Lakeland Jumbo Perch

[Alberta's Lakeland]

First ice is one of the best times to target jumbo yellow perch and Alberta’s Lakeland region has some of the finest jumbo perch lakes in the province. Jumbo perch, or perch in the 10-12in range, are true ice fishing trophies that are highly prized by ice fishers everywhere. Luckily the Bonnyville- Cold Lake area has many lakes that these tasty critters inhabit.
Moose Lake in the Town of Bonnyville has long been a great producer of numbers of perch along with many 2 lb + trophies taken each hardwater season. The many sunken islands in the lake hold these fish all year and, once found, will produce consistent catches even in the coldest weather. Target the jumbos by using large baits with 1/8 oz. jigs with minnows working best. The bonus are the walleye that are willing to bite as the day light fades and the perch bite slows. Manatoken Lake in the Iron River area is also hot at first ice. Anglers here use micro jigging spoons loaded with maggots to entice these fish into biting. The use of a shelter can really improve your chances at targeting the jumbos on this lake. It is also a great lake to bring the kids along as the smaller perch will keep them busy all day while mom/dad target the big ones. The true hidden gem in the hunt for jumbo perch in the Lakeland is Ethel Lake by the City of Cold Lake. This lake has been producing 2lbers on a regular basis for the last few years. Sweddish pimple spoons are the hot bait on this wonderful body of water. Tip them with as many maggots as the spoons treble can hold and jig in 1ft sweeps of your ice rod then holding it still for short periods to entice strikes. These fish strike as hard as a small pike so be ready to set the hook quickly. A slip bobber can aid the angler as it absorbs some of the energy from the bite. Alberta’s Lakeland region offers a winter wonderland with a chance at the jumbo Perch of a lifetime. What more can a angler ask for!