Thread: Perch?

Never fished for them before. Sounds like fun way to get the kids into something here in southland. Any tips or spots to check out. Younger kids so a jetty would be sweet but even just a general direction would be much appreciated. I heard the rivers around waikawa are worth a look?. Cheers.

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I get them in Lake Dunstan in the summer months. A lot of people regard as better eating than trout, that would depend on the water quality they are living in I would guess.
They disappear over late autumn and winter here. Generally don't show up till late November / early December.
Sharp gill plates. I use softbaits targeting Trout so they are a by-catch for me .
Probably depending on the area and water way you are going to fish they should be there year round.
They would take probably most baits and lures I reckon.

Originally Posted by viper

I get them in Lake Dunstan in the summer months. A lot of people regard as better eating than trout, that would depend on the water quality they are living in I would guess.
They disappear over late autumn and winter here. Generally don't show up till late November / early December.
Sharp gill plates. I use softbaits targeting Trout so they are a by-catch for me .
Probably depending on the area and water way you are going to fish they should be there year round.
They would take probably most baits and lures I reckon.

They tend to head deeper during winter, some good fishing can be had from a boat if you can locate them

if they are there they arent hard to catch..great fun on small bright fly bobbed up n down ..one of the few times a kid mucking around breaking all the rules will catch a fish.

Tried to go trout fishing at Butchers Dam just out of Alex a couple years back and we couldn't stop catching the bloody things. There's a few in Pomahaka River guys here on farm get one every now and then

Give Southland fish and game a call. This sort of thing is what they are there for, and have a chat with them, they'll point you in the right direction and give you advice on appropriate tackle.

Southland Fish and Game
17 Eye Street, West Invercargill, Invercargill 9810
03 215 9117

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

Tried to go trout fishing at Butchers Dam just out of Alex a couple years back and we couldn't stop catching the bloody things. There's a few in Pomahaka River guys here on farm get one every now and then

That's exactly right Ryan. Butchers dam is full of them some really big ones in there too.

Other place that springs to mind is Lake Hayes...does anyone else remember the Percy Perch fishing competition



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Originally Posted by kukuwai

That's exactly right Ryan. Butchers dam is full of them some really big ones in there too.

Other place that springs to mind is Lake Hayes...does anyone else remember the Percy Perch fishing competition




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What do you mean by `Big` ?

Originally Posted by Pengy

What do you mean by `Big` ?

3-4 Lb. Pretty big for a nz perch.
Heaps of lobsters in that dam so im picking they are feasting on those !!

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3 to 4 lbs a nice fat Perca

They will take very small spinners like a Mepps or Veltic #1. Good eating but the flavour deteriorates rapidly so eat them the day they are caught.
I have been told that they take bait well but have never tried myself, good option for kids ?

3-4# is a huge perch. My fish (walleye) are a perch family fish. I’d say a 3” softbaits and you’re golden…start sharpening your filet knife!!

Nice game fish, kinda of NZ bass lure fishing. Light tackles, fast rod could generate more fun. If got a platform fishing boat, targeting those area with plants and under water structures then the joy should be bigger than trout.

grandsons from oreti below the iron bridge .

How big is that swimbait Rabbit? I might have a few hundred that fit the bill