Perch fishing on Devils Lake was a bit slower this week. They acted very finicky and refused to hit at times. We could get them to rise a foot off the bottom to the lure but they would sniff the bait and drop down like a rock. Weekends can get very crowded but the tougher bit gets the less serious perch anglers to eventually go chasing walleyes or pike therebye quieting things down so us perchers can get to work.
The perch are very frontal related. As fronts pass through the area, they either turn them on or shut them off. Some days several fronts pass through and it gets very tough. The next day we can catch them quite well. Smaller perch can be the rule on those tougher days.
The perch are still there. You can mark them on your FL-18 finning the bottom. The bottom indicator (red)flutters when this occurs. You can get them to rise up by rapidly bouncing your lure, stopping the action when they start to seperate from the bottom on the unit.
Thanks for the good and honest report Kevin!
Just curious…what kind of numbers can an good perch angler expect to see in these tough front conditions for a days effort?
Also, are morning and evenings a way to up your odds when targeting these jumbos or has it been best at midday?
Thanks Kevin
Those not familar with how they bite here will get skunked on the toughest days. If you know how to fish here or listen to your guide should catch 8 to 10 on the toughest days. On the frontal days the littler perch go better.
This time of year I consider 12 a good day, If you can get over 18 that is a pretty decent day. There are the times when they let loose and you’ll get 24 nice perch.
They bite pretty much the same throughout the day. I don’t think there is a hot time to target like you do with walleyes in the low light conditions.