Perch Lake

Perch Lake near 46.3397, -94.2672 is a lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. Perch Lake covers about 275 acres, reaches a recorded 42 feet and holds about 4,072 acre-feet.

How the Size and Shape of Perch Lake Affect Fishing

Perch Lake is small enough to check weeds, wood, rock and the first deep drop without spending the whole day moving around.

Fish and Baits at Perch Lake

Fish reported from Perch Lake include banded killifish, black bullhead, black crappie, blackchin shiner, blacknose shiner, bluegill, bluntnose minnow, brook silverside, brook stickleback, brown bullhead, central mudminnow, iowa darter, johnny darter, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, rock bass, smallmouth bass, spottail shiner, walleye, white sucker, yellow bullhead, and yellow perch.

Bass

For bass at Perch Lake, fish weeds, wood and shade with a spinnerbait, jig or Texas-rigged worm for largemouth, and work a tube, Ned rig or small crankbait across rock and firm points for smallmouth.

Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Sunfish

For panfish at Perch Lake, use a small jig or minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds for bluegill and pumpkinseed, and keep a small jig, minnow or worm close to bottom for yellow perch.

Walleye

For roaming fish at Perch Lake, jig a minnow or troll a crankbait along points and deeper edges for walleye.

Northern Pike

For large predators at Perch Lake, cast a spoon, spinnerbait or swimbait beside weeds for northern pike.

Bullheads

For bottom fishing at Perch Lake, fish a worm or small piece of cut bait in quiet water for bullheads.

Rock Bass

At Perch Lake, use a small jig, worm or tiny crankbait around rock and firm shorelines for rock bass.

How the Seasons Change Perch Lake

Spring at Perch Lake is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is a good time to fish shade, weeds and the first drop into deeper water. Fall at Perch Lake can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing Perch Lake

On a first trip to Perch Lake, check one quiet cove, one rocky or firm point and the nearby deep water with a moving lure, then use a jig or worm where you find fish.

Useful Tackle for Perch Lake

A medium spinning rod covers smaller lures at Perch Lake, while a heavier rod and stronger leader are better for northern pike.

Perch Lake FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 275-acre Perch Lake?

At Perch Lake, pick one cove and the closest point or drop into deep water, then fish that small area well before making a long move.

Should anglers fish the 42-foot deep end of Perch Lake?

Not every trip. A better place at Perch Lake is where a point, drop-off or group of baitfish gives the fish a reason to stop.

What does the 4,072 acre-foot storage figure mean at Perch Lake?

At Perch Lake, it shows that a lot of the water sits away from the bank and around the old channel or deep end.