white-perch Species Facts
Science Name: Morone americana
Other Names: Perch, Silver Perch, Blue-Nose Perch, Grey Perch
Environment: Lakes and rivers
Range: East Coast, North of Georgia
Description

Description The pale olive to silvery green sides lack the dark horizontal stripes present on other temperate basses. White perch also have a narrower tail. The deepest part of the body is at the front of the dorsal fin. On a white bass, the deepest part is near the middle of the back.

Hybrids Known to hybridize with striped bass.

Table Quality The firm, white meat is excellent eating.

Sporting Qualities White perch are easily caught on worms, minnows, grass shrimp, small jigs, spinners, spoons, wet flies and streamers. But they spook even more easily than white bass, so anglers must keep their distance from the school. They wage a feisty but short battle.

Habitat White perch can live in salt, brackish or fresh water. They thrive in inland lakes and reservoirs with expanses of warm, shallow water; in coastal rivers; and in lakes and ponds connected to estuaries. Preferred temperature range: 75 to 80 F.

Food Habits White perch rely heavily on insects and crustaceans for food. Although they herd baitfish to the surface, especially on cloudy days, they feed this way less often than other temperate bass. In the evening, white perch can frequently be seen dimpling the surface as they take insects. Surface feeding often continues after dark. They seldom feed in winter.

Spawning Habits Spawn in spring at water temperatures from 50 to 6OF. White perch swim up tributary streams and randomly deposit their eggs over gravel shoals or on sparse submerged vegetation. They do not guard the eggs or fry.

Age and Growth White perch are slow growing, but long-lived. The maximum age is about 17 years. Their high reproductive potential can create stunting problems if there are several good year-classes in a row.

Tips for Fishing

The best angling occurs in spring near shore and in major tributaries. Good fall catches can occur at various water depths using spreaders with minnows, shiners, red worms, or cut bait fished near the bottom.