Yellow Perch
LOCATIONS
BODIES OF WATER
Found in a variety of environments in the northeast incluing, rivers, lakes ponds, estuaries. Many bodies of water will hold yellow perch.
Here are just a few examples of locations that hold yellow perch. Many other areas will also have yellow perch so explore your local waters.
Connecticut: Candlewood Lake, Bantam Lake, Lake Lillinonah, Quaddick Reservoir, Highland Lake, Lake Zoar, Lake Saltonstall, Saugatuck Reservoir, Natchaug River, Niantic River
Massachusetts: Lake Quinsigamond, Wachusett Reservoir, Quabbin Reservoir, Long Pond, Lake Webster, Lake Cochituate, Wachusett Lake, Connecticut River, Deerfield River, Lake Wyola
Maine: Rangeley Lake, Moosehead Lake, Sebago Lake, Kennebec River, Androscoggin River, Penobscot River, Moose River, St. Croix River, Piscataquis River, Aroostook River
New Hampshire: Lake Winnipesaukee, Merrimack River, Squam Lake, Newfound Lake, Connecticut River, Lake Sunapee, Ossipee Lake, Lake Wentworth, Mascoma Lake, Umbagog Lake
New Jersey: Round Valley Reservoir, Manasquan Reservoir, Musconetcong River, Delaware River, Swartswood Lake, Lake Hopatcong, Greenwood Lake, Raritan River, Wanaque Reservoir, Essex Lake
New York: Oneida Lake, Lake Ontario, Genesee River, Salmon River, St. Lawrence River, Oswego River, Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, Lake Champlain
Pennsylvania: Allegheny River, Lake Erie, Youghiogheny River, Lake Wallenpaupack, Pymatuning Lake, Susquehanna River, Lake Arthur, Lake Conneaut, Shenango River, Conodoguinet Creek
Rhode Island: Sakonnet River, Wood River, Narrow River, Quequechan River, Potowomut River, Palmer River, Warren River, Kickemuit River, Barrington River, Beaver River
Vermont: Lake Champlain, Winooski River, Connecticut River, Lake Memphremagog, Lake Bomoseen, Missisquoi River, Otter Creek, Lamoille River, White River, Otter Creek Reservoir
STRUCTURE/HABITAT
Yellow perch prefer areas with moderate current flows and diverse habitat.
Look for them near weed beds, submerged structure, drop-offs, and rocky points, where they can find shelter and ample food sources.
Pay attention to water temperature, clarity, and depth, as these factors influence yellow perch behavior.
PATTERNS
SPRING
During the spring months, yellow perch move into shallow water to spawn.
Focus on areas with submerged vegetation, such as weed beds, flats, and shallow bays. Target yellow perch using small jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastic grubs, retrieved slowly near the bottom. Additionally, consider fishing with slip bobbers and live bait rigs in shallow areas near spawning grounds to locate actively feeding perch.
SUMMER
In the summer, yellow perch tend to move to deeper water and seek cooler temperatures. Target them near drop-offs, submerged structure, and weed beds using small jigs, spinner rigs, or live bait rigs tipped with minnows or worms. Focus on varying your presentations and depths until you locate actively feeding perch.
FALL
As temperatures cool down in the fall, yellow perch become more aggressive and feed heavily in preparation for winter. Target them near weed beds, rocky points, and areas with submerged structure using small jigs, spoons, or blade baits. Focus on areas with abundant baitfish and schools of perch, as they often gather in large numbers before the onset of colder weather.
Winter/Ice Fishing
Live bait such as worms, minnows, and crayfish are the most effective and should be fished near the bottom in deeper waters. Jigging is also an effective technique for catching yellow perch. In the winter months, yellow perch tend to move to deeper water and become less active, so it is important to use slower techniques and lighter tackle to entice them to bite. It is also important to fish in areas with structure, such as rocks, logs, and stumps, as this is where yellow perch tend to congregate in the winter months.
Bait
Small jigs, spoons, spinners, and crankbaits. It is also common to use live bait such as minnows, worms, or small crayfish.