Sturgeon

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Yellow perch, prized for their tasty fillets and abundant populations, can be found in a variety of bodies of water throughout the Central/Mountain region of the United States. Anglers seeking yellow perch have numerous options in lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, each offering their unique fishing opportunities. While the following bodies of water are well-known for yellow perch fishing, it's important to note that yellow perch can also be found in other locations:
Colorado: Cherry Creek Reservoir, Boyd Lake, Chatfield Reservoir.
Idaho: Lake Pend Oreille, Lake Cascade, Bear Lake.
Utah: Bear Lake, Utah Lake, Pineview Reservoir.
Wyoming: Boysen Reservoir, Glendo Reservoir, Lake DeSmet.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Yellow perch prefer freshwater environments with moderate depths and a variety of underwater structures. They can often be found near submerged vegetation, underwater humps, drop-offs, and rocky areas. Yellow perch are schooling fish, so locating one often means there are more nearby. Understanding their habitat preferences is essential for successful yellow perch fishing.

PATTERNS

SPRING

During the spring months, yellow perch move into shallower areas to spawn. Look for them near rocky shorelines, submerged vegetation, and areas with gravel or sand bottoms. Use small jigs or live bait, such as worms or minnows, presented close to the bottom. Yellow perch are known to be cautious feeders, so a subtle presentation is often effective.

SUMMER

In the summer, yellow perch tend to seek slightly deeper and cooler waters. Look for them near underwater structures such as submerged trees, brush piles, or drop-offs. Use small jigs, spinnerbaits, or live bait rigs tipped with minnows or worms. Slowly retrieve your bait to imitate natural movements and attract the attention of yellow perch.

FALL

As fall arrives, yellow perch become more active and feed aggressively before winter. They often move to slightly deeper areas but can still be found near weed beds, submerged structures, or areas with abundant food sources. Jigs, small crankbaits, or live bait rigs can all be effective choices. Experiment with different colors and presentations to determine what the yellow perch prefer.

WINTER

During the winter months, yellow perch gather in larger schools and can be targeted through ice fishing. Look for them in deeper areas of lakes or reservoirs. Use small ice fishing jigs, spoons, or live bait such as minnows or grubs. Set up near drop-offs, submerged structures, or areas where the yellow perch are known to congregate. Patience and precise presentations are key during the winter season.

Yellow perch are known to feed on a variety of baits and lures. Popular bait options include live minnows, worms, maggots, and small jigs. When using live bait, rig them on a small hook with a split shot sinker to keep the bait near the bottom. For artificial lures, consider using small jigs, spoons, or spinners in colors that mimic the natural forage of yellow perch, such as silver, chartreuse, or white. Vary your retrieval speed and depth to find the most productive presentation.