Perch remains active in winter, but to catch it, you need to know where to look for it in the reservoir, how its behavior changes in the cold season, what bait and gear to use. Experienced fishermen are familiar with these subtleties, but beginners in winter fishing may encounter difficulties. The nuances of catching perch in winter will be discussed in the article.

Behavior of perch in winter

Perch lives in schools. They are often numerous and number dozens of specimens, but the average size of the fish in them is small. Large perch are also schooling, but the heavier it is, the fewer relatives there are around it. Fish weighing from 1 kg can even stick to 2-3 individuals. In winter, schools of perch actively move around the reservoir in search of food fry or bloodworms and worms. If there are a lot of them, then the fish will bite well, and every day. The best bite is observed early in the morning, less often - after sunset. Usually winter feeding is not long - the predator feeds for 30-60 minutes, and it is important for the fisherman to get into this period. Closer to spring, the perch's activity increases, and it returns to the places where it was before the beginning of winter, in shallow water and shoals.

Where does perch live in winter

At the beginning of winter, when the ice has just formed, the perch usually remains in summer places - not far from the shore, in the area of the beaches. It is unlikely that it will go to a depth of more than 2 m: the predator needs vegetation in which it can hide. Large individuals like deeper places - edges, dumps and pits. Perch is caught from the first hole from the shore: start drilling at a depth of 30 cm and gradually move further into the depths. A depth gauge or a winter echo sounder will be an effective assistant. Exploring the bottom relief, you will quickly determine which way to move and which points will be the most promising. Advanced models also allow you to find out if there is fish within the echolocation radius and observe the behavior of prey underwater in real time.

In deep winter, perch goes to great depths, where it stays until spring, rarely appearing in shallow water. The predator is extremely passive at this time, and it will be difficult for beginners to catch it. It will take a lot of patience, dozens of drilled holes and good skills in handling a balance beam, jig and spoon for winter perch fishing.

Is there any point in feeding perch? Near the shore, on dumps, feeding with bloodworms may not give the desired result: there is a chance that the larvae will roll down or attract a lot of "small things", but not large trophies. In addition, the situation often comes down to the fact that the perch either went out to feed in the coastal zone or not. But when fishing for perch in winter at greater depths, baiting can become a decisive factor, especially when fishing with a jig with a bloodworm attached. It will be effective to drill several holes in one line with a step of 5-7 m and starter baiting. To small bloodworms for baiting perch, you can add chopped earthworm and breadcrumbs. You can also supplement the bait with dung worm.

Lures for perch for winter fishing

The technique of catching perch with a jig in winter is not complicated, and after a short practice even a novice angler can handle it. The main thing is a uniform play of the bait without failures and changes during wiring. To begin, drill one or more holes, lower the jig into it and wait for it to touch the bottom. To start playing, lift it by 5-7 centimeters and return it back. At this point, the bait should hit the bottom. Repeat these steps several times to attract the perch. Then proceed directly to the wiring. To do this, raise the jig in "steps" by 20-25 centimeters from the bottom, pausing. When fishing at great depths, the final height should be from 1 to 1.5 m, after which the bait is lowered back. The game should be active and bright. The choice of jig depends on the current, fish activity and depth: If the depth is shallow, then baits up to 2 mm in size are suitable. In deeper waters and with a strong or medium current, heavier and larger jigs are chosen - up to 4 mm. The color of the jig should be chosen depending on the lighting: if the weather is clear and the ice is light, then a contrasting jig of dark shades is chosen. In bad weather, bright colors are chosen.

Balancers

A small narrow metal fish imitates a wounded fry - a desirable prey for the "striped" one, and therefore it is the second most popular bait for perch in winter. It is not difficult to master its use, even if you are winter fishing for the first time. Having learned to make throws of different amplitudes and draw a "figure eight" with the balancer, you will be able to collect perch within a radius of 5-8 m, if, of course, they are in the place you have chosen. This bait has a tee that is attached from below, and one hook in the front and back. At shallow depths, as a rule, balancers of natural shades are used, bright colors are more catchy where it is deep. The weight of the baits is no more than 5 g, and the length usually does not exceed 4 cm. If you are targeting trophy specimens from 1 kg, then it makes sense to stock up on larger balancers - weighing up to 7 g and up to 6 cm long. The largest baits, 9 cm long and weighing 10 g, are appropriate for difficult conditions of perch fishing in winter - in a deep reservoir with a strong current. Each balancer has its own game, which experienced fishermen select for specific circumstances. Therefore, the angler's box should have at least 7-10 baits to choose from.

Spoons

Narrow and elongated vertical spoons are also used for perch fishing in winter. According to some anglers, mastering them is not as easy as it seems at first glance. They become catchy baits only with skillful handling and correctly selected animation. The size of such lures for perch is from 2 to 7 cm. As with the choice of a balancer, the depth of the reservoir and the strength of the current on it play a large role in choosing the size and weight. As for the color, on clear days it is better to put a dark lure, on cloudy days - a light one. Some manufacturers equip the lures with "drops" and "devils", essentially combining this type of bait with a jig. This allows you to enhance the attractiveness of the game and stimulate the "striped" to bite.

Fishing rods for perch in winter

For different baits, you will need different rods, including those with reels. To catch perch with a jig, you will need a balalaika rod or a small plug rod with a full-fledged blank and a tulip on its tip. Lucky John, Salmo and "Pier" have good options. Lucky John even has a complete set, which includes everything you need for winter fishing, including two jigs, a “ball” and a “drop”.

For spinning, you will need a rod that resembles a small spinning rod. As a rule, it is equipped with an inertialess reel, which can work properly at low temperatures.

When fishing for perch with a balancer in winter, simple rods with a reel and always with a nod are used. It will show the end of the balancer hovering after the throw. It is desirable that the blank be one-piece made of carbon fiber - this way the bite is felt more clearly.

Lines for winter fishing for perch

For winter fishing for perch, you need a special line designed for use in frost. Such threads do not harden from low temperatures, retain strength and do not fray from friction against ice. Monofilament line provides a soft and springy throw of the bait.

For catching perch with a spoon and balancer, you can also use a special winter cord - Jig It has such. The line of eight-strand blue braids is designed specifically for fishing in frost: silicone impregnation of the fibers prevents the absorption of ice water and preserves all the properties of the cord, primarily smoothness and strength.

How thick should the fishing line be? When fishing with a jig, very thin threads are acceptable - from 0.05 mm. For spinning and fishing with a balance beam, the optimal diameter is at least 0.12 mm. The maximum thickness of the line is 0.14 mm, when using thicker ones, the number of bites may decrease.

Perch fishing in winter: useful tips

So that winter fishing for perch does not become a disappointment, but brings both a catch and positive emotions, remember:

Do not fish the same hole for a long time, move between them and drill new ones.

By the end of winter, perch returns to the same places where it was before its beginning.

If the ice becomes thick in winter, then the perch migrates to the depths.

Perch survives severe frosts in very deep holes.

Do the wiring without stopping, so the chances of a bite even from passive fish will be higher.

Experiment with the bait play, as it is impossible to predict the mood of the perch.

Time the start of feeding to understand how long it takes for the fish to start reacting to the bait.

What else to take with you on winter fishing

To catch perch in winter, you will need not only tackle, but also tools, first of all, for drilling holes. In addition, it is important to take care of comfort, especially if you are going to stay on the ice.

Ice auger

You can't do without it. There are manual, electric and even motorized augers that run on gasoline. Classic tools driven by muscle power are the most budget-friendly, simple and at the same time reliable. For winter fishing for perch, especially trophy perch, choose ice augers with an auger diameter of 130-150 mm.

Winter box

It is also difficult to do without a durable plastic box for catching perch in winter. In addition to the main function - neat storage of all gear and bait - it performs an additional one, acting as a chair. The lids of most winter fishing boxes have a seat made of "foam" - a soft, warm and waterproof material.

Fishing sleds

Carrying a box, an ice drill and other equipment is a tiring business, especially when constantly moving around the reservoir in search of fish. Put everything in a plastic drag sled and make winter fishing more comfortable. We also recommend taking an ice pick with you: it will definitely not be superfluous on the first and last ice. Remember that safety is above all!

Gloves

High-quality protection of your hands in the cold is important: you are unlikely to be attracted by the prospect of getting frostbite. Do not neglect warm and well-designed gloves: with open fingers for easy changing of baits and hooks and insulated with waterproof top for the harshest conditions.

Thermos

Sitting motionless in the cold, we quickly lose heat even in a good suit made of technological materials. Drinking strong drinks "to warm up" is still a dubious idea, since under the influence of ethanol, blood vessels only expand, and heat transfer accelerates. It is much more effective to drink non-alcoholic hot drinks, but preferably without caffeine, which has a diuretic effect. Brew a herbal mixture or rose hips in a thermos or pour in freshly cooked compote.

Tent

A three-layer cube tent with a windproof skirt and a ventilation window for condensation is a must-have for those who are going to spend many hours in a row on winter fishing for perch, and even in the company of friends. Riverzone Ice Dome tents are designed for 2-4 people, depending on the size of the model. There is enough space inside to lay out all your things, install a gas heater and store your catch. The height allows you to stand up to your full height and stretch your legs after sitting for a long time by the ice hole. The outer layer of the awning is impregnated with a polyurethane composition and does not allow moisture to pass through, and the insulation made of natural cotton protects against frost.