yellow-perch Species Facts
Science Name: Perca flavescens
Other Names: Lake Perch; Ringed Perch
Description

Yellow perch are golden or brassy yellow with six to nine dark vertical bars on their sides. They do not have the canine teeth of walleye and sauger.

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

Tips for Fishing

Best angling occurs in spring near shore and in the fall through winter at various depths using spreaders with minnows, shiners, worms, or cut bait fished near the bottom. Ice fishing often produces some of the best catch rates for yellow perch.