Perch Lake, New Brunswick: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Perch Lake lies within the bounds of Saint John County, New Brunswick. The shore lies 6.8 km out. At roughly 4 hectares, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. For a base, Red Head sits 8.7 km out. Dartmouth is the closest city, 195 km away. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Perch Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Records held for Saint John County cover alewife, Atlantic salmon, rainbow smelt, American shad and American eel. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. Perch Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about -8°C and July at about 18°C, the water has a wide range to work through. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. After mid April the shallows warm and the fish move up. The lid tends to go about mid April and return around mid December. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Plan any trip to Perch Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. No slipway, car park or made path shows up nearby in mapping, so treat access as rough. Salmon and sea-run fish answer to spoons and spinners where lure fishing is allowed; check the method rules first. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Round Lake at 0.6 km is the sensible second choice. For Perch Lake in particular, ask before you travel.