Lake Erie Yellow Perch Fishing

Successful catches depend on a number of different combinations which are productive for the angler. Booking a charter for perch, or even a combination charter for perch and/or walleye/smallmouth can be very rewarding. Your captain will have a lot of techniques available which the average boater does not use when fishing for perch, and in most instances will supply the perch rods and tackle. He will also procure bait and ice, and most even deliver your catch to be cleaned.

Many different rigs are used. Single hooks, spreaders, crappie rigs and “droppers” (similar to crappie rigs) are among the favorites for perch “jerkers.” Different rod combinations are used, with 5’ ultra-light rods being very productive. Sometimes with heavy wave conditions and deeper water, a little heavier rod is more effective. Various sinker weights can be used to get the bait to the bottom, from 3/4 to 1 1/2 ounces. Flat round sinkers work well with spreaders and pyramid sinkers have been effective on the single hook and “dropper” rigs. Snelled central draught hooks in the 26 to 30 size range are effective on spreaders. The “dropper” rigs are custom made and consist of snelled hooks attached to the main leader with crimped sleeves. A snap swivel at the bottom accepts the sinker and the rig is finished using a barrel swivel to tie it to the line. The finished rig will have 2 to 3 hooks depending on its configuration.

Instead of making long casts as you would in walleye fishing, you just need to release your bail and let the weight take your bait to the bottom. If you’re using a spreader, you need to raise the sinker and spreader enough to let your baited hooks hover near bottom. This would be approximately 1 foot. With the “dropper” rig, the weight is at the bottom, so you simply need to keep contact with bottom and your bait will be in the feeding zone. Both methods are productive in catching yellow perch.

You need to watch the rod tip for slight movement as many times the perch do not “hit” the bait aggressively. They simply open their mouths, engulf the minnow and start to swim. This is when the hook needs to be set or the bait and/or perch will be gone. The captain might say, “Get the bell out!.” This refers to a bell with a clip which can be attached to the rod tip to let the person know there is a bite. Although not really used, it is part of the camaraderie and fun on a fishing trip. A lot of “doubles” are boated when the perch are in a feeding frenzy. This is when you need to get your bait back to the bottom as soon as possible. Don’t miss the bite!

Perch fishing is great for a family. Everyone does not have to be an expert at using a spinning rod and reel. Watch your rod tip and you can catch a lot of perch! Don’t forget how great those fish taste on a cold winter evening. Many people prefer Lake Erie’s yellow perch over any other fish they eat. Don’t overlook this golden opportunity to fill your freezer.


		Lake Erie Yellow Perch Fishing
			by Capt. John “JW” Welch
	Even though we catch them year round, Lake Erie’s yellow perch get special attention around the first of August. From then until the weather is “just too snooty” is a great time to catch this fresh water favorite.
Successful catches depend on a number of different combinations which are productive for the angler. Booking a charter for perch, or even a combination charter for perch and/or walleye/smallmouth can be very rewarding. Your captain will have a lot of techniques available which the average boater does not use when fishing for perch, and in most instances will supply the perch rods and tackle. He will also procure bait and ice, and most even deliver your catch to be cleaned. Many different rigs are used. Single hooks, spreaders, crappie rigs and “droppers” (similar to crappie rigs) are among the favorites for perch “jerkers.” Different rod combinations are used, with 5’ ultra-light rods being very productive. Sometimes with heavy wave conditions and deeper water, a little heavier rod is more effective. Various sinker weights can be used to get the bait to the bottom, from 3/4 to 1 1/2 ounces. Flat round sinkers work well with spreaders and pyramid sinkers have been effective on the single hook and “dropper” rigs. Snelled central draught hooks in the 26 to 30 size range are effective on spreaders. The “dropper” rigs are custom made and consist of snelled hooks attached to the main leader with crimped sleeves. A snap swivel at the bottom accepts the sinker and the rig is finished using a barrel swivel to tie it to the line. The finished rig will have 2 to 3 hooks depending on its configuration. Instead of making long casts as you would in walleye fishing, you just need to release your bail and let the weight take your bait to the bottom. If you’re using a spreader, you need to raise the sinker and spreader enough to let your baited hooks hover near bottom. This would be approximately 1 foot. With the “dropper” rig, the weight is at the bottom, so you simply need to keep contact with bottom and your bait will be in the feeding zone. Both methods are productive in catching yellow perch. You need to watch the rod tip for slight movement as many times the perch do not “hit” the bait aggressively. They simply open their mouths, engulf the minnow and start to swim. This is when the hook needs to be set or the bait and/or perch will be gone. The captain might say, “Get the bell out!.” This refers to a bell with a clip which can be attached to the rod tip to let the person know there is a bite. Although not really used, it is part of the camaraderie and fun on a fishing trip. A lot of “doubles” are boated when the perch are in a feeding frenzy. This is when you need to get your bait back to the bottom as soon as possible. Don’t miss the bite! Perch fishing is great for a family. Everyone does not have to be an expert at using a spinning rod and reel. Watch your rod tip and you can catch a lot of perch! Don’t forget how great those fish taste on a cold winter evening. Many people prefer Lake Erie’s yellow perch over any other fish they eat. Don’t overlook this golden opportunity to fill your freezer.
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