The newly snow covered perch factory now begins its annual offerings of perch. Schools have not yet reached their full potential of numbers, however Mille Lacs is currently presenting anglers with a great opportunity for perch. As permanent houses are now removed from the lake and a fresh new white blanket covers it, the lake holds a sort of freshness. I like to think of it as a new beginning. Let Perch season officially begin!
Although weather seemed to get the best of some anglers this weekend, fish were to be had deep into the lake. Throughout the year I’ve concentrated my efforts to the mid lake. Whether it be mud or gravel-mud transitions, the results have been continuously appealing. Funneling my efforts to active fish, not consistently questionable biters; has brought my attention to the top of mud flats. Whether it be 6 AM or noon has had little effect on this. Truth be told, the active fish are on the top. This is not to be confused with deep schools. Deep transition areas are producing fish, however for a consistent bite, target edges of flats and directly on top. Doing just this aided in landing the fish this weekend as I teamed up with John Kutz (Kooty).
It is no secret Mille Lacs offers an excellent fishery. In this aspect, the lake has seen an influx of attention. Partially due to lack of ice elsewhere, this influx of anglers have had to face the challenge of structure selection while being courteous of others areas. Perch fishing itself requires a large area to work. Those who sweat will be rewarded, not only for a day, but for outings in the future.
Perch relating to high portions of structure are there for a reason. That reason being food.
To limit yourself strictly to the "textbook" areas of fishing can be a regretable mistake. Textbook areas include structure breaks, points and piles. Although these areas hold fish, structure on structure can be promising. Many people hear the same thing continuously about where they should be fishing in terms of Mille Lacs. You’ve all heard it,…..Break, point, pile, top, bottom. There are two types of structure that are repeatedly overlooked while icefishing. I’ll title them Structure On Structure and Shallow. I’m really not one for clever titles but remember this next you’ve been sweating in pursuit of fish and don’t know where to turn, S.O.S.. Simple right? Mille Lacs flats contain structure on top them which hold the key to flourishing perch numbers. Bugs, Worms and plenty of other creatures thrive in the same manner of deep water areas. Edges of Mille lacs flats are not the only place to start looking. At this point, acquiring a GPS capable of digital mapping definately gives the angler an edge in looking into SOS. Using LakeMaster’s very detailed one foot contours does just that.
The fish found this weekend were caught in the middle of a mud flat. Agressive, feeding fish were around in numbers. Braving the blizzard was difficult but paid off. Fish have been iced consistently using 1/8 oz or smaller spoons tipped with the head of a fathead. I havn’t found the need for Waxies or Larva yet. These next few weeks will be the time the perch fisherman have been anticipating. I’ve been seeing bigger schools of fish feeding much more agressively. And that is a welcomed sign it can only get better from here. Remember, its a new beginning and I’m sure I’ll have something to share as my favorite fishing begins. I look forward to Lake Winnie and Mille Lacs in the near future, and you’ll hear about it here!
Heres a shot of the ice outside of hunters
Nice report matt! Looks like you had a good day. What are the current ice conditions on mille lacs?
Matt,
Awesome Report and GREAT INFORMATION!
Not to make you give up any secrets or anything, but what presentations do you think work best on top of these shallows and Structure on structure (sos as you put it
)? Are these fish going for bigger presentations like a go-devil? or would you stick to something smaller…mini-merts or something to that effect? Are you tipping with smaller minnows? Fatheads? Or something smaller like larvae? What do you think works best for these late season fish?
WE’ve had some big heaves pop up around the lake. That is really the only danger. Those big heaves should allow the lake to flex a little better with th warmer weather moving around.
The lake is drifted and a truck might get stuck cruising around the lake. Currently 32 inches of ice
Dave, I’m not a big fan of using the smaller baits perch fishing. I think 1/8 oz is ideal for a spoon. I like to use the bigger baits for the attracting qualities. It can be seen better and also can be picked up easier in the fish’ lateral line if you jig agressively with it. Theres nothing new with fishing SOS. Its just a very overlooked item.
I have been using the average size medium heads. I guess about the size of the treble hooks or bigger.
I really didn’t talk much about the shallow water fishing as it really doesn’t apply to teh perch fishing I was talking about. But in terms of walleyes,…Walleyes shallow are there for the bait. Using 6 inch suckers shallow in mille Lacs is an excellent way to get big fish. Its not a rare thing stick many big fish going shallow.
I’ll bet 80% of people are not fishing less than 15 FOW. Its a lot of water out there
Sweet report Matt!!!!
Thanks for the information, Matt!
As far as Walleyes go, I know that general practice is to hit them on the transition area itself… from deep to shallow whether it be mud-gravel transition or any other. My personal preference is to get right up on top of the shallow… not in the transition area. My personal opinion is that they move in to shallow to feed, why not target them in the feeding zone rather than just the route to get to the feeding zone. Again, just my opinion. I will stick to deep water during the day, but morning and night, you can find me in 12 FOW or less…
Good information on the lateral line. I guess I never quite thought of it beyond “sight” issue using larger lures. Makes sense the harder you fish it, the more the fish can interpret a “bait in distress” on the lateral line! Great info
Awesome Report Jr.!
Walleye yes, exactly that. Perch? maybe. I like to think of a break line as an ambush for unsuspecting fish who wander to far off the flat. But don’t ever hesitate to go all over the top of a flat. Thats my main point here. Its just one of those things people won’t usually do because they’ve caught perch fishing walleye before, so why stop when walleye season is over?? Thats the mistake I see.
I don’t do much perch fishing, though that may change here soon. So I am not 100% positive on where to target them at what time of day. I have caught them while walleye fishing as well.
Thanks for the validation on the eye’s! This has always been my assumption, but always thought maybe I was “off” due to the high concentration of people always on the transition area. Glad I am thinking like a “pro”!
Don’t let him fool you Dave. Matt simply fishes where the bowling ball is. I’ve decided to name it Wilson.
Thanks for the guided trip Matt, as usual, team honky tonk had a great time up north!!!
I gotta get my 4×4 fixed in that stinkin’ pickup if I think I’m coming back anytime soon.
If someone lost a bowling ball out in no mans land,……I have it
Actually pretty funny thing,….I set the bowling ball out and said if we can’t see it or it blows away,…its time to leave.
Great report Matt!! Those look like some dandy perch!!
Great insight on that report and good fish!
Excellent report Matt!
As for the bowling ball theory if it blows away it maybe too late to leave..
Nice report, nice looking fish.
Awesome report, Matt! It’s nice to see the perch bite is on!
Great pic of the “perch on the Marcum”, no doubt that is a JUMBO!!! Congrats on your day.