Perch Lake

How big is Perch Lake?

How deep is Perch Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Perch Lake?

What are the closest cities to Perch Lake?

Are there boat launches on Perch Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Perch Lake?

Perch Lake is located three miles northeast of Babbit and the lake can be reached through a public carry-in access which is on the south shore of the lake off U.S. Forest Road 191. Portage wheels are allowed at this access. Perch Lake is relatively small at just 100 acres and is relatively shallow at just 13 feet deep. Lake bottom substrates along the shoreline are mostly rubble, ledge rock, and muck.

Perch Lake was surveyed in July 2023 to monitor the walleye, bluegill, and northern pike populations and to monitor lake quality and habitat. The survey crew sampled fish with gill nets and trap nets, and they measured water quality. Perch Lake was thermally stratified, with a surface temperature of 74 F and a temperature of 63 F at the bottom. Adequate oxygen levels for gamefish were present to a depth of about 7 feet. Perch Lake has brown, bog-stained water with low visibility at about 4 feet. Aquatic vegetation is limited in the lake.

Walleye were sampled at a rate of 4.3 fish/gill net, which was below average for the lake. However, walleye were nice sized, averaging 14.7 inches in length, and over 60% of the fish were over 14 inches. Walleye were also sampled in trap nets at a rate of 4.3 fish/net. These fish tended to be larger, averaging 16.8 inches and nearly 85% of the catch was 14 inches or larger. Walleye ages ranged from 2 to 14 and indicated consistent recruitment in this naturally reproducing population.

Bluegill were sampled at a rate of 12.9 fish/trap net, which was higher than the historical average for the lake. Bluegill averaged 6.8 inches in length, and approximately 37% of the catch was 8 inches or larger. The largest bluegill sampled was 10.1 inches. Bluegill ages ranged from 2 to 7 and indicated exceptional growth rates for lakes in the Tower area.

Northern pike were sampled at a rate of 5.0 fish/gill net and 2.1 fish/trap net, both of which were slightly higher than average for Perch Lake. The average length was 19.4 inches, which was close to the historical average for the lake. The largest pike was 39.4 inches long and was caught in a trap net. This was the largest pike ever sampled from Perch Lake.

Additional species sampled in 2023 included hybrid sunfish, white sucker, and yellow perch.

What is the average air temp for Perch Lake?

Are there any state parks near Perch Lake?