Mastering Hardwater Perch: Considerations and Techniques with Brian “Bro” Brosdahl
Brian ‘Bro’ Brosdahl showing off a marvelous trophy perch caught with his signature Northland Tackle Bro Bug Spoon. Photo Courtesy of Northland Fishing Tackle
The thrill of Ice fishing is a rewarding and strategic winter activity that has a long tradition across the north. Some of the most sought-after fish through hardwater are Perch. Known for their schooling-tendencies and table fare potential, Perch are readily available for a winter adventure. Successful results at the end of the day most often fall on understanding fish behavior, selecting the right gear, and mastering techniques suited to specific lake environments. From barometric pressure patterns to basin fishing strategies, this guide compiles effective ice fishing methods into actionable insights.
Brian “Bro” Brosdahl is a renowned professional angler, guide, and industry expert widely respected for his knowledge in fishing, especially on the hard water. He has dedicated his life to techniques to master species like perch, walleye, crappie, and more, particularly across the Midwest. Minnesota native, Bro has expertise in panfish and shares several considerations regarding success with getting after perch.
Understanding Barometric Pressure and Fish Behavior
Barometric pressure, also known as atmospheric pressure, is the force exerted by the weight of the air in the atmosphere above a particular point. It is measured most often in units such as inches of mercury (inHg). Barometric pressure changes with altitude, weather conditions, and temperature. When ice fishing, high barometric pressure is typically considered to be anything above 30.50(inHg). This information is often available in the weather App that is likely already downloaded to your cell phone. .
Fish behavior is significantly influenced by the barometer. Their behavior tends to be more active during periods of falling pressure, as they often feed before a storm or weather change. Rising pressure can make fish less active and more difficult to coax into biting. High pressure typically brings clear skies and stable conditions, while low pressure is often associated with clouds, storms, and unsettled weather. Stable or moderately rising pressure creates ideal conditions for fishing, especially after two or three consecutive days. During this time, fish tend to feed actively, making them easier to locate and catch.
“Bigger perch are more influenced by barometric pressure changes because of the expansion of their swim bladders.”
Photo Courtesty of Brian Brosdahl
Barometric pressure also affects other forms of bait life, such as insects or minnows, underwater by influencing their buoyancy, movement, and feeding behavior. This is due to how they are impacted the density of gases within their bodies and the environment.
It is crucial to keep in mind that pressure changes in any direction can throw a curveball. Similar to how high pressure can cause fish to be finnicky and hesitant, low pressure can make fish elusive, as they often retreat to inaccessible areas. Monitoring pressure trends and planning trips around favorable conditions can dramatically improve your success rate. Consistency=key!
Key Habitats for Perch and Walleye
Perch are known to be abundant in many lakes across North America. They prefer shorter vegetation, such as carra, over taller weeds like milfoil or cabbage. Carra, a rootless algae resembling tumbleweed, thrives in hard-bottom areas with rocks, crayfish, and clamshells. These spots provide abundant food sources for perch and other gamefish.
A basin can be understood as the “area that holds most of the water,” like a big bowl that occupies the main body of the lake. Areas with a hard bottom are especially productive because they harbor mayfly larvae, bloodworms, and other large insect prey, which are critical to their winter diets. In mid-winter, perch migrate to deep basins as food becomes scarce in shallower regions. Basins act as feeding grounds, where fish graze on insect larvae, smaller perch, and other prey.
Bait Selection and Presentation
Matching the perch’s natural diet is a very important factor to keep in consideration. Perch feed on a variety of prey; including insects like bloodworms, mayfly larvae, and dragonfly nymphs; along with small perch/bait fish, often only an inch or two long.
Bro shares that one of the most effective bait presentations are small jigging spoons from Northland Fishing Tackle, such as the Buckshot Rattle Series, Tungsten Slim Spoon, or Thumper Spoon. To enhance this presentation, tipping the treble hook with bait, such as a minnow head or waxworms/spike is a recipe for coaxing fish into striking with fervor. Chandeliering is a technique where multiple waxies or spikes are added onto the treble hook to makes the bait more enticing and increases the likelihood.
““I like to load up my treble hook until I can’t fit another one on the hook. I don’t bring bait out to bring it back home!””
Presentations that rattle serve a role of “calling in” fish like a dinner bell. Perch are products of mastering their environments, making them highly skilled at detecting potential feeding opportunities through a highly sensitive lateral line. An interior rattle creates a clicking sound that mimics subtle noise created when a minnow is in distress or when a crayfish is scudding across the bottom. Sound travels further under water, especially under the ice, making this approach highly effective at bringing in curious fish from a distance.
Photos Courtesy of Northland Fishing Tackle
For a horizontal presentation on the subtle side, special ice fishing soft baits have earned a reputation for their ability to match the hatch with precision. Bugs and baitfish are appeasing to perch wherever you go. This type of bait offering demonstrates a natural, lifelike imitation of prey in the winter months. Taking a finesse approach not only attracts curious fish, but also does some convincing to trigger a strike when perch can be timid to bite. The Northland Fishing Tackle Rigged Tungsten Mayflies, Mini Smelt, and Bloodworms, are fantastic, highly reviewed options for perch and other panfish.
Techniques for Targeting Perch
• When fishing on food shelves or a flat, start jigging a flashy spoon two feet below the ice. Gradually drop the spoon down deeper, pausing every few minutes to attract a crowd of perch. The goal is to gather fish by keeping the bait high, visible, and away from obstructions before lowering it into their strike zone.
Magnum perch are a highlight to the hardwater season. Northland Glass Buck-Shot Spoon. Photo Courtesy of Northland Fishing Tackle.
• In basins, drop your bait to the bottom and “pound the mud” to create a cloud-like disturbance. This simulates a perch uncovering a mayfly or other large insect, which draws the attention of nearby fish. Once the cloud forms, move your bait to the edge of it and prepare for rapid action.
• E-FISH-en-Cy: To maximize your catch, have multiple rods baited and ready for action. This ensures you can quickly drop another line as soon as you unhook a fish, maintaining the school’s interest and preventing the pod from dispersing.
Timing and Adaptability
Timing is critical in ice fishing. Fish are opportunistic feeders, especially in winter when food is scarce. By replicating their natural feeding patterns and offering bait that mimics their prey, anglers can maximize their chances of success. Additionally, understanding fish movement between food shelves and basins throughout the season allows you to target the most productive areas.
Safety on the Ice
Safety is a fundamental aspect of ice fishing. Always check the ice thickness and stability before venturing out. Drilling test holes and wearing proper safety equipment, such as ice picks and flotation suits/devices, can prevent accidents. Going out on the ice with others is always recommended. The event of ice fishing is fun when you have great people to enjoy it with, and a safer practice, too.
Ice fishing is as much about strategy and preparation as it is about patience. By understanding the impact of barometric pressure, targeting key habitats like basins and hard-bottom areas, and using effective techniques, anglers can increase their success rates. With proper planning and safety measures, you can enjoy a productive and memorable fishing season. So grab your gear, drill those holes, and get ready to experience the thrill of ice fishing at its finest!
Use Caution on ALL Ice & Have fun!
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Use Caution on ALL Ice & Have fun! 〰️
All images within this article are property of Northland Fishing Tackle, unless otherwise noted, and have been used with expressed permission for demonstrational purposes. For your next fishing adventure, please consider supporting their businesses as they have with Foresight Fishing Media.
It is with tremendous thanks and appreciation for the one and only, Bro, for sharing his time and expertise.
