Science Name: | Perca flavescens |
Other Names: | Lake Perch; Ringed Perch |
Occasionally infected with unappetizing parasites, they are considered pests except in large hard-water walleye lakes, where they may exceed a pound and are excellent table fare. Perch feed on a variety of small fish and invertebrates.
Yellow perch may be single most important prey species in many lakes for largemouth bass, northern pike and particularly walleye. Like the walleye, perch of one year-class may be superabundant while another year-class may be nearly absent. Strong perch year-classes generally coincide with abundant walleye year-classes. Wild fluctuations in perch numbers influence the health and growth rates of walleye. They also affect angling. Fishing may be poor when forage-size perch are abundant, simply because walleye are well fed.
Where to Find
East Canada; Great Lakes; US east coast; MS, AL, FL
Habitat
Yellow perch prefer clear water with moderate vegetation and much sand or gravel
on the bottom.
Feeding Habits
Adult aquatic insects and larvae, and small fishes.
U.S. Record
4lb3oz 5/1865 Lake Bordentown, NJ