I think spring or fall is good. We do good in the fall. Spring is hot up to spawn. Then they start biting again. But sometimes it's tuff with the weather in the spring. Wait another month and perch will be the hot topic here lol. If you go out try n get emerald shiners for bait. A good fish finder and knowing how to use/read it is a must. Perch are on the bottom. So you have to be able to pick them tell them apart on the screen. If you are catching nothing but small fish. Move. There is another thread that's been going on here for perch. There was some recent locations and info on there.