Clayton to the Cape..where the heck are the perch?

[Shakemsam]

Columbus Day week is my annual trip up for perch fishing and I don't remember it this slow.

Generally my main stay is a drift between Peos and Dodge Bay's. Still the most productive for me but only a result in about 20 eaters in the past 5 days. Even made a run to the breakwall at the Cape, with not even a bite! Also drifted Carlton and Linda with same result. Still...I wouldn't be anywhere else this week. You folks up here are so blessed!

[rolmops]

It has been warm, so they are a bit late this year. I would suggest you anchor when you catch one. They usually come in schools 

[Shakemsam]

That would explain a lot, as the dinks are pretty warm to the touch and the few keepers are ice cold..all while being in the same depth. The bigger fish are slooowly coming in shore.

[Mikeyman104]

Any reports of late? I'm going to be taking my nephew out of Cape over the weekend and looking to get him on some perch. Was thinking of trying around the coal docks and break wall first and then venture out from there. I've heard the water is low so going near Carleton worries me and my prop a bit, but may end up going out there. 

[Shakemsam]

I left the area for home on the 17th. It was real slow. It is low...so low that most of the problem areas are above water. Just keep your eyes open.

[Mikeyman104]

Launched out of cape at 9 with my brother and his son and tried around the coal docks/ breakwall with no luck. Didnt even see any fish. Made a run down towards the light house to try a few other spots but the same results there too.

At about noon we headed back down river towards Carelton and fished the head for a bit. There we at least so some fish but it was just a few drums swimming around. Pulled and headed towards the foot and then just started putting around hoping for anything so the my nephew could reel something in. Finally around 1 we found a decent school of perch and started to pick away at them in about 16-17 fow. Mostly smalls but we were just thrilled to be reeling in something other than our bait (fatheads). My nephew got a handful and seemed to be having fun so that's what made the whole day worth it. Had to head back at 2 and could have kept enough to make a nice fish fry dinner but that wasn't the goal today. Main goal with to get some laughs and smiles so mission accomplished.

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[Shakemsam]

👍

[marinecrafts]

I have been seeing large flocks of cormorants in this area and maybe that is where the perch went.  All the perch of size 10" plus I caught I had to pull out of heavy weeds.  This was the slowest year for perch that I can remember--also the lowest water depth.