Fishing on Lake Ontario
Best Spots
Spring Fishing
From my experience fishing the St. Lawrence River from early spring through late June and early July, schools of perch can be found in both shallow and deeper waters, ranging anywhere from 10 to 30 feet. Finding these fish requires persistence and an understanding that they’re not just everywhere—you’ll need to actively search for them. In the Clayton area, my first stop for solid advice on where perch might be schooling is the Thousand Islands Bait Store. Not only do they offer quality bait, but they also provide up-to-date, reliable reports on fish activity in the river, which helps to zero in on likely spots.
When it comes to yellow perch, you’ll usually know pretty quickly if you’re in a good spot. Typically, you’ll either start getting bites soon after anchoring or during a quick drift through an area, or you won’t catch anything at all. If the perch aren’t biting, try cruising slowly through the area at varying depths while closely watching your fish finder. Even if the screen appears blank, it can light up suddenly with fish marks that signal a school of perch has come into range. When you do spot them, plug in a waypoint or take note of the depth along with some key onshore structures for visual reference. Perch schools can be surprisingly compact, sometimes occupying an area no larger than your living room, so precise positioning can make all the difference in catching your limit.
Summer & Fall Fishing
Year Round Fishing
In recent years, my perch fishing has primarily focused on the St. Lawrence River. However, I’ve had equally successful outings in other areas, including Henderson Harbor, Chaumont Bay, Sackets Harbor, Sandy Pond, and Mexico Bay on Lake Ontario. Each of these spots has proven to be productive and rewarding for perch fishing over the years.
Picking the Best Bait
For yellow perch fishing on Lake Ontario, I primarily rely on live bait, with minnows being my go-to choice. However, I occasionally mix things up by adding half a nightcrawler or a small twister tail, especially when using a double-hook rig. This setup offers variety and seems to trigger bites effectively, even if one hook has a different bait.
In a school of perch, competition for food is intense. Often, when one perch strikes the minnow on the first hook, another will aggressively go after the second hook, regardless of what’s on it. This frenzy can lead to multiple hookups at once, making the double-hook system particularly effective for maximizing catches. This method taps into the perch’s competitive nature, turning a simple fishing setup into a highly efficient approach that consistently delivers results, especially when the school is active and densely packed.
Increasing Perch Size
Invasive Species As A Food Source
The full impact of the recent invasion of round goby into the Lake Ontario ecosystem remains uncertain. However, for now, these newcomers are providing a valuable food source for several species, including perch, walleye, northern pike, and bass. In 2010, my largest perch caught on the St. Lawrence measured 13 inches, yet reports from other anglers hinted at even larger catches—15- and even 16-inch perch were part of the buzz that season. With round goby adding to the forage base, anglers have noticed a trend of larger, healthier fish, though the long-term effects of this invasive species are still unfolding.
Inexpensive and Exciting for Anglers of All Ages
Few types of fishing are as affordable or action-packed as perch fishing, making it an ideal adventure for families—especially kids, who will love the nonstop excitement that perch provide. With schools of perch often ready to bite, children and beginners can enjoy steady catches, which keeps the day lively and engaging. Add to this the excellent taste of perch, and you’ve got an extra bonus that makes the experience even more rewarding. Perch fishing offers a perfect combination of accessibility, enjoyment, and delicious rewards, creating lasting memories for the whole family.
Original Article By Doug Fuegel
About The Author
Doug Fuegel has written for Woods & Waters, New York Sportsmen magazine, New York Outdoor Times, and Empire Outdoor Journal. He has also contributed to the Palladium Times, Great Lakes Fisherman and other regional publications. He is a member of the Outdoor Writers’ Association of America, President of the Eastern Lake Ontario Salmon and Trout Association, and member of the Lake Ontario Sportfishing Promotion Council. You can reach him at (315) 668-9492.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
