The Joy of Ice Fishing For Perch in Upstate New York

Four fish on and a rod next to a hole in the ice, made for ice fishing for perch.
Ice fishing for perch is a great way to spend a winter day in upstate NY.

Ice Fishing for Perch and Pike in Upstate New York

Winter in Upstate New York offers ice anglers a rich diversity of fishing opportunities, from pickerel and lake trout to walleyes and bluegills. However, two species dominate the ice fishing scene along Lake Ontario and its surrounding waterways: yellow perch and northern pike. Known for their hardiness and their availability throughout the winter, perch and pike provide excellent action for anglers of all skill levels. Here’s a detailed guide to help you maximize your success while ice fishing for these popular species.

Why Perch and Pike?

Yellow perch and northern pike are the “crown jewels” of Upstate New York ice fishing. They are readily accessible across the region, and both species stay active and catchable even in the depths of winter. Many ice fishing spots, including public docks and boat launches, provide convenient access to areas where perch and pike thrive. Their winter resilience makes them ideal targets, while their behaviors and habitat preferences offer ample opportunity for learning and excitement.

Identifying the Best Ice Fishing Locations for Perch and Pike

Using Charts and Maps

Top spots for perch and pike are well known among local anglers, thanks to their popularity over many winter seasons. Even those unfamiliar with larger bodies like Lake Ontario or the St. Lawrence River can easily locate promising waters by examining a lake or river chart. Look for large, protected bays—these areas offer ample shelter, weed cover, and food sources that draw perch and pike in winter. A quick stop at a local bait shop can also help identify hotspots, as these shops are great sources of up-to-date information on local conditions and fish activity.

Weedy Areas and Drop-Offs

Perch and pike thrive in areas with extensive weed beds, where they can find both shelter and prey. Weed edges, channels within weed beds, and openings in dense weed cover are all prime locations. For perch, focus on outer weed edges and flats adjacent to the weeds, where they can find plenty of forage. Pike, meanwhile, are often found along shoreline drop-offs and the edges of nearby reefs. These areas provide hunting grounds where they can ambush smaller fish, so concentrate your efforts on these transitional zones.

Understanding Seasonal Movements and Habitat Changes

Early, Mid, and Late Winter Patterns

During early winter, perch and pike are spread throughout the shallows of weedy bays, often near shorelines. As winter progresses, colder temperatures, reduced oxygen, and less light penetration drive them to deeper waters. In mid-winter, focus on deep-water weed edges, flats, points, and other structures near the outer edges of bays.

In late winter, as ice begins to thin, perch and pike migrate back to the shallows in preparation for the spawn. At this time, they are more aggressive feeders, making late winter a prime time to target both species. This migration period provides an excellent opportunity to locate larger specimens, as they concentrate in shallower areas with ample cover.

Setting Up Ice Fishing Rigs for Pike and Perch

Using Tip-Ups for Pike and Jigging for Perch

A popular strategy for targeting both species is to set up multiple holes within a designated area. Drill around 10 holes, setting minnow-baited tip-ups in several holes for northern pike, while jigging for perch in others. Tip-ups are particularly effective for northern pike, as they allow you to cover multiple areas while remaining alert for flags. A tip-up with a tripped flag might indicate a perch, known as a “perch flag,” as these fish often grab the bait without pulling much line. When you see a perch flag, switch to jigging in that hole to maximize the catch.

For anglers primarily jigging for perch, a sudden slowdown in perch activity might signal the arrival of a pike in the area, as their presence can spook schooling perch. When this occurs, try setting a minnow-baited tip-up in the same hole or nearby to capitalize on the pike’s predatory interest.

Ice Fishing Mobility: Moving With Purpose

Just as open-water anglers change spots to increase their chances, ice anglers benefit from staying mobile and adapting their setups. The best approach is to fish areas with fewer anglers or to fish during low-pressure times. This freedom allows you to relocate throughout the day, adjusting to the fish’s movements and preferences.

Purposeful mobility involves regularly drilling new holes, relocating tip-ups to more promising spots, and working from hole to hole with a jigging rod. Experimenting with different depths, lure sizes, and presentations (from subtle to aggressive) can help uncover the ideal setup for the conditions that day.

Perch and Pike Feeding Behavior: Timing Your Outings

Both yellow perch and northern pike are sight feeders and are most active during the day, with peak activity occurring in the morning and late afternoon. These times are often the coldest of the day, which can be challenging for anglers but rewarding for those targeting larger fish. While perch are typically found close to the bottom, more active perch may be a few feet above it, so aim to position your jig within a few feet of the lakebed.

Northern pike, meanwhile, often hold near the bottom but attack prey above them, so set your baited lures three feet off the bottom for optimal results. These positioning strategies cater to the natural feeding tendencies of each species, increasing your chances of a successful catch.

Practicing Selective Harvest for Sustainable Ice Fishing

Ice fishing, especially during high-density times like early and late ice, can place significant pressure on fish populations. Overfishing in these periods can harm local stocks, particularly large females carrying eggs just before spawning. By practicing selective harvest—keeping smaller fish for the table while releasing larger, mature fish—anglers can help maintain a healthy population for future seasons. This practice not only supports sustainable fishing but also preserves the quality of the fishery for other anglers.

Enjoying the Solitude of Winter Ice Fishing

Ice fishing for perch and pike in Upstate New York offers a unique blend of peacefulness and excitement. The frozen landscapes, quiet surroundings, and the thrill of pulling a large pike or a school of perch through the ice create memorable experiences on every outing. By understanding the seasonal patterns, behaviors, and ideal setups for perch and pike, you can make the most of the winter months and enjoy a rewarding fishing season.

Original Article By Mike Seymour

About The Author

Captain Mike Seymour is a licensed Coast Guard and NYS guide who has guided extensively on the St. Lawrence River, Black Lake and within western Alaska.  He is former president of the New York State Outdoor Writers’ Association, and is an active writer for many publications.  In addition to fishing the St. Lawrence River, he is actively fishing Lake Ontario, the Adirondacks, and other waters of the state. 

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