Lake Cascade Ice Fishing Perch

Yellow Perch

Perch are a popular great tasting pan fish and can be found in many lakes and reservoirs. In this guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about perch fishing in Idaho, including where to find them, what gear to use, and some tips for a successful day on the water.

Understanding Perch

Before we dive into the specifics of how to catch perch in Idaho, it’s important to understand a bit about these fish. Perch are a freshwater species that can be found in many lakes and rivers throughout the world. They are typically small, with most reaching only 6-12 inches in length, although some can grow up to 15 inches (Cascade Lake is your best chance in Idaho of finding these).

Perch are easily recognized by their vertical stripes and spiny fins. They are also known for their sharp teeth, which they use to crush small fish, crayfish, and other aquatic creatures. Because of this, it’s important to use the right gear and techniques when targeting perch.

Where to Find Perch in Idaho

Idaho is home to many lakes and reservoirs that are filled with perch. Some of the best places to find them include:

  • Cascade Reservoir (World Class Perch Fishing)

  • Lake Lowell

  • Lake Walcott Reservoir

  • Snake River (CJ Strike and Brownlee)

  • American Falls Reservoir

When targeting perch, it’s important to focus on areas where they are most likely to be found. Perch typically prefer weeds, logs, and other underwater structures. They also tend to congregate around drop-offs and other changes in depth.

Gear You’ll Need

To target perch in Idaho, you’ll need some specific gear. Here’s a breakdown of the basics:

  • Rod: A light or ultralight spinning rod is ideal for perch fishing.

  • Reel: A small spinning reel is best for perch fishing. Make sure it’s loaded with 4-6 lb test line.

  • Lures/bait: Perch are notoriously finicky eaters, so you’ll want to bring a variety of lures and bait. Small jigs, spinners, and live bait like worms and minnows are all effective. One thing to remember is that perch are fairly enthusiastic cannibals, so greens and yellow colors are always a safe bet.

  • Tackle: Be sure to bring a selection of weights and bobbers to help you fish at the right depth. My personal favorite setup is a yellow eyed jig and worm combo.

Tips for Perch Fishing in Idaho

Finally, here are some tips to help you have a successful day of perch fishing in Idaho:

  • Use light gear and small lures. Perch have small mouths, so you’ll need to use small lures to entice them to bite.

  • Fish around underwater structures. Perch tend to congregate around logs, weeds, and other structures.

  • Fish at the right depth. Perch can be found at various depths depending on the time of day and water conditions. Use your tackle to fish at different depths until you find the sweet spot.

  • Be patient. Perch can be finicky eaters, so don’t get discouraged if you’re not getting bites right away.

  • Bring a fish finder. A fish finder can help you locate schools of perch and find the spots they are most likely to be feeding.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to landing some nice perch in Idaho’s many lakes and reservoirs. Good luck and happy fishing!