Hey there everybody, I was reminiscing the other day about this time I went fishing at Newton last fall, and couldn't keep those fish off my line for a good 3-4 hours. I don't remember the exact date, but I think it was sometime in late september. I was fishing from the shore. I have been to Newton several times since and been skunked. So I was wondering if I caught these fish because it was their spawning season. If not I'm curious why they were so active that day. Any info would be appreciated.
[signature]
You hit the summer feeding peak, not the spawn. Perch spawn just before ice out or shortly there after. They are one of the earliest spawners, which is good as that allows them to survive the onslaught that occurs when the fry are being eaten by everyone else. Don't give up. Another thing, perch are cyclic, on a 7 year cycle. Talk to your regional biologist, they track that stuff and can give you an idea of where the population is.
Perch move around too and water levels may be different this year than last. So the pattern might not hold from one year to the next. Also there are ALOT of bloodthirsty tiger muskies this year at Newton to massacre the perch. Also, you mentioned it was later in the year last year right? You might want to wait till then and try the spot again. Perch come up shallower towards fall to feed in the cooling water. Same pattern at Hyrum a few years ago.
[signature]
The water level is definitely higher there this year.
[signature]
Perch spawn in the Spring 44-55F degree temps.
Those Perch at Newton are biting right now in deep water around 30 feet and are hanging out on the bottom. I'm poppin a nightcrawler off the bottom. Last year in Sept I remember catching them hand over fist with bobber and 4 feet of leader in about 15 feet of water....so they were suspended off the bottom at that time.
Good Luck!
Smiles Always!
MA
[signature]