Of all the fish in UK waterways, a monster perch is something most anglers aspire to catch, with their big imposing dorsal fin, striking colours and aggressive nature, they truly are a magnificent fish.
We are all familiar with perch in their juvenile stage, with small 'wasps' being most angler's first fish, but there are many waters around the UK where some truly giant fish are lurking.
Here is guide to some of the best venues for a monster perch...
Grafham Water, Cambs
As well as perch to over 5lb, this venue holds upper-30lb pike and 20lb-plus zander. Fishable until the end of January, it’s not cheap at £25 per day plus boat hire on top (£28 for two, £18 single-manned), but why not treat yourself to a session afloat on this true predator fishing Mecca?
More info: Anglianwaterparks.co.uk/grafham-water-park and 01480 810531
PERCH ARE PREDATORY FISH AND RESPOND REALLY WELL TO LURE FISHING, CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST LURES FOR CATCHING THEM.
Viaduct Fisheries, Somerton, Somerset
Whilst all the lakes hold a good head of perch, for the biggest fish on the complex you want to head to Cary, Spring or Lodge lake, where fish to over 3lb are not uncommon. The best tactics tend to be float fishing with maggots or worms, with a lot of anglers having success on prawns.
More info: viaductfishery.com and 01458274022
Rising Sun Fisheries, Aldwark, North Yorkshire
All three lakes hold good perch, but it’s Lake One that offers the potential of a real giant, with fish to 5lb 6oz having been caught. Lakes Two and Three hold good numbers to around 3lb, too, and all tactics will score.
More info: risingsunfisheries.co.uk and 01347 838134
White Springs Fishery, Swansea, South Wales
The Pit is awash with features, and fishing close to any cover hanging off an island will put you in with a chance of a huge perch. Fish to over 4lb are banked every season, and chopped worms and dead maggots packed inside a swimfeeder will help to draw them in. Use a low-resistance set-up to prevent the fish from feeling the weight of the rig.
More info: whitespringsfishery.co.uk and 01792 885699
River Ouse, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes, Bucks
Link-legered lobworms work a treat for perch to 3lb at this Milton Keynes AA-controlled venue. Keep moving and target all the likely-looking areas with a light quivertip set-up. Loosefeed red maggots over the top, or use a bait dropper to lay down a bed of goodies and fish the baited swims in rotation.
More info: mkaa.co.uk and 01908 234144 (Angling Direct MK)
Goodiford Mill, Kentisbeare, Devon
The Silvers Pool and Match Lake hold the best perch, with plenty of two- and three-pounders, as well as the chance of something much bigger. Try fishing with prawns tight to the bank on a light link leger or under a thick-topped float.
More info: goodifordmillleisure.co.uk and 01884 266065
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ONE OF THE BEST FISHING RODS TO HELP TAME A BIG PERCH ON YOUR NEXT SESSION.
River Medway, Kent
The tree-lined Yalding One fishery on the Medway, which is controlled by CALPAC, is roughly 1km long and has been producing some big perch this year. To catch perch from the river, roving tactics are best with lobworms or lures. Day tickets are two rods and are available from Teapot Island Café at the fishery, on the bank from the bailiff, or in advance by emailing calpacanglers@hotmail.com
More info: calpacangling.com
Alderwood Ponds, Steyning, West Sussex
Fish to over 5lb have been caught from Island Pond in the past at this well-established family-run venue. Target the margins with worms and red maggots, and if you get the small silvers feeding, it won’t be long before the big perch turn up. Large prawn hookbaits are also worth a try.
More info: alderwoodponds.com and 01903 816377
Whinwhistle Coarse Fishery, Romsey, Hampshire
A local big perch hotspot. Keepers Lake, just outside the well stocked tackle shop and cafe, is the lake that contains the biggest perch on site. Worms in the margins seem to be the best tactic, feeding maggots over the top to draw some smaller fish in to begin with.
More info: whinwhistlecoarsefishery.co.uk or 01794 324485
River Nene, Orton, Peterborough, Cambs
There are ever-increasing numbers of places on the River Nene that can throw up good perch, but some of the biggest inhabit the weir known as The Staunch, at Orton, with fish to 4lb 12oz taken, with usual river tactics producing results. There are also big zander present, and a lure fishing approach is best for targeting both species.
More info: fishinginpeterborough.co.uk
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Wilstone Reservoir, Herts
This huge expanse of water on the Tring Reservoirs complex lays claim to the current joint-record perch of 6lb 3oz, which fell to feeder fished maggots, but worm tactics will also produce the goods. The other two ressies, Marsworth and Startops, also hold big perch, and all three are fishable on a day ticket (two rods).
More info: tringanglers.org.uk
Woodside Fishery, Cleobury Mortimer, Worcs
Of the four on-site lakes, it’s the Island and Charlie’s Pools that are the best bet for an oversized stripey, with plenty of margin spots, lily pads and reeds to target. Lobworms or dendrobaenas fished over choppie, maggots and casters on the pole will work.
More info: woodsidefishery.co.uk and 01299 271305
Upper Tamar Lakes, Bude, Cornwall
Home to the Feedermasters final, this venue is not only infamous for bags of skimmers but for its huge, untapped perch fishing. Large fish over 3lb are regularly caught in matches so who knows what is really swimming out there, a real giant is definitely possible for those willing to put the time in. The 80-acre reservoir is fishable on a day ticket.
More info: swlakestrust.org.uk
Whitmore Fisheries, Preston, Lancs
Big perch can be found in most of the 12 lakes here, but the Club Canal has the best form for true heavyweights, with fish to 5lb landed. It’s ideal for a pinpoint pole fishing approach to the far bank 10m away, but there is also plenty of fish-holding cover along the nearside margin. Lots of baits work well with worms being a top performer.
More info: whitmorefisheries.co.uk and 01253 836224
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