Perch

I have never been on the lake in the summer, but am going to try my luck at the night trolling deal this year. I figured it would be good to take the little lady out and hit the lake in the daylight for a day first to get some marks in the GPS and maybe get her on some perch this weekend. If I were going to try to catch some perch during the day in some of the areas where a person would be night trolling in October, where, and how, would I fish for the perch? Where would I launch? Any help is appreciated.

You should be able to troll the rocks now and get some nice Jumbo’s it is getting to be that time of year. #7 Shad Raps should get you all you need

Thanks Scott! Any particular Depth, color or speed?

October is when the perch school up in the bays, we have had good luck in Isle Bay, we just chase gulls, they are there to clean up what baitfish the perch are spitting up. Just have plenty of fatheads and snip their heads and use a treble hook flash lure like you would be ice fishing. We usually don’t even turn on the depthfinder and we can see bottom, great time for kids and inpatient wives (aren’t they all!) You have a great fish fry before heading out for a few trolling passes. I assume you can use these ideas anywhere on the pond, just haven’t left Isle Bay yet.

My favorite is a #5 jointed shad rap in a firetiger color.

Picked up quite a few trolling in 12 ft of water south of Doe island. We had to sort through smaller ones but found plenty of eaters.

I usually troll a # 5 Shallow Shad Rap. Black/Silver

I will be up this weekend trolling Hornets..

Great input guys. Exactly what I am looking for. Very true comment about the impatient bride, but if the fish aren’t biting I can normally squeeze a couple extra hours out of her if she has a good supply of magazines.

What is the best place to launch a boat on that east/south east part of the lake? How much do the private resorts charge? Is there a decent option for public access?

Also, what is the water clarity like in the summer on the lake?

if you are going to be in the south east end, i love going out of isle at the public launch…no waves to deal with when launching and the bay provides enough fishing within close range, if the weather gets bad, you can still stay out there and have a decent shot at some fish.

There is a public access in Isle. It’s a little shallow but still deep enough. Just keep your motor trimmed up and you should be ok.

Thanks guys! Sounds like an adventure. I am going to catch some Eyes on Gull on Friday as a confidence builder and hit Mille Lacs Saturday, or Sunday depending on wind.

Gull has been good for me this year, but is too far from the hunting property and doesn’t quite have the quality fish that Mille Lacs reportedly has, so it is time to broaden my horizons.

Just before you leave the bay (Isle Bay) there is a sharp drop off, I’ve seen people out there, seems to always be people there. Stay along the south shore and you will see markers (as song as they havn’t been removed for winter) those are perch spots before they move into the bay. Banana, Grave Yard, and aroud Hennepin Island are all good spots to fish and easy to get to from Isle Bay. Pick up a map, or gps map and you’ll do fine. I think most guys on this site do their fall trolling on the North side and the board will be full of nice pictures and fun stories. Let us know how you did.