Perch fishing

With the Perch bite being almost nonexistent on Mille Lacs where is the best place to head for a decent bite on Jumbo’s. I’d like to put together a Mid to late March trip someplace. I am thinking that either Leech or Winni is the place to head. I have never ice fished Perch on either lake. Anyone have a idea of what the Perch population / bite is expected to be on either of these lakes this spring? Any other ideas of where else to maybe head

Did they disappear altogether or is it that they just haven’t started to get really active yet on ML???

I have been hearing that Winnie is back and has been doing pretty well for a few years now… Same with Leech…

Mark

I don’t think Winni is back.

FDR

Haven’t fished Wini in years but do fish Leech,where there
are a lot of Perch but you’ll catch 10-15 8″-9ers for every
10″-11″er. Just sayin be prepared to cull, and yes do buy the
xtra scoop of minners.

I think I’d target Leech. Been seeing some pics on Facebook from some friends who have done well up there.

NE SD.

Come up to devil’s that time of the year and your bound to get on some really big jumbo’s! I seen a 15 and a quarter inch perch on early ice on devil’s this year, biggest I have ever seen any where! And in the spring is one of the best times to catch them. late ice

Bitter Lake SD

yep, devils lake is hot right now, and bitter lake in south dakota has some jumbo perch as well. had to get me some last weekend from bitter. if you go to bitter, better bring a snow mobile. if you go to devils lake, better bring an auger extension…….

I’ll usually make several trips to leech that time of year, if you’re willing to bounce around you can usually get a limit of 10″-12″. If you want to make a great day head up there real early and Chase tulipees in the morning and then go Chase perch the rest of the day.

Was at Bitter in Sept. 2012. Best Perch fishing EVER. You know it’s good when you’re disappointed in your keeper walleye instead of the 12 or 13 inch jumbo.