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I realize this is an Idaho lake, but many of you seem to have an interest in the perch there, especially hard water perchin. Spent four days at son's cabin on Cascade and got to spend some time looking for the perch in anticipation of ice fishing season. Day 1: I borrowed a small aluminum boat and fished West side without benefit of fishfinder expecting to find them in the weeds where they were during the summer. Not so! Day 2: Decided to take son's pontoon boat out. Too big, but it had a fish finder. Again searched west side and island area without success. When taking boat out a friendly Idaho fisherman offered that perch were being caught near Crown Point. Day 3: Off to main boat ramp and across to Crown Point. Hit the jackpot (see pics). Lots of 13 inchers, but most were 10 to 11". Fished 32 fow then moved to 40+ fow. Day 4: Fished Crown Pt exclusively in 40 to 45'. Caught a 15 incher, biggest of my life, plus many others around 13 and the bulk around 10 to 11. The lake is down 12'. Only ramp open was Blue Heron. Water temp 59F. Weather sunny and high 50's. No wind. Bite was strong from 8 to 10:00am. Rest of day was slower, but enough to keep wife and I busy. Used a 1" piece of worm with a slip sinker. Very slow retrieve on bottom. Saw several locals deep trolling small perch rapalas successfully. Didn't fish the island area, but expect it would have been good in the deeper water. Also, picked up several bows that hit as the bait was dropping at about 15'. Released all trout. Can't wait for the ice season! Please excuse this out of state report, but I really wish we had some quality perch like these in Utah.
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[quote trueblue2] Can't wait for the ice season! Please excuse this out of state report, but I really wish we had some quality perch like these in Utah.[/quote]
Couldnt agree more. Nice looking fish and sounds like a fun trip. Thanks for sharing.
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Nice looking fish. Sounds like a neat place to visit.
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some real hawgs there wow!!
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Hey I really liked your report, sounds like you figured it out and did very well. Enjoyed it. J
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Those are some nice perch, I put them at the top of the list for eating even ahead of walleye. The wife and I have been trying for the last several years to make it up there ice fishing, too much snow for our ATV's last year, the year before C.J. was red hot for the big perch and a much closer drive and having relatives living in Mt. Home made it easier. Maybe we can make it up this winter. Thanks for posting the pics.
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Love that lake! Hope to go back up a couple of times this winter for the perch. I agree they are better tasting than walleye, but I will take walleye anytime, too! Lake should freeze over sometime in Dec (hopefully). I think I recall that you went up last year, but don't remember if it was summer or winter. My wife is an avid fisherwoman and wants to try ice fishing this year. Will let you know via PM if we decide to go.
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We had reservations for several nights at a motel there but had to cancel due to the heavey snow pack in mid Feb. We'll stay in touch, If we go this year we may try going a little earlier in the season.
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