When the river season closes, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of loss – like something essential is missing. There’s a rhythm to fishing for perch in the river that grounds me, and when it ends, it’s as if the world goes a bit quieter. Maybe you feel the same. But instead of letting that stillness take over completely, I’ve put together some alternative ways to keep the perch passion alive through the traditional closed season. Canals, lakes, reservoirs, and even small ponds can offer that same thrill – each with their own quirks and challenges, but all keeping the spirit of perch fishing burning.
Perch Fishing on the Canal
Fishing a canal is quite different to fishing a river. Rivers are constantly moving, with flowing currents that affect how you present your bait or lure. Fish in rivers often hold in certain areas where they can shelter from the current, such as behind rocks or near bends. In contrast, canals are usually still or have very slow movement, making them feel more like a stillwater. They are often narrow and shallow, and the fish tend to be more cautious due to the clear water and lack of flow. You also have to deal with boat traffic, which can stir things up and temporarily put the fish off.
Lure fishing tips for canals:
- Use smaller lures (1–3 inches) to match the size of the prey fish.
- Stick to natural colours like silver, brown, or green in clear water.
- Try micro jigs or drop shot rigs for a finesse approach.
- If it’s mild then why not try a crankbait
- Fish tight to structure – lock gates, bridges, moored boats, or reed lines.
- Stay mobile; cover as much water as possible to find active fish.
- Keep your movements quiet – canals are narrow and fish are easily spooked.
- Fish early morning or late evening for better chances when it’s quieter.
Perch Fishing on Small Ponds
Lure fishing a small pond is also quite different to fishing a river. On the river you need to work with the current, letting your lure drift naturally or using it to create movement. In a small pond, there’s no flow, so your lure is the only thing creating action. The water is usually clearer and shallower, so fish can be more cautious. You’ll need a slower, more subtle approach, and it’s important to be as quiet as possible – splashy casts or sudden movement can easily scare the fish off.
Lure fishing tips for small ponds:
- Use light gear, lighter leaders (4-5lb) and small lures for a more natural presentation.
- Stick to soft plastics or tiny spinners to avoid spooking fish.
- Cast near features like lily pads, reeds, or overhanging trees.
- Retrieve slowly with gentle twitches to mimic injured prey.
Fishing the Big Lake
In a big lake, the water is still and much deeper, so you often have to search harder to find where the fish are. The perch could be spread out or gathered in deeper areas, depending on the time of year and weather. You also need to think more about depth, wind direction, and structure under the water, as there’s no current to guide the fish or your lure. If you can hire a boat then there’s obvious advantages to this, however, if boat hire isn’t an option don’t let that put you off!
Lure fishing tips for big lakes:
- Use slightly heavier lures to reach deeper water (10g-15g).
- Try vertical jigging or drop-shotting from the bank or a boat.
- Use fish finders or maps to locate drop-offs, ledges, or submerged features.
- Cast long and vary your retrieve to find the right depth and speed.
- Look for signs of baitfish activity like birds diving or surface movement.
- If it’s cold then fish deeper water, but if it’s warm then explore the shallows.
Perch Fishing on Reservoirs
Perch fishing with lures on UK reservoirs can be incredibly rewarding. These large bodies of water often hold big shoals of perch, including some real specimens. The water is usually deep and clear, which suits lure fishing well, especially when using soft plastics or jigging techniques. Reservoirs also have plenty of structure – such as rocky banks, deep drop-offs, and submerged features – where perch love to hunt. Because these waters are so vast, perch have room to grow big and feed well. With the right approach, you can enjoy some exciting sport, especially during early mornings or evenings when the fish are most active.
Lure fishing tips for reservoirs:
- Use lures that sink quickly to reach deeper fish.
- Soft plastics on jig heads are a top choice.
- Focus on points, rocky areas, and steep banks.
- Try vertical fishing from boats or steep shorelines.
- Keep moving until you find a feeding shoal.
- Use light but strong gear to handle bigger fish.
Which is my Favourite?
Probably perch fishing on Canals. This is because they’re zero faff, you don’t need much kit and sessions can be productive even if they’re very short and without much planning – perfect when you have a very busy life!
You can meet with mates, with just a small bag of lures and wander along the towpath looking for a few bites.
What’s Next?
With the perch fishing session wrapped up, I’m already thinking about what’s next. The fly rod is ready to go, and as the weather warms up, I’ll be doing some fly fishing. Tench fishing is also on the horizon – it’s only a matter of time before the conditions improve.
For now, I’m just happy to have extended my perch fishing season by moving onto the canals. It was a tough but rewarding day, proving once again that persistence pays off. Some days, you put in loads of effort and come away with nothing. Other days, like this one, it all comes together in the end.
Until the next adventure – tight lines and happy fishing!
