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Introduction:
Welcome anglers, in this blog we will be going over how to catch Jumbo Perch Ice Fishing, focusing on Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching. As temperatures drop and the ice starts to freeze over our lakes us anglers switch gears from our 7′ plus rods to our 27″ Ultra Lights and drop a line into our 8″ ice holes in search of Perch. By the end of this blog you’ll be equipped with the knowledge you need to have a good time on the water and to bring home dinner!
Where to find them?
Early Ice (December – January)
During early ice, perch tend to congregate in shallower waters near weed beds, drop-offs, and submerged vegetation. These areas provide warmth and cover, making them prime spots for perch to feed. Focus on depths ranging from 10 to 20 feet, particularly around points, rocky structures, and submerged timber.
Midwinter (February – March)
As winter progresses, perch often move to deeper waters in search of food and oxygen. Look for them around underwater structures such as humps, ridges, and sunken islands in depths ranging from 20 to 40 feet. Pay attention to the presence of baitfish and other signs of activity on your sonar to pinpoint perch schools.
Late Ice (March – April)
During late ice, perch begin to transition back to shallower areas in preparation for the upcoming spawn. Focus on depths ranging from 5 to 15 feet, particularly around sandy or gravelly bottoms adjacent to weed edges and drop-offs. Look for areas with access to deeper water nearby, as perch will move between shallow and deep areas throughout the day.
Equipment
Since this is a Beginners Guide, you really don’t need much to get out on the water to Ice Fish. All You need is a solid Rod and Reel Combo in UL-ML power and 24″ to 28″ length and either a spinning or inline reel and some tackle. If you’re planning on going without a ice hut operator you’ll need an auger manual or powered, some buckets to hold your stuff and depends on how hardcore you are a hut.
Rod and Reel Combos
13 Fishing Radioactive Pickle, Inline Reel Combo – 25″ UL
- FREEFALL Drop Lever
- Instantant Anti-Reverse
- 3+1 Ball Bearings
- 2.5:1 Gear Ratio
- Soft Touch Handle Knobs
- High Strength Composite Frame
- Tickle Stick (PC2 Flat Tip Blank Construction)
- Hi-Vis Tip
- Alps Thin Wire Guides
- High Density Japanese Split Grip Handle
- Evolve Soft Touch Reel Seat
13 Fishing Heatwave Ice Combo – 26″ ML
- Rod length: 26″
- Rod Power: Medium Light
- 1BB Reel
- Lightweight Graphite Body and Rotor
- Contoured Handle Knob
- Rod Key Features
- Durable Fiberglass Blank
- Stainless Steel Guides with Polished Inserts
Abu Garcia Veritas Ice Spinning Combo – 27″ ML
- Rod length: 27″
- Rod Power: Medium Light
- 3 ball bearings + 1 roller bearing provides smooth operation
- Lightweight graphite body and rotor
- Machined aluminum spool provides strength without adding excess weight
- Everlast™ bail system for improved durability
- 24Ton graphite
- High density EVA gives greater sensitivity and durability
Ugly Stix GX2 – 26″ Light
- One-piece stainless steel guides
- 20-size spinning reel with ported aluminum spool
- Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Rod Combo features a genuine Ugly Stik blank rod with an EVA handle, and a twist lock reel seat
- Rod power: light
- Rod length: 26″ (66 cm)
Ice Auger
Eskimo HD07 Hand Auger with 7-Inch Dual Flat Blades
- Adjustable 49 – 58 inch length
- 7 inch cutting diameter
- Cross-Bolt Takedown System prevents over-tightening when you drill
- Handle and pommel knob for easy drilling
- Blade protector included
Ice Shelters
THUNDERBAY Ice Cube Series Pop-Up Portable 2-3 Person Ice Fishing Shelter
- Extremely durable 300 denier fabric blocks the wind!
- Blackout coating insures the light stays out unless YOU want it in.
- Hook and loop fastened windows are easily adjustable and replaceable
- 90″ x 90″ hub to hub, 80″ ceiling height, with extra wide skirting to keep drafts out.
- Includes six self tapping ice anchors, and a carry bag for shelter and accessories.
Outsunny 2-4 Person Pop-up Ice Fishing Tent Portable Ice Fishing Shelter
- Easy Setup: A pop up ice shanty, easily set up and break down seconds with the handy illustrated instructions.
- Great Ventilation & View: Stay comfortable in this insulated tent, it’s equipped with double doors and 2 transparent windows in PVC for great ventilation and view.
- Spacious Tent: Spacious and tall ice shanty can fit up to 2-4 adults
- Carry Bag Included: Enjoy a fishing shanty that is built to last, this ice tent is easy to transport in the carrying bag when fully folded, this tent weighs 19.8lbs making it lightweight and easy to travel with.
- Fishing Tent Dimensions: Overall dimension: 72″L x 72″W x 82.75″H, Folded dimension: 52.75″L x 6.25″ W x 6.25″ H.
Eskimo QuickFish Series Pop-Up Portable Ice Fishing Shelter
- Portable Everything fits into a bag that you can easily carry on your back.
- Removable windows adjust your shelter’s ventilation with detachable hook and loop windows.
- Stronger ice anchors self-tapping ice anchors that are easier to grip and will not Bend under pressure.
- Mesh storage pockets to keep essential fishing gear handy
- Heavy-duty material sewn over corner joints for reinforcement
- Portable Everything fits into a bag that you can easily carry on your back
- Removable windows adjust your shelter’s ventilation with detachable hook and loop windows
Tackle
When it comes to perch ice fishing there is many different techniques that will work. Drop anything from small tungsten jigs to jigging raps it’ll catch them. However there is some known staples for both lakes that just flat out work better than anything else and definitely fill your bucket with some big Jumbo Perch. Here’s my Top 5 Perch baits for Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe.
1. Tungsten Jig
Tungsten jigs although they are very small they some how produce some of my biggest fish. From 14″ Perch to 37″ Pike hook a pinhead, drop it down the hole and let the minnow do the rest.
My Favourites: True North Baits, Acme, Northland Tackle and VMC.
2. McGathy’s Stainless Slabgrabber
The Slabgrabber is probably the most known bait in the Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching ice fishing community. Ask any Ice angler and they’ll have at least one in their tackle box. The Slabgrabber comes a few size and you have lots of options for variety from different shape to different colour bead.
Retailers: Gagnons, Cabelas, Elwood Epps, Trombleys Tackle Box
3. Northland Buckshot
Northland Buckshot Spoon is a must have in any ice anglers tackle box. very versatile bait that catches a variety of species. Tip it with a minnow head or even full minnow and you’re sure to have fish topside.
- Molded from metal and features a noisy brass Buck-Shot® rattle that lures fish in from a wide radius
- It thumps, ticks, clicks and clatters and “rings-the-dinner bell” for Perch, Walleye, Bass, Trout and Pike
- Incorporates a highly visible UV enhanced, optically brightened finish
4. True North Baits M’eh Fly
When you are sick of getting minnow guts everywhere or want to save money from not always buying minnows every time you go out, theres a great alternative. M’eh Fly is well known in the ice fishing community and rightfully so. Support small business and see what the buzz is about.
The TNB M’eh Fly was created from on-the-water experience and modeled around what trophy Lake Simcoe Jumbo Perch were feeding on and spitting out as we caught them! Designed to replicate a Burrowing Mayfly Nymph that hatch from the lake bottom which fish love to gobble up!
5. Rapala Jigging Rap
Last but definitely not least the Jigging Rap! Rapala Jigging rap is an absoulte classic and generations of anglers have come to know how productive this winged bait can be. The pendulum motion while heading down catches the eye of perch quite like no other for an aggressive strike.
- Minnow Profile
- Balanced Design
- Standard and Glow Colors
- Single Reversed Hooks
- Center Treble & Eyelet
- Swimming Action Tail Fin
- Weighted Design To Get Your Bait Down Quick
Conclusion
In closing, embarking on an ice fishing adventure for jumbo perch on Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching offers an exciting and rewarding experience for beginners. Understanding the seasonal movements of perch, from early ice to late ice, is crucial for success. Equipping yourself with the right tools, including appropriate rods and reels, augers, shelters, and a variety of effective baits, sets the stage for a productive day on the ice. Remember, safety always comes first—check ice conditions regularly and dress warmly. With a blend of patience, the right gear, and newfound knowledge of where and how to fish, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the thrill of ice fishing and the satisfaction of reeling in those coveted jumbo perch. Good luck and tight lines!