Lake Michigan Perch fishing is something that thrills anglers of all ages and skill levels. As soon as you get lucky and find a school of Perch, you will need to be quick and enjoy the non-stop action. Just think about it: can fishing get any better?
When to catch Lake Michigan Perch
Yellow Perch spawn in the shallower water in spring. During that time, you don’t have to travel far to get your weekly dinners sorted out. But don’t worry if the spring spawn is winding down and you still haven’t got your healthy dose of Perch fishing. Fishing is also hot in June!
April and May are considered to be the prime time to catch Lake Michigan jumbo Yellow Perch but you can target them anytime during the spring and summer months.
Ice fishing for Perch is another thing that can keep you entertained. They can be caught at a wide range of depth throughout the winter months.
How to target Perch in Lake Michigan
If the weather is stable and water is clear, hardly anything can go wrong. Perch like colder water so you need to keep that in mind. Most of the year, they can be found in deep water around submerged objects.
Look for natural structures where plants can grow, such as bridges, islands, inlets, and rocks.
It’s very likely that if you come across one Perch, there are more in the area. Big Perch swim together in deeper water. When a school of Perch goes feeding frenzy, you can rest assured that you will be rewarded with a tasty dinner! Locate a big school and drift with the wind to find the most aggressive Perch.
Once you’ve located the fish, drop anchor, and cast. Run one-ounce sinkers and perch rigs. Trying it while using a trolling motor might also help. You will need a 6-8 pound test rod and minnows as bait. If you are going out in the spring and summer months, morning and early evening hours are the best.
Season
The seasons begins in April and goes through October. The best time of year to target Yellow Perch is from May until mid-September. However, if you have the itch to fish, you can easily find a professional guide and go ice-fishing for the lake’s bounty.
