Perch

Oak Island, Minnesota, offers a unique perch fishing experience due to its location on Lake of the Woods. The mix of open water and sheltered bays creates diverse habitats that hold perch throughout the year. However, the bite truly heats up during the late ice fishing season (late February-March) and again in the fall (September-October) as perch fatten up before winter. Focus your efforts on areas with healthy weed beds, especially near the shoreline or around submerged structures. A key tip is to bring a variety of small jigs and bait, as perch can be finicky. Start with minnows or wax worms and downsize if they're not biting aggressively. Pay attention to depth; perch often suspend, so use your electronics to locate schools. Be aware that ice conditions on Lake of the Woods can be unpredictable, so always check local reports before heading out.