Information & Facts

Species Name
Yellow perch
(Perca flavescens)

Common Names
Perch, lake perch, river perch, striped perch, ringed perch, American perch, and common perch. 

Size Range
Average 7-10 inches. Yellow perch can grow to 10-14 inches in quality waters.

Description:
Yellow perch is one of several "panfish" species in BC, they are easy to catch, they are a great "family fishing activity" and they are outstanding eating quality.  Yellow perch are easily identified by the golden-yellow coloration on their sides from which they get their most familiar common name as well as their scientific name, flavescens (yellow). The intensity of color may vary with age and with water clarity. Young perch and those found in clear lakes tend to have less yellow coloration. The common names "striped" and "ringed" perch come from another distinguishing feature, the six to eight broad, dark vertical bands running along their sides. The bands extend over their backs and end near their white belly.  The other member of the perch family in BC is walleye.

How to fish for Yellow Perch

The yellow perch is a cool water species and is most abundant in the open water of lakes with moderate vegetation, clear water and bottoms that vary from mud to sand and gravel. Yellow perch prefer water temperature from 65 ° to 72° F. Yellow Perch are often found moving about in loose groups of 50 to 200 fish. Yellow Perch feed on immature insects, larger invertebrates, eggs and a wide variety of small fish. Yellow Perch feed mostly during the day. Although Yellow Perch can grow up to 16 inches long most angler caught Yellow Perch are from 6 to 10 inches long and under 3/4 of a pound.

Yellow Perch are generally easy to catch and because of their size are perfect for ultra-light tackle. An ultra-light spinning rod that is 5 to 6 feet long with a matched small spinning reel spooled with 4 lb test line is perfect for most lakes and ponds. Attach a small float to the line 3 to 6 feet above a small hook size #2 to #6. About 12 inches above your hook attach a couple of small split shot weights onto the line. Popular baits include small minnows, worms, leeches, crickets, grubs, and crayfish tails. Thread a piece of bait onto the long shank hook and cast it out so it is near underwater structures.
 
There are other popular methods for Yellow Perch. When targeting bigger fish, a rubber jig can be used to imitate an injured fish. Allow the jig to sink to the bottom before jigging it between short retrieves. Small spinners will also work well as they create irresistible vibrations in the water. Be sure to carry different colors when lure fishing so you can adapt to the water color and lighting.
Small spinners such as the Toni, Mepps, or Panther Martin seldom fail. Likewise tiny spoons such as the Hopkins ST or the Williams Wabler. Small plugs such as the Flatfish or Lazy Ike are used occasionally also.

Perch Fishing Tips, Tricks and Techniques

• The Right Artificial Lures – Artificial lures can work well, but you need to pick out the right type- otherwise you are wasting your time. Try using poppers and lightweights jigs. We recommend a set of poppers as well as a lightweight jig.

• The Best Live Bait – Perch fishing has changed over the decades, but their love for food hasn’t. Live bait is usually more effective than artificial lures. One of the best baits to use are soft shells (crayfish). This type of bait works all year round. If soft shells aren’t available then minnows will work just as well in cool water while night crawlers will work better in warmer water.

• Use a Crappie Rig – A crappie rig is a great way to catch perch and also see what they might be biting on in your area. We like to rig up different types of live bait on our crappie rigs and see what they are striking on. Once we know, we’ll double up our rig with the bait that works and then wait for a bite. Nothing is more exciting that nailing 2 jumbo perch in one shot. If you’re not a fan of crappie rigs then a simple slip bobber setup will work just as well.

• Don’t Get Mugged – Perch are notorious bait thieves and you’ll want to make sure you use a small hook to prevent them from getting away. Also try to keep your bait on the tip of your hook to better improve your chances of setting a hook when a perch strikes it.

• Don’t Waste Time – When you catch your first perch don’t waste time removing the hook and re-baiting. Perch are schooling fish and where you find one you’ll find many more. Their schools don’t stay in one place for long, so make sure once you find a school you fish it as fast as possible; hence the use of a crappie rig as mentioned above.

Perch Facts and Statistics

Are you looking for some basic facts and statistics on perch? If so then the data below is perfect for you! Some of the information below represents the top 5% of the bell curve for weight, length, size, etc. for perch. The idea was to provide educational facts and data that would represent what the average angler would find when fishing for Yellow perch.

• Scientific Name: Perca flavescens
• Nickname(s): American Perch, coontail, lake perch, raccoon perch, ring-tail perch, ringed perch and stripped perch. (Yellow perch, p. flavescens)
• Range: North America
• Lifespan: Up to 13 years (Yellow perch, p. flavescens)
• Length: Up to 18″ (Yellow perch, p. flavescens)
• Weight: Up to 4+ pounds (Yellow perch, p. flavescens)

 

More Resources on Perch Fishing

We hope that the information provided on this page makes you a better perch angler. In case you’d still like to continue your research into perch fishing we put together the below list of 3rd party websites. They should be sufficient for expanding your knowledge base.

• Catching Panfish - by Shawn Perich is a complete how-to guide with detailed, step-by-step information accompanied by close-up photographs. 
• Perch – Wikipedia – Learn more about perch and the three most common species of perch on Wikipedia.