Perch Fishing?

[LPCrowRiverFisherman]

What are some of your favorite lakes to fish for Perch in Minnesota? I have the ice fishing itch bad right now and am trying to pick out some lakes for this winter.

[reinhard1]

there are many of the big lakes that everyone knows, but my favorite and consistant big perch producer is a lake called cadott in st.louis county. check the dnr lake finder site and see for yourself. its very clear so for walleys early morning and late afternoon. but the perch are there and thats my no.1 spot. good luck.

[LPCrowRiverFisherman]

I guess I should have mentioned that I would prefer smaller lakes, less than 1000 acres. reinhard1 thanks for showing me that lake, it is quite impressive, so if I am desperate I may go but it is quite a drive.

[reinhard1]

normaly i dont mention smaller lakes, but it has a nice campground and gets fished harder in the open water than hard. it has always maintained the fisherie but it is not always the easiest lake to fish because of its clear water. most people fish for walleys and leave the perch alone. thats when i come in. walley numbers are high as a rule also and they in turn keep the perch in check creating larger perch. the largest perch i ever cought out of there was 14in. but on average i keep a limit of 9 to 11 in. with an occational one at 12 on a full day of fishing. i usualy stay a couple of days and fish basset next door also which has stained water and good perch also and go to whiteface for walleys if i dont get any at codott or basset. good luck.

[slipperybob]

Nothing special, it's the big lakes AFAIK.

[reinhard1]

maby so, but small lakes give you a bonus besides nice perch. beutifull shorelines and forests and wildlife to surround you except a vast sea of nothing. i fish the larger lakes at times, but smaller lakes are much more enjoyable for me, but whatever floats your boat. so whats your favorite lake? good luck.

[Ed Carlson]

I know your primary interest was for MN lakes, but keep an eye and ear open to the S and SE ND prairie potholes lakes and sloughs.

This region has seen a perch boom in recent years, true sumo perch, 2 lb perch pop up all the time. The perch are spreading out in this region and each season has seen more sloughs and lakes boom. I expect this season to go good.

Keep ND and Southern ND on your radar. The Glacial Lakes region of NE SD is also doing well.