MyFishFinder Forum
MFF US Midwest => Indiana => Topic started by: wallydiven on Jan 15, 2023, 08:17 AM
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Just wondering if anyone has been out. Target species and having any luck ?
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They're getting Perch in the slips on the shore. Not sure what the boaters have been doing.
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They're getting Perch in the slips on the shore. Not sure what the boaters have been doing.
Thanks.
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The big lake is offering a lot. By now, we know perch to the west is common knowledge. Lakers, whitefish, burbot are hanging around off the reef in front of the port. I have not heard much about coho but just trolling around last week for 90 minutes or so with shad raps, I caught lakers and browns. Not really table fare in my family but nice to catch, photo and release.
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The big lake is offering a lot. By now, we know perch to the west is common knowledge. Lakers, whitefish, burbot are hanging around off the reef in front of the port. I have not heard much about coho but just trolling around last week for 90 minutes or so with shad raps, I caught lakers and browns. Not really table fare in my family but nice to catch, photo and release.
I appreciate the info Doc. It's crazy that we are able to launch a boat out there this time of year.
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Just wondering if anyone has been out. Target species and having any luck ?
h
Plenty of fish to be had on the lake right now. P.m. for details of your desired species
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Wanting to give coho a try but don’t want to spend a lot of money ,down riggers ,dopey divers.Can you catch coho just trolling your crank baits behind boat ,any help or advise
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Wanting to give coho a try but don’t want to spend a lot of money ,down riggers ,dopey divers.Can you catch coho just trolling your crank baits behind boat ,any help or advise
Absolutely!
In the spring, they are in shallow with the browns.
Get a couple dipsey divers.
2 rods with those and 2 more up higher with deep diving plugs on them.
Add some in-line weight to get things down deeper.
Good luck.
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I run mostly flat lines with diving cranks; maglips, Jr. Thundersticks, thin fins, flicker shads. Orange,, red, gold, and firetiger are generally most productive colors. Was out yesterday and motored up to Cook from New Buffalo. Only managed 4. Waves picked up more than predicted and made a short trip shorter with a slow ride back.
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I run mostly flat lines with diving cranks; maglips, Jr. Thundersticks, thin fins, flicker shads. Orange,, red, gold, and firetiger are generally most productive colors. Was out yesterday and motored up to Cook from New Buffalo. Only managed 4. Waves picked up more than predicted and made a short trip shorter with a slow ride back.
Have you been to the Oliver Lake chain yet? I used to get some nice trout (both bows and browns) before the stocking began. Then I couldn't keep the stockers off my hook and it was quite annoying.
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Was on Oliver once this past fall and managed 2 trout trolling. Might try to get out again before they stock it
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Was on Oliver once this past fall and managed 2 trout trolling. Might try to get out again before they stock it
Don't be afraid to target big browns close to the bottom with live bait drifting. Historically when the browns were more plentiful we used to connect with some big ones close to the bottom vs. suspended. A 9 pounder was taken last year on the bottom in Olin on a dead chub which I posted here.
https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/index.php?topic=80137.0
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Anyone find gold today?
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This morning was pretty bumpy out there and my friends who typically go stayed on shore. The afternoon shaped up and tomorrow looks like a banner day.
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Anyone find gold today?
Been fishing them for a month or better
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As of now, next Monday the 20th. looks like a favorable day to give it a go. Calling for winds from south at 7 m.p.h. Too soon to tell, you all know how these weathermen are at predicting the weather. Keeping my fingers crossed anyway.
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Good luck with that. They can't predict tommorows weather correctly, doubt they will be right a week out.
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Hey, I am going to church tomorrow and will leave a bit more in the collection basket. A prayer or two won't hurt. Still keeping my fingers crossed.
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A question ,by regs are you required to have a marine radio if you are just perch fishing and trolling for coho close to shore.I don’t need a fine if you are supposed to have one.If so I’ve been lucky and haven’t been checked.I do have all the other safety gear
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A question ,by regs are you required to have a marine radio if you are just perch fishing and trolling for coho close to shore.I don’t need a fine if you are supposed to have one.If so I’ve been lucky and haven’t been checked.I do have all the other safety gear
This is a good question. I don't have 1 either. I don't think you need to have one. Hope it is a personal choice.
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Not required any more but there are other requirements, like flares and whistles, even if close to shore. Best to look it up before you go, the coast guard is very thorough if you get boarded. Make sure your vests and throwable are coast guard approved and fit the people on your boat.
*also make sure vest are readily accessible, not tucked in a compartment *
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As of now, next Monday the 20th. looks like a favorable day to give it a go. Calling for winds from south at 7 m.p.h. Too soon to tell, you all know how these weathermen are at predicting the weather. Keeping my fingers crossed anyway.
There are 2 days fishable before the day you claim.
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There are 2 days fishable before the day you claim.
like tomorrow and Thursday?
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You go get them. A bit of frostbite keeps me home when it is this cold. I like it around 40 degrees. Still hoping for Monday.
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So, Mike tell us how did today.
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A question ,by regs are you required to have a marine radio if you are just perch fishing and trolling for coho close to shore.I don’t need a fine if you are supposed to have one.If so I’ve been lucky and haven’t been checked.I do have all the other safety gear
Marine radios are not required on vessels under 28'. One thing I did learn while I was out there several years back is that inflatable life jackets must be worn at all times. Fortunately I didn't get any tickets for not having them on but it was certainly a lesson learned to know all the regulations required before venturing into navigable waters. It's much different than the inland lakes I grew up boating on.
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So, Mike tell us how did today.
don't know about Mike, but I got my 5 coho in a couple hours. Should have taken the boat and went after perch but I was limited on time. Would have been perfect day for it.
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So, Mike tell us how did today.
AL, been catching fish on the big lake since late janruary... it was a secret for a short term. Not anymore. I ended up having to work. When there are good wind days and no work involved. Its a no-brainer to go fish. Doesnt matter what one person report has been.
Have had 5 man limits in 30 minutes. Have had trips it took 3-4 of us 3-4 hours to get limits.
I had to work. So no, i didnt get them. Am i afraid to go my next day available depending wind/work... absolutely not. Its fishing. Good sticks prevail in the end. Tight lines!!!! Stay safe!
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Cormorants haven't shown up this year or last year, and the winter perch are showing back up. Would love to see a season closed on perch for the month of february and march. Protect the hatch. Bring back what we had 15-25 years ago.
Guys are abusing fish out of 50+ foot of water. Throwing back 10-11" fat eaters cause they want 13"+
Them guys deserve smacked in the face with a baseball bat, at least. Fish out of 50' of water is going to die. Keep it and eat it. We as fisherman ruin our ownselves!!!!!! Stop being greedy and enjoy what is given.
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Im shore fishing in the morning, for coho (wind not right for the boat) 20 degree temps.. if that tells you anything.......
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Good luck Al, let us know how you did.
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Too cold and windy. Didn't go. We have a lot of rain coming in over the next 10 days. Maybe i will get out. Maybe not on the big lake but, somewhere.
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Fished the big lake today and got 13 coho and steelhead with a buddy and our kids. Supper fun day with near non stop action in the 2.5 hours we could be out. Fish hit everything today and all we talked with had limits
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Did not get out particularly early this morning... 8:30ish and I was surprised how busy the ramp was at Portage. Being an old guy and somewhat opinionated, my first thought was... does anyone go to work anymore? My second thought was... good for everyone... I hope they are catching fish... Went with a friend that I fish with a couple of times a year and we headed to the clay bank area north of US Steel. Pretty easy navigation this morning as the lake was kind and upon arrival, there were maybe a dozen boats. Noticed a few bent rods and set the minn kota in spot lock mode. With the south wind, the boat positioned appropriately and the full windshield made my makeshift office on the water very comfortable to say the least. My friend was more excited it seemed as he had not yet perch fished this year. He dropped a perch rig over tipped with minnows and in very short order, had a nice 12" perch. I fiddled around deciding what blade bait I wanted to play with and it wasn't long before I also was hooked up. We had our 30 before you knew it and we decided to keep the first 30 we caught. I realize it is personal preference and personal decision but we all know these smaller perch simply are not going to survive if released. Unfortunately, we saw several boats releasing fish and I guess fortunately, the seagulls seemed busy and happy. We certainly have become spoiled this season with these large perch as we saw a few "floater" perch that were released that had to be every bit of 10". Man, in the summer months and also in the fall over at Cal Park, we would be very content with 10" perch. I don't know how long this bonanza will last but I would encourage you all to get out and enjoy this fantastic perch fishing.
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Can't believe I'm saying this but this very thread I started has grown to become my nemesis. I'm truly grateful for everyone reporting here about all the success they are having on such a variety of species. In the beginning of January I dropped my new (less than a year old) boat off at the marina for a few "minor" warranty issues. Long story short and countless hours of being on the phone I'm still without a boat. So I'm very appreciative of everyone for rubing in all the action they are having while I'm stuck waving at you from the shore :D :'( :'( :'(
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Great to hear people are catching fish! That's what it's all about!
Wallydiver I hope you get your issues resolved soon. If I lived closer, could get out, and had a boat worthy of the big lake you'd be welcome to tag along.
Speaking of boats I won't be bringing my trailered one on vacation with me out east. The lake (they call them ponds in New England) doesn't open a gate for driving in with a boat trailer until the swimming beach opens, which isn't until June 17th. However, you can launch a kayak anytime as there is enough space to fit through if you pull a kayak by hand. It's been explained to me that school doesn't let out until then out there, and that's when they get their summer help to regulate the beach etc. of which they close the gate at night. Also thanks to some jackasses they have had vandalism if they leave the gate open with no one around. Always somebody that ruins it for everybody else! I'm bummed but at least I have a kayak.
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Can't believe I'm saying this but this very thread I started has grown to become my nemesis. I'm truly grateful for everyone reporting here about all the success they are having on such a variety of species. In the beginning of January I dropped my new (less than a year old) boat off at the marina for a few "minor" warranty issues. Long story short and countless hours of being on the phone I'm still without a boat. So I'm very appreciative of everyone for rubing in all the action they are having while I'm stuck waving at you from the shore :D :'( :'( :'(
plenty of shore action, just not for perch
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plenty of shore action, just not for perch
That is correct. We sure can appreciate how fortunate we are to have access to such an incredible fishery from shore. For me however, I can't justify traveling without the boat to fish . That's why we have them right? I'd be coming from the Kosciusko County area close to Warsaw.
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Does anyone have an idea how long the perch will stay on the clay flats north of Gary Lighthouse? I am hoping the weather will give us some peaceful weather before they scatter. Want to get out when the nerves say it is ok.
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Looks like it may be a productive day searching for perch. I messed up my ankle and wrist and hope a few days of care and rest and I will be back to my norm. Good luck for you guys who get out.
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any reports?
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I haven't heard anything about perch but coho are definitely slowing down, at least from shore.
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I finally went and picked up my boat today from the marina (it still isn't finished ). Everything that is supposed to be covered under warranty and isn't done I will just complete myself. It's been an exhausting experience to say the least. As much as I want to hit the big pond this weekend, I now have made plans to leave very early Saturday morning to chase the walleye on St. Claire. Saturday and Sunday morning. Lake Michigan is about a 2 hour drive from me and Claire is about 3.5 so I'm fortunate to have those options. Good luck to everyone that's able to get out this weekend!! The weather guessers are calling for a beautiful weekend !!
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I am planning on trying it on Monday. I am hoping someone else is planning on going after perch. It would be nice to know that there will be someone else out there just in case.
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Planning on trolling for coho tomorrow out of Michigan city .First time doing that.Has anyone picked up any since the weather has settled down.
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Batteries all charged, tank full, rods ready, and nice weather, everything that you need to get boat out on first voyage of the year. Now just to find the gold. LOL
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Batteries all charged, tank full, rods ready, and nice weather, everything that you need to get boat out on first voyage of the year. Now just to find the gold. LOL
You know those fish don't bite very well in nice weather. ;D
Just joking. I hope you slay 'em. Enjoy!
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Still looking like a go for tomorrow. Anyone want to meet up?
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You know those fish don't bite very well in nice weather. ;D
Just joking. I hope you slay 'em. Enjoy!
they definitely don't bite from home!
Good luck Al, be safe.
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Me and my brother trolled 4 lines and all kinds of baits.NO COHO NOTHING. NADA! Watched 10 other boats with same result .We fished Michigan city area.maybe other areas were doing better STILL A BEAUTIFUL DAY ON THE WATER REGARDLESS
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Would like to try perch out of portage but never been.IF SOME ONE COULD POINT ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION ,Where to launch and how far out ,LOCAL BAIT SHOP ECT THAT WOULD BE GREAT
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It has been many years since I have been to the clay flats north of the Gary Lighthouse. Once you get to lighthouse you have to go due north 3 to 5 miles. From Burnes Ditch in Portage the total run is about 8 to 10 miles. You want to find water depth 55 to 60 fow. You get your bait from Slez's on Ripley street just south of expressway 1 block west side. Good bait. I usually fish for perch once they come in the shallower water. 20 to 35 fow. I am venturing out tomorrow in deeper waters. Have to have the right wind to travel that far. My boat is only 16.5 feet. If you had a 34 footer it would be no problem. Hope this helps. Al
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Didn’t realize it was that far out I’ll wait for summer closer to shore time.I only have 16.5 deep v also
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they definitely don't bite from home!
Good luck Al, be safe.
They sure don't!
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Great day to b on the lake. I found the clay flats I went a mile or so to far west. Actually, as soon as you hit the coke plant, you go north. There were 18 boats there when I got there around 8:45. fished from 53 to 58 feet deep. Only caught 4. Trying to get used to new trolling motor and Garmin fish finder. Still have to get the bugs out. Talked to quite a few boats. Some got their limits some only a few. I think if we would of had Shiners, we could have done much better. My buddy asked for perch minnows and Rich gave him crappie minnows. One guy said he got 2 16-inch perch. I would have loved to see them. Never saw anything that big alive. Tomorrow looks like another nice day. Have to decide if my body can handle another day out there. It won't last much longer. Get out this week before they say goodbye. Stayed out about 6 hours. Maybe getting out earlier would have helped as well. Thats why they call it fishing. Had a blast getting out. Tired of looking at the 4 walls.
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Great day to b on the lake. I found the clay flats I went a mile or so to far west. Actually, as soon as you hit the coke plant, you go north. There were 18 boats there when I got there around 8:45. fished from 53 to 58 feet deep. Only caught 4. Trying to get used to new trolling motor and Garmin fish finder. Still have to get the bugs out. Talked to quite a few boats. Some got their limits some only a few. I think if we would of had Shiners, we could have done much better. My buddy asked for perch minnows and Rich gave him crappie minnows. One guy said he got 2 16-inch perch. I would have loved to see them. Never saw anything that big alive. Tomorrow looks like another nice day. Have to decide if my body can handle another day out there. It won't last much longer. Get out this week before they say goodbye. Stayed out about 6 hours. Maybe getting out earlier would have helped as well. Thats why they call it fishing. Had a blast getting out. Tired of looking at the 4 walls.
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Nice job Abishop, glad you got out.
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Don't believe everything you hear Al til you see it first hand...I call BS on 2, 16 inchers caught especially from the same boat...never has this ever happened in Indiana waters on Lake Michigan...But glad you got out, caught a few, and enjoyed your day.
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16inchers not impossible but not likely either. One mans 16incher is another's 13. Either way i'm sure they were big fish. Wish i could catch that size. Glad you got out on such a nice day. Second day is always better than first.
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Thats 4 more perch than I caught at work. Amazing day to be outside
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Can anyone post a pic of A 16-inch perch next to a tape measure?
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Probably not. Taxi just posted a pic of a giant grown in ideal conditions, and it wasn't 16 inches.
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Can anyone post a pic of A 16-inch perch next to a tape measure?
Here's one next to a tape measure. This one was 16 1/4 caught through the ice in one of my ponds back in 2005. She weighed 2.81 pounds or 2 lbs. 13 oz. My apologies if I've posted it here before. I have not caught one 16 or over since.
https://freshwater-aquaculture.extension.org/yellow-perch-aquaculture/
On a funny note does anyone remember when a guy posted a picture of a yellow perch on a checkered table cloth here? As it turned out he apparently had cut the tape measure and concealed it under the fish to make it look bigger. Problem was the length of the squares on the table cloth were easily seen next to the tape measure, and they just doesn't add up to the size he said it was. I forget what length he said it was, but going by the length of the squares it was only about 12 inches. IIRR he kind of disappeared in embarrassment. :rotflol: It's hard to fool experienced anglers!
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Don't believe everything you hear Al til you see it first hand...I call BS on 2, 16 inchers caught especially from the same boat...never has this ever happened in Indiana waters on Lake Michigan...But glad you got out, caught a few, and enjoyed your day.
Strange there's never pictures of those 16 or 18 inchers. But lots of pics of smaller ones. I wonder why that is? :rotflol:
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I am only referring to Indiana waters of Lake Michigan and don't know much about perch in the rest of the state. But I can only recall myself ever hearing about 1 single 16 inch fish caught in 2010 by a gentleman by the name of Steve Fiorio from Dyer, Indiana. It measured 16 5/8... the fish was mentioned in the outdoor notebook, Chicago Sun Times, and was Indianas fish of the year...there were pics of the guy holding the fish but never seen one next to a tape or a bump board either...now I've caught lots and lots of legitimate 14s but I have only hit that 15inch mark once in my life on the big lake...I'm not saying a 16 doesn't exist, but.......
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If anyone makes it out to the clay flats today, please share wave height. They say 1 foot or less? Looking ahead on Saturday calling for 13 miles per hour out of the south. What does this mean in actual height? Would like to go again, maybe???
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I am only referring to Indiana waters of Lake Michigan and don't know much about perch in the rest of the state. But I can only recall myself ever hearing about 1 single 16 inch fish caught in 2010 by a gentleman by the name of Steve Fiorio from Dyer, Indiana. It measured 16 5/8... the fish was mentioned in the outdoor notebook, Chicago Sun Times, and was Indianas fish of the year...there were pics of the guy holding the fish but never seen one next to a tape or a bump board either...now I've caught lots and lots of legitimate 14s but I have only hit that 15inch mark once in my life on the big lake...I'm not saying a 16 doesn't exist, but.......
My yellow perch are pellet fed regularly and still I don't get too many that top the 15 inch mark either. 14's are common if I let them live long enough. It may be genetic.
I have a friend in Michigan that when he hears of a large perch caught and mounted somewhere will drive a long distance to authenticate it. Most of time he says they are never as big as they are said to be. He says 16 and over yellow perch are extremely rare.