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Several times during the course of any summer fishing season you'll have days or even weeks where the species of fish that you'd like to catch simply will not cooperate with you. It seems as though you've tried every lure in your box and even bought a few new ones just to keep your interest up and still you come off the water a bit frustrated.

Your fishing buddy may say something like "well, it sure is a beautiful day anyway" to try and get you to focus on something positive. This will only carry you for so long because the reason you're on the lake in the first place is to catch some fish. I want a bent rod and I really couldn't care less what the weather is like! Matter of fact when I think about it I believe I've had some of the best fishing when the weather was nasty or at the least anything but optimum for beachgoers.

You've all been there haven't you? Them doggone ....(insert favorite fish here).... just will not bite for you. What do you do? You do the only thing there is to do and that's to fish for something that will bite and be happy with it. For the vast majority of anglers, including myself, it's way more fun to catch a bunch of 10" perch than to sit for hours waiting and hoping that a walleye will have mercy on you and commit suicide on your hook. Lots of action is good especially when there are young ones or inexperienced anglers in the boat. It makes the time fly by and plants permanent smiles on everyone's faces.[[In-content Ad]]We're in one of those frustrating times of the fishing season right now for many anglers. My advice is to take what the lake gives you. Don't be so stubborn and bullheaded that you miss out on some great fishing. The perch bite is getting going real well on Leech right now as well as on Winnie. Some days are better than others as far as numbers of fish caught and the sizes of the perch but the fish are going. Reports of fish coming from 12' to 14' as well as some folks finding them in water as shallow as 8'. The standard 1/8 oz jig and fathead minnow will usually do about as well as anything else. These perch are also feeding on small crayfish so a 2" imitation craw on a jig will do quite well on most days also.

On real sunny days in shallow water there is something that you can do that brings the fish to you. Simply anchor up and let everything settle for a while. If there are any perch in the vicinity some will soon come to hold in the shade of your boat. Remember that fish don't have sunglasses and if they can get some relief from a bright sun they'll likely do it. Drop your line right over more shaded the side of the boat, it's as simple as that.

This is also a good time of the year to fish some of the smaller and more remote lakes in the area. You know the ones I'm talking about. You've seen them on the map, maybe heard folks talk about fishing them but you've never ventured onto them because you can't get the big boat in there. Well my friends now is the time,throw the duck boat or canoe in the back of the truck, grab one rod, a handful of lures and go. Some of these lakes hold fantastic populations of bass and panfish along with northerns and maybe a few walleyes.

The fact that they are "off the beaten path" and in the woods keeps the fishing pressure down because many anglers these days simply will not go to any lake that doesn't have a concrete ramped public access. Matter of fact some of the best hidden gems around here will force you to forego the trailer altogether. You will not see a Jetski anywhere and the simplicity of a canoe and the peace and quiet you'll find may be just what the doctor ordered.

You can contact Gary at 218-766-9462 for up to date information or submit your photos at [email protected] or [email protected].

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