James Lindner and Hays Baldwin show us how to go about finding jumbo perch in the backwoods.
Finding Jumbo Perch
Yellow perch are very common in many North American freshwater lakes, and they can grow considerably in the right environment. Jumbo perch are typically classified as yellow perch that weigh over a pound or reach lengths of over 12 inches. Perch are very adaptable can be found in all different types of water from shallow sloughs, to large rivers and reservoir, to the Great Lakes. Locating perch is relatively easy, but locating jumbo perch can be a different story.
Jumbo perch make several movements throughout the winter months. They can typically be found relatively shallow during first ice. Ice anglers should target shallow flats that are located near deep water. As it progresses further into winter those big perch move from the shallows out to deeper water structures like drop-offs, underwater humps, or submerged rock piles. Finding jumbo perch can be easy if you follow their seasonal movements throughout the winter.
Utilizing OnX Fish
Finding jumbo perch can be a challenge, but one tool that can speed up the process is the OnX Fish app. Not all lakes contain the right habitat and fertility to grow giant perch. If you want to catch jumbo perch through the ice you have to go to the lakes that have them.
By using the OnX Fish app anglers are able to quickly identify lakes with the potential to producing jumbo perch. Anglers can selected lakes and look at the population size structure, fish species, special regulations, and lots of other helpful information. The OnX Fish app also highlights private property and public lands allowing anglers to find the best way to access lakes off the beaten path.
Best Jumbo Perch Baits
Perch tend to spread out on massive flats feeding on small minnows, freshwater shrimp, small crayfish, and other invertebrates. Due to their aggressive nature there are several baits that work exceptionally well for big perch. The following two baits are proven jumbo perch catching lures.
Northland Fishing Tackle Bro Bug Spoon
Designed to match the hatch, its slender body resembles “young-of-the-year” baitfish or freshwater bloodworms, favorite wintertime meal of jumbo perch. The Northland Bro Bug Spoon is available in three different sizes (1/16-ounce., 1/8 oz-ounce, and 1/4 oz-ounce) and 12 different fish-catching colors, including glow, UV and metallic patterns. The 1/16-ounce and 1/8-ounce are really ideal for targeting jumbo perch. Tip the Bro Bug spoon with a minnow head or wax worm and you’ve got a deadly bait for jumbo perch.
Drop Jig XL
The Clam Drop Jig XL is your classic tear drop ice fishing jig but with a bigger, wider-gapped hook. This makes it ideal for jumbo perch, because the wider hook gap allows for better hook ups, and allows the angler to fish a bigger plastics or livebait. Made out of tungsten the Clam Drop Jig XL is available in three sizes and a variety of great fish catching colors.
Set Lines and Deadsticks For Jumbo Perch
Many states allow ice anglers to use multiple lines. This gives ice anglers the opportunity to increase the area they are fish, while also presenting multiple bait options. If you plan on heading out onto the lake to catch jumbo perch it’s a great idea to utilize set lines and deadsticks.
Having a deadstick next to your jigging presentation will undoubtedly help you catch more big perch. A simple setup of a live fathead minnow on a number six hook is a great way to catch them. Keep an eye on the line, and when it moves set the hook. Jumbo perch have a tendency to move in schools so don’t surprised if you get bit at the same time on your deadstick and jigging rods.
Tip-ups are a great way to spread out over a large area. Live minnows tend to work best with setting tip ups for jumbo perch. Set your tip-up near the bottom of the lake, about a foot off the bottom.
Color Factor When Finding Jumbo Perch
Perch are very visual predators and use their keen vision to hunt down baitfish and invertebrates. When targeting jumbo perch it’s important to consider the color of your bait. The water clarity and forage the perch are feeding on should directly impact your color selection.
For instance, if you are targeting jumbo perch in stained or tannic water, a brighter colored lure will preform better than a natural color lure. The brighter color will stand out and draw perch in from a distance, even in stained water. Ice anglers need to take color into consideration, because a simple change in color can make all the difference.
Livebait Options For Perch
When fishing for trophy perch through the ice it’s always a good idea to tip your bait with some kind of livebait. This gives the perch something to key in on when they strike. It will also help on those days when the perch are in a move lethargic and negative mood.
Some of the best livebait options including crappie minnows, fathead minnows, wax worms, euro larva, and freshwater shrimp. All of these will work great tipped on a spoon or jig.
Rod / Reel / Line For Perch Fishing
There are a variety of different ice fishing rods you can use when perch fishing. The key is to select a rod that is strong enough to handle big, strong perch, but also sensitive enough to detect light bites in deep water. For a jigging setup most ice anglers prefer a medium light powered rod with a fast action.
Pair this rod with a 750 sized reel with a good quality drag. The Daiwa QZ 750 is an ideal reel for ice fishing perch, because it’s strong and compact. It’s good an ultra smooth drag and is the perfect size for ice anglers.
A 2 to 4-pound test line is often ideal for jumbo perch, as it is light enough to provide excellent sensitivity while being strong enough to handle the weight of a larger fish. Monofilament, fluorocarbon or braid will work for a main line. Fluorocarbon leaders are recommended when perch fishing in clear bodies of water. This will add some finesse and stealth to your presentation.
Top Ice Fishing Destinations For Jumbo Perch
Yellow perch can be found in most lakes across the ice belt, however finding jumbo perch is a different story. There are a few lakes across the country that truly grow jumbo perch. The following are the best lakes to catch the perch of a lifetime.
- Lake Cascade (Idaho)
Lake Cascade is without a doubt the best place to catch a giant perch in North America. Year after year Lake Cascade produces some of the biggest perch caught all winter long. Perch exceeding two pounds are caught each winter on this special body of water. Without a doubt Lake Cascade is the top destination in North America to catching a perch of a lifetime.
- Leech Lake (Minnesota)
Everything in Leech Lake grows big and the perch are no exception. Each winter ice anglers can enjoy some of the best perch fishing the start has to offer. Large schools of jumbo perch can be caught all across the lake.
- Devils Lake (North Dakota)
Devils Lake in North Dakota is one of the best places to catch numbers of giant perch. This large lake has extremely fertile waters capacity of producing large schools of jumbo perch exceeding twelve inches long and reaching weights over two pounds.
- Lake Gogebic (Michigan)
Lake Gogebic in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula produces some of the biggest perch in the country. Each winter many perch exceeding two pounds are caught. Lake Gogebic is a top destination for anglers looking to catch a jumbo perch exceeding that magical two pound mark.
- South Dakota’s Prairie Pothole Region
The prairie pothole region has been a staple for perch fishermen for years. This area of South Dakota has hundreds of small lakes that produce exceptionally large perch. Due to this areas fertile waters, perch grow extremely fast reaching trophy sizes in just a few years.
FAQ’s
Where can I find the biggest perch?
Lake Cascade in Idaho is home to the biggest perch in the United States. It’s a world-class perch fishing destination.
Are perch good to eat?
Yes. Perch make a great table fare. They have a mild, flakey meat. It is often compared to walleye.
What’s the best eating sized perch?
Perch between eight and eleven inches are great eating size.
Are perch related to the walleye?
Perch are apart of the perch family and a close relative to the walleye.
Conclusion
Finding jumbo perch can be relativity easy if you look in the right places. First, identify bodies of water that are capable of producing large perch. Remember that the OnX Fish app will greatly speed up this process. Then, by targeting the right areas with presentations that are proven for perch, you will have no problem finding jumbo perch and catching them all winter long.
