Barschfishing by season – What you need to know
Basically, you can catch perch all year round. In many regions, there is no legal closed season. And even if there is, it can be bypassed with a little research. But the season often decides how good your chances really are.
. Especially around the spawning time, between March and June. There can be real bite slumps then. The exact timing depends on your water body and the water temperatures. During this phase, perch are rather sluggish, defend their territory, but are less actively hunting.
And this is exactly where your seasonal strategy comes into play. Because perch fishing is not just perch fishing. In spring, you need different perch lures than in summer. In winter, completely different spots count – and in autumn, the really big ones bite if you know where they are.
Those who understand perch behavior can target perch fishing all year round and be more successful than the competition on the water. So, let's go through the seasons together and see when and how to best fish for perch.
Perch fishing in spring – top tactics for March to May
Spring is an exciting but also challenging time for perch fishing. Especially if you want to fish for perch in March, you need patience and the right sense of timing.
After the winter, perch first retreat to shallower, sun-warmed areas. Here, the water temperature rises faster, and with it the activity of the fish. Harbor areas, shallow water zones, or structurally rich shores are now worth their weight in gold. If you show up here with the right lure, your chances of catching a big perch are pretty good.What works now?
Soft plastic lures in natural colors and spinners with plenty of attraction. Perch react to movement in spring, but please not too hectic. Lead your lures slowly and with feeling, preferably close to the bottom.Especially in the transition period, when the water is still cool, the so-called “jigging” is worthwhile. You let the l
ure hop over the bottom, which resembles an injured prey. This triggers even the laziest predators in the water.Pro tip
: Watch for the first really sunny days in March or April, they wake up the perch. Those who go out now have good chances for the first real spring catches. Perch fishing in March works great. Perch fishing in summer – catching perch successfully in the heat
Summer really gets going. The perch are active, the water is warm, and the chances of prey are really good. But only
if your rig is right.Because the
perch fishing rig is the key word now.On hot days, you should rely on light, flexible setups.
Dropshot rigs, Carolina rigs, or simply a classic jighead with softbait work excellently. Depending on whether you want to fish shallow or deeper, they work better or less well. Here too, it is important that you lead your lure lively and stay flexible regarding depth and speed.Perch like to stay in weed edges, under bridges, or in the shade of boats in summer. Anywhere it is a bit cooler.
Topwater lures like small poppers or frogs cause crazy strikes on the surface, especially early morning or evening. During the day, small crankbaits that plow through the midwater help. If you already have a strong rig, that’s the cherry on top.
And what does perch bite best on in summer? Simply put, on anything small, nimble, and eye-catching. Bright colors and active presentation, especially possible with the Perch Go by JAEGER often give you the decisive advantage when other anglers are just sweating.Secure the 2025 fishing advent calendar – with exclusive perch lures! 🎣The
JAEGER Advent Calendar 2025
limited lures, exclusive designs, and secret prototypes
Perch fishing in
autumn means great chances for big catches, especially if you fish from the shore. Because now perch often move close to the shore to fatten up for winter. Especially in structurally rich shore zones.
with stones, roots, or weed, they are particularly active now. This is exactly where you should place your lures.Why is perch fishing from the shore so successful in autumn?Perch stay shallow and are searching for food
You don’t need a boat to reach the hotspots
-
Less weed, better handling of lures
-
Quick spot search through mobile tactics
-
What you need now is a lure with plenty of pressure. Our tip for autumn is the
-
Chatterbait SCORP
– eye-catching, vibrating, and perfect for active predators. But soft plastics with paddle tails or twitchbaits also bring solid bites.Perch fishing in winter – challenge or opportunity?Cold, dark, quiet. Winter fishing has its own charm. And those who know how perch behave in winter can even
now
land really good catches. When fishing for perch in winter, you have to go slow, targeted, and smart.With falling temperatures, perch become more sluggish. They usually stay deep now, often near harbor basins, groynes, or deep holes
. They don’t need much movement but precise lure control and the right setup.Tips for successful perch fishing in winter:Find deep, quiet areas with a constant temperature profile
Fish slowly – really slowly
-
Be patient, bites are often cautious
-
Use light gear for better lure control
-
What works now?
-
Clearly
: perch fishing with
worms and dropshot rigs. Natural baits like the classic earthworm work wonders in cold water. Combined with a finely tuned dropshot rig-, you have full control.More tips? Read our article “Perch fishing, how to catch properly” – with rigs, lures, and spots for real frostbiters.
Customer reviewsMaximilian R. AT (Hinterglemm, AT) – 1 week ago“Such good quality, really awesome rod!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Andrin H. CH (Zurich, CH) – 2 months ago
“Great lure! Has a good weight, casts far, and was super effective.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Peer K. CH (Zurich, CH) – 1 month ago
“Mega cool price! You get rod, reel, and lure – I’m really happy and find it super cool. Great rod!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about perch fishing
How do you best fish for perch?
With light spinning rods, fine gear, and lures that fit the season. Lots of movement, changing spots, and actively searching.
What is the best lure for perch?
Soft plastics, spinners, worms, or chatterbaits, depending on the season. Realistic in winter, bright and active in summer.
Is perch a good eating fish?
Yes! Its flesh is tender, low in bones, and especially delicious pan-fried or grilled.
What does perch bite best on?
On small prey with movement – soft plastics, wobblers, worms, or small fish.
Yes! Its meat is tender, low in bones, and especially delicious in the pan or on the grill.
What does perch bite best on?
For small prey animals with movement – rubber lures, wobblers, worms, or small fish.