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Ontario tactics

How to catch Yellow Perch in Ontario

Yellow Perch

Ontario's favourite panfish — schooling, willing, and the best eating in the lake. Perfect for kids, shore anglers, and ice season.

When to fish

All year, and a staple of ice fishing. They feed through the day, often best mid-morning.

Where to find them

Weed flats, soft-bottom basins, and around any structure that holds bait. Perch travel in big schools.

How to catch them

Small jigs tipped with a minnow or worm, drop-shots, and perch-rig spreaders.

Gear

A light spinning rod with 4–6 lb line keeps it fun and bite-sensitive.

Pro tip

Find one and you've found fifty — when you hook a perch, drop right back down and stay on the school.

Before you go

Always confirm the current season and limits — Yellow Perch seasons & limits by zone → — and check today's bite times for your spot.

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