I have been picking up "gills while bottom fishing for Channel Cats in some of the local lakes. Last week the water temp was 41 degrees by the shore, so it was probably about 38 degrees on the near shore bottom. I use a fish finder rigs and small hook to catch the perch and 'gills. Then use them for catfish bait.

The above posts are correct, the hits are super soft, nothing like when it is warm.