what is the most common fish caught in montreal

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Montreal-area freshwater staple: Yellow Perch**. In the lakes and rivers around Montreal, you’ll most often encounter yellow perch in decent numbers. You’ll also see reliable catches of *Northern Pike* and *Smallmouth Bass*, but perch tends to be the most consistently encountered species by local anglers. 🐟

**Why perch are so common here**
- They school up in shallow to mid-depths around weed edges and drop-offs, especially in late summer transitioning into early fall.
- They’re small to mid-sized, which means lots of action and good odds for keepers or just catching for fun.

**Early Fall catching tips (season context: early fall)**
- Target: Yellow Perch; other common species: Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass.
- Best rigs: light jig (1/16–1/8 oz) tipped with a live minnow or soft plastics.
- Depths: 8–20 ft around weedlines, shoals, and drop-offs; move shallower as water cools.
- Lure colors: natural greens/browns for clear water; chartreuse or orange accents for stained water.
- Gear: 6’6”–7’ medium-light rod; 6–12 lb braided line with a light mono leader; small spinning reel.

**Techniques to try**
- Slow jigging or steady hopping with a small jig or teardrop using a Minnow-like bait.
- Drop-shot or small tube jigs around structure for bass in similar habitats.
- If you’re new, start with live minnows under a bobber to locate active perch then switch to jigs.

**Practical game plan**
- Early morning or late afternoon bite tends to be best; overcast days can extend the window. Keep an eye on wind: a light chop can help stir up feeding.
- Fish near weed edges, drop-offs, and shallower bays along the St. Lawrence-Richelieu corridor.

Want some visual quick-tips? check these:
- [Beginner lake fishing tips](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFTI8TdrNtY)
- [Mistakes to avoid in fishing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pf0W98fgzg)

If you’re chasing gear, these options from Amazon can help you get started:
- [TRUSCEND Top Water Lures for Bass/Pike](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T1FKL9Z?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [TRUSCEND Well-Made Rooster Tail Spinners](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVC9WZZ?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

**Final note**: Montreal fishing is a blast in early fall—the water cools, the bites can sharpen, and perch schools are a dependable pastime. Tight lines and enjoy the learning curve. You’ve got this! 🎣💪

Community

🎣 Montreal

Perch Questions

More Questions

What can bass anglers learn from 402 Outdoors' approach?

Where can I fish for carp?

How do I catch fish that weigh around a pound?

What’s the best fish to catch in spring in Black Sea

Why does Jason suck at fishing?

How do river tides affect bait fish?

How do I catch a big fish?

Do you know of any good fishing spots near Canton/Akron, Ohio?