Panfish

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Perch and panfish are found in most bodies of water, from small streams and ponds, to larger rivers and lakes.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Panfish are found in a wide range of habitats within the North/Great Lakes region. They inhabit lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. Panfish prefer areas with structure and cover, such as weed beds, submerged vegetation, fallen trees, docks, and brush piles.
Look for them near shallow water areas, including bays, coves, and near the shoreline. Panfish are often found in schools, so once you locate a productive spot, you can expect multiple bites.

PATTERNS

SPRING

During the spring months, panfish move into shallower waters to spawn. Look for them near the shoreline, particularly in areas with submerged vegetation or shallow beds. Use small jigs, live bait such as worms or waxworms, or small spinners to entice panfish. Slowly retrieve your bait near the bottom or suspend it at different depths to find where the fish are located.

SUMMER

In the summer, panfish can be found in a variety of habitats, including deeper water and weed beds. They may move to deeper areas during the heat of the day and come closer to shore during the cooler mornings and evenings. Use small jigs, soft plastics, or live bait to target panfish around weed edges, drop-offs, or submerged structures. Adjust your presentation depth based on the panfish's location.

FALL

As fall arrives, panfish transition back to shallower waters, feeding voraciously before winter. Look for them near weed beds, fallen trees, or areas with submerged vegetation. Use small jigs, live bait, or small spinners to entice panfish. Adjust your presentation speed and depth based on the panfish's activity level.

WINTER

During the winter months, panfish congregate in deeper water or move to areas with structure and cover. Ice fishing is a popular method for targeting panfish during this season. Use small jigs, ice flies, or live bait such as waxworms or maggots to entice panfish beneath the ice. Focus on areas near weed beds, drop-offs, or submerged structures.

Panfish are opportunistic feeders and will strike a variety of baits and lures. Effective bait options for panfish fishing include small jigs, spinners, soft plastics, live bait such as worms, waxworms, or small minnows, and even small flies for fly fishing enthusiasts.
Use light tackle and smaller hooks to match the size of panfish's mouth. Experiment with different colors and presentations to determine what the fish are most attracted to on a given day.