Big River Perch Fishing: A Day on the River Severn

The bright winter sun might be deceiving, but the crisp February air quickly reminds me that it’s far from warm. Bites are hard to come by at this time of year, but there’s never a better time to be on the bank in search of a true giant perch. As I stand by the River Severn, watching the water flow past, I can’t help but feel the anticipation of what’s to come.

The Hunt for a Monster

What is a big perch? In my mind, anything over 2lb is a cracking fish, but today, I’m after something truly special—45 cm plus, perhaps even nudging the magical 4lb mark. The late winter period is prime time for these fish, with February and March offering the best shot before they spawn.

I find myself drawn to a deep, slack area, the kind of place where a perch might be lurking, waiting for an easy meal. While you could simply catch numbers and hope for a big one to come along, I like to stack the odds in my favour by fine-tuning my tactics.

Slowing Things Down

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that cold water perch fishing requires a slow approach. Some say big perch are lazy, but I think they just become more methodical in winter. In February and March, they’re far less likely to chase a fast-moving lure, so I adjust accordingly. Today, I’m primarily using Texas rigs with big creature baits, but I also have a few Ned rigs and drop shot setups ready. The key is to move slowly, allowing the lure to stay in the strike zone for as long as possible.

Rivers vs. Stillwaters

As I work my lure through the slack, I reflect on the different venues available to perch anglers. Reservoirs produce massive perch every year, but for me, there’s something special about fishing a big river. There’s an unpredictability to it—new areas to explore, constantly changing conditions, and the knowledge that at any moment, a truly special fish could take the bait.

That said, rivers aren’t the only option. When the season ends, stillwaters and canals can be fantastic for continuing the hunt, as some perch will still be putting on weight before they eventually spawn.

The Perfect Lure Choice

The water today is coloured, which means I need to think carefully about lure selection. Many anglers would reach for bright lures—chartreuse, bright green—but I prefer extremes. Either really dark or really light to create maximum contrast. My go-to today is the Fox Rage – Critter in UV dark oil. It’s worked for me before in coloured water, and sure enough, after a patient retrieve, I feel the unmistakable thump of a good fish.

The First Fish

After what feels like an eternity of slow, methodical fishing, I finally connect with one. The fight is steady but strong, and as I slide the net under a stunning 43 cm perch, I feel a rush of satisfaction. Not the monster I was dreaming of, but a cracking fish nonetheless, especially from a stretch of river I’ve never fished before.

The conditions are tricky—cold, bright, and with coloured water—but a big creature bait bumped along the bottom was enough to tempt this beauty.

Rigging for Success

The Texas rig has been my go-to today, mainly due to the snags in this big, gnarly old river. I started with an open jig head, but the underwater obstacles quickly humbled me, so I switched to weedless. This allows me to work the lure through the snags with confidence, knowing I won’t be losing tackle every few casts.

Another trick I use is adding a glass bead to my Texas rig. It creates a subtle clicking sound, which can help attract fish in coloured water. I also include a small stopper, which lets me switch quickly between a Texas and a Carolina rig, giving me more flexibility on the go.

The Right Gear Matters

Fishing big lures for big perch means using the right rod. Today, I’m using a 14g-rated rod with enough backbone to set the hook properly while still being forgiving enough to play fish smoothly. With a big offset hook and a chunky creature bait, I need a rod that can handle the job. So far, it’s performing perfectly.

Reading the River

Moving spots, I realise that not all slacks are equal. Some are too small, too contained. What I really want is a large, open slack with the main flow further out, creating a big, slow-moving pool where perch can ambush prey. It takes some searching, but once I find the right type of water, I know I’m in with a chance.

As the day wears on, I mix up my retrieve, experimenting with different speeds and pauses. Sometimes, just a small tweak in presentation makes all the difference. Right on cue, I get another hit—this time, it turns out to be a feisty little pike. Not my target species, but always welcome on a slow day.

The Feeding Window

One of the biggest challenges in winter perch fishing is figuring out when they’re actively feeding. Dawn and dusk are classic times, but sometimes, they’ll switch on in the middle of the day when the water temperature rises slightly. The best approach? Fish as much as possible and try to be there when they decide to feed.

Wrapping Up the Session

As the light begins to fade, I reflect on the day. I didn’t land the monster I was hoping for, but a 43 cm perch from a new venue is a result I’m more than happy with.

Winter perch fishing on big rivers is never easy, but it’s always rewarding. The cold, the tough conditions, the long waits between bites—it’s all part of the experience. And when that big perch finally takes, all the effort is worth it.

If you’re thinking about braving the cold for a shot at a river monster, my advice is simple: slow down, fish methodically, target the right areas, and use lures that create maximum contrast in coloured water. With patience and persistence, you might just catch the perch of your dreams.