Looked all over near kirkland and juanita for perch today. Tried from 70 - 30 feet but no luck. the only thing I located was large school of bullhead.

Is it to early to find perch? They have to be out there somewhere!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
SA

SA,

They are far and few between right now.. I have been all over the lake for the past week. Have found a couple but very slow yet. With surface temps hitting 59 deg they should very soon be moving into the summer routine.


Good Luck...
S

Would you be willing to share any information on what type of gear/bait you use to catch perch in Lake Washington? I have a new lady friend that wants to start fishing. Since salmon fishng can be slow, especially with me as the captain, I'd like to fish for something that will provide a little more fast paced action. Perch, Kokanee, trout, any panfish..... Any suggestions of lakes or fish near Tacoma would be greatly appreciated! I am from MT and not too familiar with freshwater fishing around here. Thanks for any information!

I believe American lake in Tacoma holds a perch population. Perch fishing in summer consists of finding the weedline dropoffs (usually 10-15 ft) and sending your worm down to em. Then switch to perch meat after you get one. The meat stays on better for non-stop action. Use a slip bobber to take your bait down toward the bottom. good luck!

Fish,

I use a 1/8 ounce jig with no skirt on it. Right now the perch have been holding between 34 and 38 feet of water. They are tough at this time of year to get a hold of. I did manage to find a school this evening Naild a few then drifted off of them. Took me a while to find them again. Once I did they were fisty... I just thread a piece of crawler on the jig like I would a skirt.. This time of year work the dropoffs. In a few weeks they should be back up in the 15 foot water at the weedlines. Ditto on the perch meat in the summer months.. I use eyeballs in the winter..

Eyeballs - I see, I see.

Oh-h-h-h... That was so bad.

I have not tried Washington this year but I know that the crappie and perch have started to bite in Lake Union on the rocky flats that can be found in the south end of the lake. We've been catching them in 8'-15' deep water on white crappie jigs. Most of them are beginning to spawn now so unhooking males can be a bit "messy" if you know what I mean lol.

Don't forget Swedish Pimples with those eyeballs. Tie a dropper hook about 18 inches above the pimple and catch doubles

Love perch great eating!