Yellow Perch

Behavior

spawning

Spring-oriented movements bring fish shallow and into nearshore groups; look for perch around sheltered, vegetated areas.

feeding style

Daytime feeder that schools near shore and around cover, picking off insects, invertebrates, small fish, and fish eggs.

seasonal notes

Often found in clear water near vegetation, with schools tending to gather close to shore in spring.

Habitat

water types

lakes, ponds, creeks, rivers

preferred holds

Clear water near aquatic vegetation, sheltered shoreline areas, and slow pools or backwater-like sections.

Where Found

Angler Tactics

tactics

Target schools in clear, weedy water and along nearshore structure, especially in spring. If you catch one, stay put and work the area thoroughly, perch often bunch tightly.

effective methods

small jigs, bait under a bobber, ice-fishing jigs, small soft plastics, worms or other natural bait

Regulations

Conservation