Fall Perch fishing

For the last 4 or 5 years we have made a fall trip to leech lake to fish perch. It seems like we are almost always a little early or a little late. Do the larger Perch usually move into the shallows ahead of the smaller fish or after the smaller fish? Last Year we caught alot of smaller fish and was told the old ” You should have been her last week ” We are now in the process of planning this years trip. We are currently looking at the Weekend of Sept. 15th. We would also like to do a little Sunfish fishing while there this year. Anyone have any ideas of where in the Steamboat bay to find some sunfish?

Thats a good question, I will just move around till I find schools of larger fish. Normaly if you are having to cull 8 out of 10 fish you should be able to find better fish. The bigger fish tend to be less in numbers but less culling make for good fishing. Cant say about the sunnies but I would look into moonlight bay (just around sand point to the north)

Keep driving until you get to Lake of the Woods Its not that much further

I have had good luck locating decent Perch by accedent while trolling for Walleyes. They love the #5 Glass Shad Raps. I have a feeling if you went with a little smaller crank you could realy find Perch quickly.