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MFF US Midwest => Indiana => Topic started by: abishop on Jun 15, 2018, 08:35 AM

Title: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jun 15, 2018, 08:35 AM
Anyone going in the next few days with the south winds we are suppose to have? Hoping they make their way closer to shore soon. Anyone getting them yet?
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: fishcrazy on Jun 15, 2018, 02:16 PM
Marked some pods yesterday. Not much action yet near Ogden dunes
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jun 16, 2018, 11:19 AM
Marked some pods yesterday. Not much action yet near Ogden dunes
Thanks for the report. Guess there isn't many people out fishing for them yet. It should be happening any day now. I HOPE. Haven't got many the past few years. Praying this is a better year.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jun 16, 2018, 11:36 AM
I do knoe that they are there to be had but you had to put your time in and not wait for other people to tell you that they are on
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jun 16, 2018, 12:54 PM
I do knoe that they are there to be had but you had to put your time in and not wait for other people to tell you that they are on
Lake Michigan is quite large. Once they make it a bit closer to shore I will be out. Until then, I guess I will just stay home. At nearly 50 bucks each time out, and not working, I can't afford to go and explore. However, there are enough other people who are more than willing to help me out. Guess you have to get out of Wheatfield more. Thanks for NOTHING
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jun 16, 2018, 01:44 PM
Oh your welcome Al , they show up in the same spot every year year after year
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jun 16, 2018, 01:48 PM
Oh your welcome Al , they show up in the same spot every year year after year
Just a matter of time. The last few years they were only in the usual spots for a short time. Just a waiting game. FISH IT AND THEY WILL COME. LMAO
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jun 29, 2018, 11:18 AM
Anyone been getting any? I am hoping to get out Tuesday.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: indianahooker on Jun 29, 2018, 03:54 PM
i bet they are on fire.  better go see man!
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jun 29, 2018, 04:28 PM
Tuesday look out here I come
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: purduebass on Jun 29, 2018, 04:29 PM
I was out on the big lake last week bass fishing and saw lots of boats offshore that looked to be perch fishing.  Im not sure if they were catching anything.  I never talked to anybody at the ramp that was fishing for them but there were several boats out that were in the normal perch spots.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jun 29, 2018, 05:35 PM
I was out on the big lake last week bass fishing and saw lots of boats offshore that looked to be perch fishing.  Im not sure if they were catching anything.  I never talked to anybody at the ramp that was fishing for them but there were several boats out that were in the normal perch spots.
Thanks 4 the info. Out of portage or Michigan city?
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jun 30, 2018, 03:30 PM
I will be out there tomorrow if plans stay the way they are now. And will post what I find
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: boondox on Jun 30, 2018, 03:49 PM
Was getting them perch on erie wednessday and Thursday till this warm south west wind came in.. right now there is a huge mayfly/fish fly hatch so every thing shuts down tI'll the fish get sick of eatting mayflies.. any how with this heat I am thinking the perch will move deeper so they don't get to hot??  In warm water.. I was fishing from shore and managed a few.. Thursday when there I managed less cause of it being 89*f I think they moved further out.. so be aware of that..
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: purduebass on Jul 01, 2018, 09:40 AM
Thanks 4 the info. Out of portage or Michigan city?
We went out of Portage.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jul 01, 2018, 07:43 PM
They are there but wind was rough and tough to stay on um !
(https://s15.postimg.cc/pd880prs7/IMG_20180701_152944794.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/pd880prs7/)
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jul 01, 2018, 08:02 PM
Oh, I see the few in the pic. Got you some bonus chrome. Congrats.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: boondox on Jul 01, 2018, 09:53 PM
Nice! And Chrome too.. 
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jul 02, 2018, 06:38 AM
Thank you , it was a good day to be out minus the wind . Had a great time and had a good Feist !
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jul 02, 2018, 06:58 PM
Should be at the Michigan city launch around 630 am. Hope to see others as well. Good luck, should be a nice day with light winds. 
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jul 03, 2018, 02:57 PM
Very slow this morning. Kept only 5 that went 7 inches and 3 other throw back 4 inches. Next trip is the weed beds, Saturday hopefully.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: boondox on Jul 03, 2018, 06:54 PM
Very slow this morning. Kept only 5 that went 7 inches and 3 other throw back 4 inches. Next trip is the weed beds, Saturday hopefully.


Some times I find them around the weed beds..  cause there's is more oxygen Givin off by the plants in this warm weather..
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jul 04, 2018, 06:59 AM
Yes, the bigger fish usually hang out there also, like tossing them soft shells. Looks like all the bait shops quit picking up the rusties and all I can find now is the creek soft shells. . Unfortunately, there are very limited areas with weeds in lake Michigan, that I know of.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: libo on Jul 04, 2018, 11:43 AM
hi abishop,  I was one of the guys you talked to. we were in a black lund. we ended up catching around 20 perch an not 1 over 7". all went back in. caught some nice fish in early june, but since than its been tough. this might be a tough yr, heard from dnr that a couple of year classes of perch are missing. poor spawn years. good luck , there still are some good ones out there.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jul 04, 2018, 12:22 PM
hi abishop,  I was one of the guys you talked to. we were in a black lund. we ended up catching around 20 perch an not 1 over 7". all went back in. caught some nice fish in early june, but since than its been tough. this might be a tough yr, heard from dnr that a couple of year classes of perch are missing. poor spawn years. good luck , there still are some good ones out there.
I heard from a dnr that the perch should have a better year this year compared to the last two. Guess there are fewer  mussels than usual (not the zebra but the others quava (sp)?  so there is more zooplankton for the perch to eat. Who knows???? Either way, it is a BIG LAKE, have to keep looking.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: MC_angler on Jul 04, 2018, 01:19 PM
Perch recruitment has been spotty for a decade. There was a great spawn in 2015, that's where all the 5-7 inchers are coming from. There are still some from the 2003 (very few), 2005, 2009 yearclasses (off the top of my head, I think those were decent spawns) to give some nice big ones.

Perch is looking up but I don't think it's going to be truly good until those 2015 fish are all 9 and 10 inchers. That will still be a couple years
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jul 05, 2018, 09:27 AM
FYI, It is a free launch if your boat is registered in Indiana. Someone said you have to get there early otherwise there is a fee. I believe the first 15 boats putting in at Pastrick Marina is free then they charge 15 bucks. But, don't hold that to me. I do know that the lot you park your boat trailers in isn't very safe. I have heard of guys coming back and having their trucks broken in to. GOOD LUCK. KEEP US POSTED.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: boondox on Jul 05, 2018, 01:20 PM
Michigan dnr is reporting jumbo perch in 25 fow.. in the st joe area.. on their reports page might be a tad different on lake michigan compared to erie.. and we have been sorting threw a lot of 4 to 7 inch perch for the bigger ones too on erie..
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: northrn-duck-assassin on Jul 07, 2018, 03:09 PM
Giving it an honest effort tomorrow, gonna fish to the west. Hope it goes well.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jul 07, 2018, 03:17 PM
Giving it an honest effort tomorrow, gonna fish to the west. Hope it goes well.
GOOD LUCK, Let us know how u do. Think I will wait till Monday with the west winds.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jul 07, 2018, 10:13 PM
My buddy and myself will be out in the AM . Got a new boat and figured I'd break it in chasing some perch !
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: boondox on Jul 07, 2018, 11:50 PM
The report I read said 25 fow in the st joe area..  before this cool weather came in I would start at the weeds as deep as they go and work my way in shallower .. best advise I can give hope you end up with a ton of 9 to 12 inch perch any how pls. Take pictures it keeps up entertained.. but pls don't burn your spot if you can.. I hate seeing bad feeling on here with a bunch nice people..
 
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: RoeBoat on Jul 08, 2018, 08:41 PM
Where's the pics?
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: wallin on Jul 09, 2018, 05:52 PM
There have been good reports out of both states, BUT there in 1 day and the next gone.
I heard maybe because of to many big fish in the shallows still???
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: northrn-duck-assassin on Jul 10, 2018, 09:26 AM
There have been good reports out of both states, BUT there in 1 day and the next gone.
I heard maybe because of to many big fish in the shallows still???

Im going to think it has more to do with the constant changing of the winds out of the north about every 4 days.. then throw in an east wind or two.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jul 10, 2018, 04:58 PM
I agree with NDA
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jul 14, 2018, 11:41 PM
Finally got a nice mess on the new boat ! Took all day but it was well worth it and a beautiful day to do so !
(https://s15.postimg.cc/wj8ua8v53/IMG_20180714_205551005.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/wj8ua8v53/)

(https://s15.postimg.cc/ueoh94ynb/IMG_20180714_205830633.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ueoh94ynb/)
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jul 15, 2018, 09:31 AM
Finally got a nice mess on the new boat ! Took all day but it was well worth it and a beautiful day to do so !
(https://s15.postimg.cc/wj8ua8v53/IMG_20180714_205551005.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/wj8ua8v53/)

(https://s15.postimg.cc/ueoh94ynb/IMG_20180714_205830633.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ueoh94ynb/)
GOOD JOB, Where did you launch from?
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jul 15, 2018, 08:04 PM
Michigan city , and again today did pretty good.  Haven't taken pics yet just got home and put everything on ice for tomorrow. But managaed 20 hogs and o e bonus channel cat about 5 lbs
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jul 16, 2018, 12:28 PM

(https://s15.postimg.cc/6sq3shmfb/IMG_20180716_093402361.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/6sq3shmfb/)


Biggest was 13 , and headed back for some more  ;D
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jul 16, 2018, 02:03 PM
Stay on them. Looks like the winds are changing till Thursday. Hoping to get out then if the lake dies down. Hope fish are still around and hungry. What was the depth?
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jul 16, 2018, 04:03 PM
There still here today , and it's 25 to 17
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: boondox on Jul 16, 2018, 04:22 PM
Sweet!! Getting in those  jumbo's
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Jig_Head on Jul 16, 2018, 06:59 PM
Great job spooled85! Some real tanks in there. I went Friday and kept 6. 26 to 31fow
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jul 16, 2018, 07:21 PM
Thank you jig head.... Got to get them all the gettin's good. Another mess tonight looks like tonight will be it until next weekend hopefully the weather cooperates and they stay around
(https://s8.postimg.cc/jqzmaagn5/IMG_20180716_183425313.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/jqzmaagn5/)
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jul 18, 2018, 05:19 PM
Going out in morning from Michigan City. Should b fishing by 7 am. Hope to see someone there. Wish me luck....
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jul 18, 2018, 06:31 PM
Good luck it's going to be rough finding them after these wins we've had the last two days hopefully they're still there
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jul 18, 2018, 06:34 PM
Good luck it's going to be rough finding them after these wins we've had the last two days hopefully they're still there
Story of my life. It is suppose to rain Friday then north winds. The good thing is, I start a new job next week. So, tomorrow may be my last chance to catch a few for a couple weeks. Time to make da doughnuts.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jul 18, 2018, 06:50 PM
Well good luck to ya
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jul 19, 2018, 05:25 PM
Caught 7 and lost a steelhead at the boat.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: taxid on Jul 19, 2018, 05:52 PM
Glad you finally got out.

Too bad it was only 7.

I remember the good ol' days when you could almost fill up your boat out there.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jul 19, 2018, 06:32 PM
How deep Al ?
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jul 19, 2018, 07:29 PM
26-37, tight to the bottom I caught all the fish. My buddy was using a crappie rig and never got a bite. I was using a splitter which kept my bait 1 or 2 inches from the bottom. I was surprised to see more boats hunting for chrome than perch. Started by condos, no bites for over a hour than went towards black ditch.. Probably 8 boats in area never seen any fish caught. After searching for about a hour decided to call it quits. We were the only boat out east. One other came for about 15 minutes than left. Looks like it is going to be about 10 more days till I go again. MAYBE.....We need a solid week of south winds. The temp dropped 9 degrees since last time I was out. 2 weeks ago it was 72 today it was 63. North winds blew in the colder water.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jul 19, 2018, 07:42 PM
Wow it was 79 Monday .... I'm on call tomorrow  so may give it a go
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jul 19, 2018, 08:47 PM
All my years fishing lake Mi. I have never seen it warmer than 74.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jul 20, 2018, 09:32 AM

(https://s8.postimg.cc/ll2ele0y9/IMG_20180716_154854002.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ll2ele0y9/)


Top left corner
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: taxid on Jul 20, 2018, 01:50 PM
I thought it was south winds that bring in colder water by blowing out the warmer water?
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jul 20, 2018, 02:16 PM
I can really work both ways if you think about it . But most the time with a normal south wind the Michigan City shores are mostly dune coverd so the warm water tends to stay around where going more west the south winds can circulate the water more , if that makes sense
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: boondox on Jul 20, 2018, 04:16 PM
Sure your temp probe is not off or broken?? Or miscalibrated ??


https://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/glcfs/glcfs.php?lake=m&ext=swt&type=N&hr=36 (https://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/glcfs/glcfs.php?lake=m&ext=swt&type=N&hr=36)


Looking at this link above  the highest temp is 72.9*f.. unless your still in the harbor in stagnet water?? That's the only explonation I can think of?? 
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jul 20, 2018, 05:25 PM
Sure your temp probe is not off or broken?? Or miscalibrated ??


https://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/glcfs/glcfs.php?lake=m&ext=swt&type=N&hr=36 (https://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/glcfs/glcfs.php?lake=m&ext=swt&type=N&hr=36)


Looking at this link above  the highest temp is 72.9*f.. unless your still in the harbor in stagnet water?? That's the only explonation I can think of??
There are some warm water discharges that might AFFECT THE ACTUAL GIVEN TEMP. jUST MY 2 CENTS.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: MC_angler on Jul 20, 2018, 06:09 PM
Surface temps have been higher than 75 a few times this year

http://glbuoys.glos.us/tools/plotter?data_type=buoy&units=eng&locs=45170

Select Parameter #1 to be water temperature and the time period to be past 30 days, then click Update Plot


It's been over 75 six times in the past 30 days and hit 80 twice

Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: boondox on Jul 20, 2018, 06:16 PM
Surface temps have been higher than 75 a few times this year

http://glbuoys.glos.us/tools/plotter?data_type=buoy&units=eng&locs=45170

Select Parameter #1 to be water temperature and the time period to be past 30 days, then click Update Plot


It's been over 75 six times in the past 30 days and hit 80 twice


That's the other thing I was not sure of if the wind shifted?  cause around here its a little stronger today??  then it was the last two days??  it might be it was stagnet the two day before and now it's moving and churning. with the wind we got?? And cooler water moved in from thd bottom??
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jul 20, 2018, 06:29 PM
This was Monday buy black ditch 20 fow and my equipment is brand spanking new
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: taxid on Jul 20, 2018, 07:30 PM
There are some warm water discharges that might AFFECT THE ACTUAL GIVEN TEMP. jUST MY 2 CENTS.

Or an earthquake.  :D

Sorry could resist!
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: apricot brandy on Jul 20, 2018, 09:31 PM
Hammond Marina, Cal Park and years ago the old Buffington Pier always had colder water  from a south wind. It blew the warmer surface water out. Conversely a north wind would blow the warm surface water toward shore and the bite was over. Several days of south wind always increased the bite.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jul 21, 2018, 05:30 PM
The north winds are really churning up the lake now. 10 footers. WOW.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Jul 23, 2018, 09:44 AM
Don't look good for perch this weekend either . North winds for the next three days ....smh.... Just as it got good  :-\
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: PEARCHEYES on Aug 01, 2018, 06:14 PM
When is the weather pattern going to give us a break.One or two days of south to southwest winds and then back to north.I haven’t been up there yet but would like a window of opportunity to give it a try,any one been out lately
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Aug 01, 2018, 10:15 PM
It's been a while I plan to try this weekend ( hopefully)
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Aug 04, 2018, 12:00 PM
Anyone make it out today? I have tomorrow off and was thinking I would like to give it a try. MAYBE...
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: PEARCHEYES on Aug 06, 2018, 06:35 AM
Had plans of going today but my ac went out in the house 😡.Its always something .Any one out over the weekend and how was the bite
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Aug 06, 2018, 08:19 AM
You won't miss much . Storms over the lake now and the perch are not biting ! Saw two 6 inchers caught all day and all my good spots didn't have a perch on them .
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: PEARCHEYES on Aug 13, 2018, 07:45 PM
Have tomorrow off ,thinking about making the trip to m city any good reports or least someone who’s been out with a report good or bad.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: wallin on Aug 13, 2018, 09:47 PM
Not seen anything worth going for, but its different everyday, water is warm down to 50 ft or more.
good luck hope you find some.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: PEARCHEYES on Aug 31, 2018, 10:33 AM
Anyone going to give it a try this weekend,I wish I could ,south winds for most of weekend ,fill me in if you find them!
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Sep 01, 2018, 08:57 AM
Anyone going to give it a try this weekend,I wish I could ,south winds for most of weekend ,fill me in if you find them!
Would love to hear about someone getting some. If they are around I would like to give it a go on Monday...
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Sep 01, 2018, 11:03 AM
Just heard that perch r being caught by Washington pier in the mouth. I would like to have someone who has been there to confirm this. ANYONE????
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: MC_angler on Sep 01, 2018, 02:30 PM
Yes, people have been catching perch in the harbor at MC for about a week or two


water temps look good for perch fishing in the normal spots, too
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Sep 02, 2018, 07:29 AM
Anyone going after the gold today. I will b going tomorrow. Unless the wife has other plans.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: PEARCHEYES on Sep 03, 2018, 09:09 AM
Finally all things are lining up,south winds ,cool water ,and I have the day off Tuesday .Im going to be on the water by 630,hope those perch are hungry.If any one has been out let’s hear some good reports ,I’m definitely going regardless 😁
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Sep 03, 2018, 10:47 AM
Good luck , ain't looking good on the 10 day with all the rain and storms . And looks like they got some storms up that was today also
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: fishcrazy on Sep 04, 2018, 01:14 PM
The monsoon didn’t help at all. Only a few at MC and a couple doubles on at portage but no size or numbers. Only marked a couple small pods
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Sep 04, 2018, 04:45 PM
From what I'm hearing from the charter community there is not any big numbers or sizes being found ....
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: fishcrazy on Sep 04, 2018, 05:36 PM
It’s a shame. Last couple years have not been good. Miss having fun perch fishing it’s more of a chore now. Everyone was trolling by the mouth in Portage. Kings are probably closer with temps around 60degrees
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Sep 04, 2018, 06:06 PM
The perch was actually better this yr than the past few for me . It lasted about 3 weekends and then all the north winds scattered them ! Lil early for Kings yet but it shouldn't be long. Heck I was in Orange county this past weekend and they are already showing the start of some fall colors ! What was the water temp while you was out ?
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: taxid on Sep 04, 2018, 06:33 PM
The perch was actually better this yr than the past few for me . It lasted about 3 weekends and then all the north winds scattered them ! Lil early for Kings yet but it shouldn't be long. Heck I was in Orange county this past weekend and they are already showing the start of some fall colors ! What was the water temp while you was out ?

60 F. on the surface due to the south winds?!
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: fishcrazy on Sep 04, 2018, 06:44 PM
I was in the Upper Peninsula during the best perch run this year..so everyone tells me. Will definitely fish them for a while yet I live close. Temps were low 60F anywhere past the breakwalls
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Sep 04, 2018, 06:49 PM
Wow that is crazy ! Last time I was out it was in the 80's
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: PEARCHEYES on Sep 04, 2018, 07:39 PM
Well had emergency pop up at work and made some money instead of going ,by the sounds of last post I didn’t miss much.I think I will just give up this year and wait it out for cooler weather around my neck of the woods .plenty of nice perch to be had on wawasee!
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: fishcrazy on Sep 05, 2018, 07:35 AM
I need to make the trek east just haven’t had a chance. Off the last week this month   Watch out wawa here I come
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: 1eyechaser on Sep 07, 2018, 12:02 PM
There are perch in New Buffalo, lots of shorts but if you work at it you can catch some decent fish. Friend and I fished last weekend
and we finished with 66 keepers from 8-11 inchers no jumbos but some nice ones.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: wallin on Sep 07, 2018, 07:51 PM
 I seen the pics of the cooler.
Hope there still there after this weather.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: fishcrazy on Sep 08, 2018, 09:11 AM
Hopefully they are good surfers. 10footers today
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: MC_angler on Sep 15, 2018, 06:06 AM
Perch bite was good yesterday in Michigan City.

20-30 feet, some at Black Ditch, others fished the Condos

weather looks good and stable, time to get out for one last hurrah

FYI over the last 5 years, September has had the best catch rate of any month
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: PEARCHEYES on Sep 16, 2018, 11:34 AM
So is it the cool water now that’s keeping the perch in
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: MC_angler on Sep 16, 2018, 11:58 AM
Water temps in the 60s are generally good.

in the summer when we get a north blow and the water is mid 70-s top to bottom, they scatter and head off shore

when we get upwelling and its 40s and 50s water temp everywhere, they scatter, some go deep and others enter harbor areas that are warmer


when there's high 60s to mid 70s water on top and high 50s to mid-60s on bottom, that seems to be the best, as a general rule of thumb anyways
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Sep 16, 2018, 01:47 PM
I'm out now got 27 and tough fishing and qlot of sorting . 30 fow , and I've got 68.4 degrees surface temp
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: wallin on Sep 16, 2018, 02:49 PM
Perch Derby results yesterday
Friend Joe Moskalick and I won the perch Derby yesterday with a 13 1/4 inch perch caught in 39 ft of water about a mile north of the New Buffalo.
The day started off fast and furious and we thought for sure we would have some Michigan Limits (35) but that didn't happen for us. In the first 1/2 hour
we started off in 35 ft where we marked fished and slow jigged towards shallower waters, when I hit a double and the bigger fish was 10 1/2 we though it was going to be a great
day. We caught lots of fish but we try not to keep any under 8 inchs ( just a personal setting for us), fish were very aggressive and hammered everything in the water. We had 3 keeper fish in the box and got dinks on and off for a few more hours as the schools seemed to move shallower. Well about 10:30 they slowed and by 11:00 eastern time you couldn't buy a bite. 11:30 we pulled up and headed south to where the rest of the Derby guys were fishing in the Pump house are from 18 ft out to 40 ft were lots of boats.
We settled for the deeper water looking for just 1 bigger fish to win this Derby or maybe 2 bigger fish or 3 lol, you know how that goes. Some of the guys had a lot of fish, some friends had 31 in the box at the end but none big enough to win the Derby. Lots of fish taken EARLY it seems like as the bite south had slowed to and nothing but dinks.
1 PM we decided to make 1 last run north and try for that 1 big fish. We got there dropped are lines and nothing but a flat bottom and not even 1 red mark, we slow trolled at .01 to .02 towards earlier marks we had and nothing for a half hour but a dink every know and then so were thinking we may get 2nd place with our 10 1/2 incher if were lucky lol. So a few minutes later I hear fish on and oh man its got me doubled over and friend gets a nice 12 and 1/8 incher and a smaller one on a second pole so were pumped up again and a few minutes later boom he's doubled over again and its nice 13 1/4 inch fish. So water was flat most of the day with a slight wind in the afternoon, beautiful day. So we claimed $135 for the best 3 and biggest fish, 2nd place guys got it with a 12 1/2 inch fatty Perch. The Mich City and Mich State areas are doing well as of know so you know it doesn't last so if you can get out, enjoy it, water temp was 65, fathead minnows is what we used and seemed to work well.  FB_IMG_1537046229594.jpg FB_IMG_1537046330900.jpg
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: icecleate on Sep 16, 2018, 08:41 PM
Congrats Tom and Joe!
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Sep 18, 2018, 08:51 PM
Ended up with 38 Sunday. Alot of sorting and moving around but all in all a good day. I think this is the end of the perch in the shallows if we get another blow anytime soon ....
(https://i.postimg.cc/QH7Ptj8L/IMG_20180916_170435834.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QH7Ptj8L)
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Jig_Head on Sep 23, 2018, 09:39 PM
Nice haul!
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: filetandrelease on Sep 24, 2018, 04:21 AM

Great dinners , spooled
 Congrats on the win wallin
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Sep 24, 2018, 07:08 AM
Thanks  fellas
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Oct 13, 2018, 03:15 AM
Anyone been out lately? I have off Sunday and planning on chasing some gold, or maybe watch da bears.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: PEARCHEYES on Oct 13, 2018, 10:52 AM
I’m planning on hitting wawasee tomorrow hope they are hungry
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: wallin on Oct 13, 2018, 08:52 PM
Not been out, going to try tomorrow (sunday).
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: PEARCHEYES on Oct 14, 2018, 02:34 PM
The perch were hungry today,no hogs but good avg size 8 to 9 inchers.I kept 15
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Oct 14, 2018, 04:11 PM
Not been out, going to try tomorrow (sunday).
How did you do? Maxi or lake Michigan?
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: PEARCHEYES on Oct 25, 2018, 07:09 PM
Hit wawasee today,the perch were putting on the feed bag today.I kept 30.Most of them were in the 9 inch range,a few were 10 and 11 inches and 5 were the jumbo variety.Wish I had tomorrow off to do a repeat . Any way it was a great day to be on the water,had the lake to myself only saw two other boats😁
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Oct 26, 2018, 04:05 AM
GOOD 4 U. JOB WELL DONE...
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: kesdadddy7597 on Oct 26, 2018, 06:35 AM
Hit wawasee today,the perch were putting on the feed bag today.I kept 30.Most of them were in the 9 inch range,a few were 10 and 11 inches and 5 were the jumbo variety.Wish I had tomorrow off to do a repeat . Any way it was a great day to be on the water,had the lake to myself only saw two other boats😁
Were they up on the inside weed edges?  I have been thinking about trying the see, I just haven’t found the time.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: fishinpo1e1 on Oct 28, 2018, 08:16 PM
Went out Saturday from 9 AM to 6PM and caught 16, from 8 to 11 inches. All caught in 2 to 3' of water in weedy flats. Nothing deeper. Talked to a friend who fished the flats on Wawasee and he caught 48 in 40 minutes. He said you could see the schools moving through even with the wind roughing up the visibility.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: tater140 on Oct 29, 2018, 06:18 AM
I have been wanting to squeeze in one more trip this year over there before ice up but we'll see.  Would be fun to see if a guy could get a limit of eyes and perch both in the same day. 
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: wallin on Nov 05, 2018, 09:01 PM
How did you do? Maxi or lake Michigan?

Did you check your messages.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Nov 06, 2018, 06:56 AM
Did you check your messages.

He usually does , he waits till u give him the info he wants and that's it no thank you or anything.  He has pm,d me quite a few time asking for info and once he gets it ... He's done
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Nov 06, 2018, 04:43 PM
Sorry if I didnt get back 2 u. I do check my messages. Working 60 to 70 hours a week takes a toll on my replies. SORRY
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Jan 01, 2019, 01:15 PM
ANYTHING LATELY?
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Feb 24, 2019, 11:06 AM
Anything happening?
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: wallin on Feb 24, 2019, 08:48 PM
Slow to Nil
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Mar 07, 2019, 01:41 PM
Usually when the channels clear out the ice is when the perch start to come in.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Apr 21, 2019, 09:11 PM
Got 13 this morn,went at sunup before church. Took about 90 minutes. In the river east of the euwing bridge. All between 10 and 11. Talked to a guy who said they are there in the river all year around. So far hes right.
Good 2 know. It has been my experiences that they are either in heavy or not at all. Did you see anyone fishing from shore by the old scrap iron yard? I have fished from shore around that spot and others but whenever I am in my boat I stay by the canal, pig pen, slot or somewhere between the helicopter pad and the break wall. Never have ventured up stream with my boat. ty 4 the info.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Apr 23, 2019, 08:16 AM
They decimate the perch. Think it was last year they cut the belly of a cormorant's belly open to find 50 perch. I know that by the hole in the wall they seem to congrate. I have seen over three hundred sitting there. Just think the amount of perch that many eats in 1 day. Devastating.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: taxid on Apr 23, 2019, 10:01 AM
They decimate the perch. Think it was last year they cut the belly of a cormorant's belly open to find 50 perch. I know that by the hole in the wall they seem to congrate. I have seen over three hundred sitting there. Just think the amount of perch that many eats in 1 day. Devastating.

All I know is if I ever see one near my ponds they will get 12 gauge #4 shot fired with a 3 1/2 inch shell. Knock on wood but I haven't see one yet. I've had everything here except cormorants and otters. Both will not be met with a welcome.

Illinois planted otters in a reservoir near a fish farm friend's. He's lost $30,000 in large bass so far. The state says it's not their problem and don't you dare harm them. Refuse to issue a permit to take them out. No one is interested in live trapping them.

Even here in Indiana I've heard lots of reports for otters decimating ponds near rivers.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: bigr on Apr 23, 2019, 11:32 AM
If otter move in they will stay til they have eating everything. Fish frogs turtle. You have to make them go away. Trapping is now permitted but there are too few trappers and no value for the fur. Our state is good about giving permits to get rid of them from what I hear. Just don't wait to report infestation or take care of them. The Sally ,Missy, Roush all had some very good small ponds on their properties but Shortly after the Otters got established they wiped them out one by one.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: taxid on Apr 23, 2019, 11:40 AM
If otter move in they will stay til they have eating everything. Fish frogs turtle. You have to make them go away. Trapping is now permitted but there are too few trappers and no value for the fur. Our state is good about giving permits to get rid of them from what I hear. Just don't wait to report infestation or take care of them. The Sally ,Missy, Roush all had some very good small ponds on their properties but Shortly after the Otters got established they wiped them out one by one.

Yes I'm blessed to live in Indiana as they do understand property rights and will work with fish farmers and landowners. OTOH in the time it would take to get a permit to take out an Otter, the pond would be wiped out. The fish farmer in Illinois says the otters come in at night and are unpredictable. Will raise hell and then not show up for a couple of weeks.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Apr 23, 2019, 12:18 PM
There was a picture in cheifs bait in Michigan city of a comarant that don't cut open and it was stuffed plum full of perch !!
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Apr 23, 2019, 02:03 PM
There was a picture in cheifs bait in Michigan city of a comarant that don't cut open and it was stuffed plum full of perch !!
MAYBE THAT IS WHERE I SAW IT.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: taxid on Apr 23, 2019, 04:40 PM
Was it this one?
(https://i.imgur.com/H5AkrPzm.jpg)

And look at the size of this walleye one ate!

(https://i.imgur.com/dkVkTf9m.jpg)
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Apr 23, 2019, 04:46 PM
Ain't that just crazy ! I was on lake Erie this weekend and those things are everywhere out there
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: taxid on Apr 23, 2019, 05:01 PM
Was told by a biologist in Alpena Michigan that when they planted brown trout into Lake Huron they would be on them like stink on you know what. Actually corral and decimate them. I think they've since used a different stocking strategy.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Apr 23, 2019, 05:50 PM
Ya that sucks , I know where they put the finger link steelhead in Michigan City trail Creek the seagulls have a heyday on that deal too
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: MC_angler on Apr 24, 2019, 08:32 AM
Was it this one?
(https://i.imgur.com/H5AkrPzm.jpg)

And look at the size of this walleye one ate!

(https://i.imgur.com/dkVkTf9m.jpg)

Yep, that's the picture - I've seen it attributed to about 15 different states since it popped up on the internet in 2011. Supposedly from Lake Oneida, but the source on that is some random guy's blog

It's not seagulls eating steelhead fingerlings in Michigan City...it's terns. Caspian Terns to be exact. They do catch some smolts, but there's typically less than a couple dozen terns working the harbor, so the amount of damage they can do during a relatively brief period of outmigration is pretty minimal given the total number of salmonids stocked. Thankfully, we do not have the bird predation problems that some other places have, with hundreds and hundreds of piscivorous birds stacked in harbors at outmigration/planting time.

FWIW, there was a graduate student that studied the East Chicago cormorant population over 2 years and they didn't find a single trout or salmon in the stomachs, nor any of the coded wire tags used to mark chinooks or lake trout.

Alewife, gobies (80% or more combined), and perch are the main diet in Indiana waters of Lake Michigan

Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on Apr 24, 2019, 10:51 AM
Anyone been out to the clay flats?
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: taxid on Apr 24, 2019, 01:07 PM
Thanks MC_Angler. Always good information!
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Apr 24, 2019, 03:14 PM
Well I have personally watched seagulls taking advantage of it also
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: taxid on Apr 24, 2019, 10:03 PM
Well I have personally watched seagulls taking advantage of it also

Don't Terns look a lot like Seagulls? I know there are several different birds that look similar to me and I call them all Seagulls.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on Apr 25, 2019, 06:08 AM
Yes they look some wjat alike , but make a little different noise . One dives one doesn't.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on May 05, 2019, 09:22 AM
Anyone been out?
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on May 24, 2019, 07:37 AM
Working on the lake front lately. Last couple days looked very calm. Wondering if anyone has been out for the yellow gold yet. The lighthouse in Gary usually puts them out around June. Won't be long. Seems like the days I get off have been calling for thunderstorms. That is enough to keep me home.
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: abishop on May 24, 2019, 08:29 AM
I will be out there tomorrow if plans stay the way they are now. And will post what I find
good luck 2 you. Michigan City or Portage???
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: tater140 on May 24, 2019, 10:47 AM
 ???
That was his post from June 30th last year
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on May 24, 2019, 12:41 PM
Lol that's what I was trying to figure out
Title: Re: PERCH
Post by: Spooled85 on May 24, 2019, 12:43 PM
I usually don't target them untill they get into the 30's . The air bladder on the little ones come out there mouths much deer them that. And I don't care to clean perch until 10 inches