PERCHING AT BLENHEIM

[Bob Brookes]

Two weeks today I am afloat with my son, Stuart, at Blenheim Palace lake after perch. I have fished there for perch twice before during the last two seasons and have yet to see one. All I have caught is one small pike on a drop shot fished lob worm.

I would be grateful for any tips and advice on the best approach on this water. Do I stick with the drop shot? Would I do better with a maggot approach? Would chopped worm or small dead baits serve me best? Is the bank between the boat house and the bridge the best location that I think it is?

For someone with some previous success after perch I feel such a novice on this water. HELP!

[Northern Eel]

All I caught this summer was perch, (around 10), although I was aiming for tench, I used three white maggots on a size 14 hook.



all around this sort of size, so nothing spectacular, hopefully you will do better.

[Mark]

We had a TFF day out there in July Bob, not sure if this will help but here is the link.

http://traditionalfisherman.com/viewtop ... 37&t=15872

[Snape]

Supposedly a good spot is meant to be by the trees near the boathouse which are in the direction of the bridge.
I was told fishing worms with red maggots and chopped worms is good. There are crayfish so maybe prawns would work.
It is worth spinning and the only big perch I have witnessed there came to a friend's teenage son spinning in the margin up in the channel where it gets very snaggy.
It is worth putting out a deadbait for the pike as well.

[Bob Brookes]

Thanks N.E., Mark and Snape for your comments.
I have no misapprehension that it will be easy, but it will always be enjoyable to be in such a fabulous location, afloat with Stuart. It will be the cherry on the cake if one of us catches a perch or two.
I am certainly thinking that a couple of pints of red maggots will be taken and I shall certainly be getting some lobbies! Oh yes, the drop shot gear will be to the fore in my armoury too.

[Callum Harris]

Hi Bob,

I'm not going this winter but I've been to Blenheim three years on the trot in the hope of catching a nice perch on the lure but have had no success! The first year was a blank - but myself and my father had a great time afloat finding some nice spots. The second year I had seven pike during the day, to 12lbs, all on the dropshot (but no perch!). The third year I replicated my drop-shotting near on exactly - and blanked!

Callum

[Bob Brookes]

It is certainly a beautiful water but seems to be very moody. I travel with hope but not too much expectation. One thing is certain, I will try all the contents of my box of tricks but, even if they fail, I shall still enjoy the day.
Bob

Hi Bob,

I'm not going this winter but I've been to Blenheim three years on the trot in the hope of catching a nice perch on the lure but have had no success! The first year was a blank - but myself and my father had a great time afloat finding some nice spots. The second year I had seven pike during the day, to 12lbs, all on the dropshot (but no perch!). The third year I replicated my drop-shotting near on exactly - and blanked!

Callum

[AllRounder]

Hello Bob
Fished there with a friend two years ago and struggled even though we had the lake to ourselves midweek.
I fished dead baits for pike and was troubled only by crayfish. In a desperate effort to save a blank I thought I would try a very small rapala minnow and catch a perch from near the bridge (how hard can it be).
At last light two casts under the cover of the bridge resulted in 2 pike!! I will never weigh this game up.
They seemed to have a cormorant issue at that time. I would try any where with cover not easy but a lovely venue.
Best of luck.

[Lovatt]

Hello to you all, I have never fished Blenheim; well not that I remember but do catch some nice sized Perch from the Bedford Great Ouse and other waters. I have seen a couple of 5Lb ers and several 3Lb ers come out of various local waters this year here's a typical Bedford Ouse Perch.

Regards Lovatt

[Shropshire Lad]

I think its possible that the big perch that resided there have diminished with angling pressure everything goes in cycles, all I know is that I have fished the pool eight years running two sessions a season one pike rod and one perch rod in all those trips I have done well for pike but only had one perch a battle scared old warrior of just over 3lbs.