You’re in a good location and probably don’t need to drive up north for perch. Like others have noted, Spirit Lake and W. Okoboji are very good lakes for perch and walleyes.

Consider going farther east, just south of Fairmont, MN and try Iowa Lake and South Silver. A good perch bite emerged this fall on these lakes; that should mean good ice fishing. Iowa lake is good-sized and might put up some sustainable numbers despite fishing pressure. Access to both lakes is good. Like others said, the perch population is cyclic so check the reports for the best action.

Thanks for the great info. I fished around Whalen again yesterday and found more trout. I didn’t see another soul out fishing – very nice. It’s nice to hear some info on the Zumbro and it being catch and release. I used to fish the Maquoketa River when I lived in Iowa – same deal catch and release – had been for many years. It worked – very nice fish in there!

This may be of minimal help but I fished Clear Lake last Sunday for four hours. Wade fished around an island on the south side of the lake. We did catch yellows and saw other caught from boats. Fishing was slow but steady. Also caught some short walleyes and saw others being caught. Water was pretty green.

I can only speak for Lake Pepin and lower pool 4. Water level and current are similiar to early August right now and clarity is exceptional for this time of year. The bite is still a little slow in most locations – expect to work some to find a pattern.