present soft plastics or fathead minnows on 1/16 oz jig to elicit strikes. Don't be surprised to tangle with a quality walleye or slab crappie while perchin'!
Jumbo perch fishing kicks into high gear in the fall. Spend some time this season enjoying those cold water tigers!