Cascade Perch Pics

[TopH2O]

Does the State here not believe in artificial structures?  Totally correct that there is absolutely no cover on the bottom of our reservoirs, but we do seem to have an overabundance of junipers!  Chain a bunch of those together and sink them in some of the deeper areas where they can do some good during low water periods.  During high water, the fish can use more typical flooded brush.

One thing for certain, if we're hanging on to hope that water is going to be more plentiful in the future, we are going to be sorely disappointed.  Best start planning accordingly now.

A couple of years ago DWR did drop some artificial trees in Rockport...out in the deep water...to provide protection for the young and habitat for larger fish.  Have not heard of any studies or results yet. 

There have also been bundles of "used" Christmas trees dropped in a few ponds...and even old tires.  And in Willard DWR dumped in some new rock piles...which have so far not been proven to be irresistible fish magnets. 

The situation with perch is that they are creatures of large old natural lakes...in which there are natural weedbeds and a more or less stable water level throughout the year.  So in their natural cycle they instinctively move in to the vegetation when it's time to spawn and there is no problem.  Mantua comes closest to providing suitable spawning habitat each year.  Most other perch ponds are dammed (not damned) reservoirs subject to great water level fluctuations and virtually no vegetation...living or dead...upon which perch can spawn in the early part of the year when they do their thing.  So any year they get in a good spawn is a bonus. 

Some reservoirs have rocky areas that seem to suffice for some perch spawning.  Although that is not the ideal situation it is usually good enough to help sustain a fishery.  But for lakes with nothing but sticky mud along the shorelines at spawn time the perch just can't make it work. 

Don't be throwing rocks at DWR.  They are not clairvoyant and do not know what any given year will show for water levels, fish habitat, spawning success or ????  Since their efforts to manage our fisheries are subject to the whims of Mama Nature, it becomes even more difficult.  They best they can do is to try to deal with the conditions that exist and to TRY to keep a bunch of unreasonable anglers happy.  As I have been knowed to say:  "Ya can't manage the unmanageable." 

And simply pouring a bunch or rocks or trees at different levels each year is not doable.  First of all, that would probably be a budgeting nightmare...in terms of cost and people time.  Secondly, many of our ponds are owned and managed by water users...who frown upon dumping ANYTHING into their waters.  They allow us to continue using them for our recreational pursuits but heaven help us if we do anything else to their precious ponds.

Hey Pat, not Patrick,
I thought I'd help you whimper some more.  (I hope I used the right word there).  I'm headed to Cascade on Sunday and three of us will be fishing for 4 days.  Weather looks near perfect.  The surface conditions are very favorable for ATVs, no snowmobiles needed right now.  The larger perch have started showing up for the guys who know how to target the yellow demons.  I've caught a few over the years.
If you whimper long enough, I may post a report when we get back.
As far as Jeff, Skunkedagain,  is concerned, he was invited on this trip and he declined.  He should whimper also.  The temps are going to be in the lower 30s in the day and low teens at night.

Mike