LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

• White perch can be found in the freshwater and brackish waters of the North East of the US, including rivers, creeks, bays, and estuaries. They are typically found in inshore waters and are known to migrate short distances.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

• They prefer shallow waters and are often found around natural structures such as submerged logs, rocks, and vegetation.

• They are also known to congregate around man-made structures such as pier pilings, bridges, and drop-offs. ​

PATTERNS

SPRING

• Moving from deeper channel ledges into rivers to spawn. Catch them in rivers and creek opening

SUMMER

• During the summer, White perch can be found in deeper waters as they move out of the rivers and creeks and into the bays and estuaries to feed. Caught in a variety of locations deep and shallow.

FALL

• White perch are typically found in the shallower waters as they move back into the rivers and creeks to feed and prepare for winter. 

WINTER

• Fish are deep.

Bait

• Crab, bloodworms, Grass Shrimp, Night Crawlers.

Techniques

Bait Fishing

• How: Use live or cut bait such as bloodworms, nightcrawlers, or minnows. Fish near structure such as fallen trees, rocks, or weed beds. White perch can be caught throughout the year, but they are most active during the cooler months.

• Gear: Rods: Light to medium-light spinning rods. Reels: 1000-2500 size spinning reels. Line: 4-10lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon. Hooks: Size 4-8 live bait hooks or circle hooks when using live bait to reduce the risk of gut hooking.

Artificial Lures

• How: White perch can be caught using a variety of artificial lures such as small jigs, spinners, and spoons. Fish near structure such as fallen trees, rocks, or weed beds. Vary your retrieve speed and technique until you find what works best.

• Gear: Rods: Light to medium-light spinning rods. Reels: 1000-2500 size spinning reels. Line: 4-10lb test braided line or fluorocarbon leader. Lures: Small jigs, spinners, and spoons.

Fly Fishing

• How: White perch can be caught on a variety of fly patterns, including small streamers and nymphs. Fish near structure such as fallen trees, rocks, or weed beds. Vary your retrieve speed and technique until you find what works best.

• Gear: Rods: 3-5 wt fly rod. Reels: Reel to match size fly rod. Line: Floating/Sinking/Intermediate depending on situations. Leaders: 7-9ft 6-8lb fluorocarbon leaders with tippet sizes ranging from 2-4lb. Flies: Small streamers and nymphs.