Thread: When to catch White Perch?

Hi guys, I am new to this forum, I am here to do a little research.

I am from PEI Canada, we have a very under utilized White Perch fishery here. A group of us are looking to promote our fishery to encourage trout fishermen to try something different, get your kids out etc. Hopefully this will encourage fishing and conservation while taking some of the burden off of our trout.

I am proposing to our government here to try an extended fishing season on an experimental basis to see if the re is a viable fishery in the off season. Right now outr fishing season is from April 15th to September 15th. I have heard that there are HUGE white perch in our fresh water systems in October and november but no open season.

Many years ago when I was a kid I took part in an experimental winter fishery for white perch, we caught a few but participation was lacking and the data really went nowhere.

I am wondering if anyone here has experience with late season White Perch fishing and if you have found larger fish in the fall?

We do have some rather large Perch here, in the late spring we can easily catch 20-50 fish averaging just over a pound. In the past we have caught fish in brackish waters in the 3lb range and I feel we have potential for a world record. (this particular spot no longer produces fish since a new bridge was installed and changed the waterflow, but I am certain the fish are somewhere in the area)

Part of our campaign is also to educate local fishermen and regulate the fishery as it is not uncommon to see trout fishermen leaving piles of perch on the bank to waste.

Thanks for your help....

and anyone who has experience writing proposals to government, please give me some pointers.

i doubt you will get governement to change that since the frequent the same waters as alot of other more sought out species and they would be worried bout by-catch during the other species offseason. but i do wish ya luck.
they usually wont change anything till its determined that they are a nuisance fish