My wife and son accompanied me on an outing to the north end of Winchester Lake. Friends have been telling me that schools of perch have been in the canal/wasteway just north of the lake, on either side of the Road 5 bridge. The fish apparently migrate up there this time of year to spawn.

We found the fishing slow to begin with, but eventually located a school and soon landed 12 perch between us. The cool weather made for a short family outing, though I have no doubt a more patient, and warmly dressed, fishermen could have landed many more in the spot we finished our day at.

The perch averaged 6 to 9 inches in length. They bit well on worms (on jigs, under bobbers, or still fished). I would imagine that this fun fishery could end if people get too greedy. I'm hopeful that most of the fishermen there will take what they need and turn the rest loose.

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