Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

A schooling warmwater panfish that stacks up around weeds, shorelines, and quiet water.

Overview

Size range

8–20 in

Size range

Typical adult length in the waters we cover.

Water temperature

Warmwater

Water temperature

Preferred thermal regime for this species.

Origin

Introduced

Origin

Stocking and native history where this species is found.

About Yellow Perch

Yellow perch are an introduced warmwater fish in Idaho and a familiar panfish across lakes, ponds, and slower river water. They commonly run around 8 inches, though larger fish can reach about 20 inches.

Yellow Perch Silhouette

Primary

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

Not yet linked to waters

This species has not been linked to a river or lake in our catalog yet.

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

Check the current Idaho fishing seasons and rules for the water you plan to fish, as limits and harvest rules can vary by location.

Regulations vary by water. Check current Idaho Fish and Game rules before fishing.

Conservation

Status: Introduced to Idaho

G5 (Secure) · ESA: Not listed · Idaho: SNA

Explore fish

Browse species profiles with habitat, diet, tactics, and linked waters across the state.

Browse all fish

Search Barbless.co