Yellow Perch

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Yellow perch, highly sought after for their tasty fillets and abundant populations, can be found in various bodies of water across the Southwest region of the United States. Anglers flock to these waters in pursuit of yellow perch, known for their schooling behavior and active feeding habits. Here are some popular locations for yellow perch fishing in each state:
Arizona: Yellow perch can be found in lakes such as Lake Havasu and Lake Powell. These lakes offer ample opportunities to catch yellow perch by targeting them near submerged structures, rocky points, or areas with vegetation.
California: California is not known for its yellow perch fisheries.
Nevada: Lahontan Reservoir is a popular destination for yellow perch fishing in Nevada. Anglers can target yellow perch near drop-offs, submerged vegetation, or around underwater structures using techniques such as vertical jigging, ice fishing, or casting with small lures.
New Mexico: Elephant Butte Reservoir and Navajo Lake are known for their yellow perch populations. Anglers can find success by targeting yellow perch near submerged timber, rocky areas, or drop-offs using techniques like jigging, casting with small lures, or using live bait rigs.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Yellow perch are typically found in lakes and reservoirs with clear to slightly turbid water. They often inhabit areas with submerged vegetation, rocky structures, or near drop-offs. Yellow perch are schooling fish and can be found in large numbers, making them an ideal target for anglers.

PATTERNS

SPRING

During the spring, yellow perch move into shallower waters for spawning. Look for them near rocky shorelines, submerged vegetation, or areas with gravel bottoms. Fishing with small jigs, live bait rigs, or using small spinners can be effective during this time.

SUMMER

In the summer months, yellow perch tend to move to slightly deeper waters or seek out cooler areas. Targeting them near submerged structures, drop-offs, or areas with vegetation can yield good results. Vertical jigging, casting with small lures, or using live bait rigs can be effective techniques during summer.

FALL

As temperatures cool down in the fall, yellow perch become more active and feed more aggressively. They may return to shallower waters or transition to areas with submerged timber or rocky structures. Casting or jigging with small lures, using live bait rigs, or drifting with small jigs can be productive during this season.

WINTER

In colder winter months, yellow perch often gather in deeper water and can be found near submerged structures or drop-offs. Ice fishing techniques such as using small jigs, spoons, or live bait rigs can be effective for catching yellow perch during winter.

Yellow perch can be targeted using various baits and lures. Common bait options include live minnows, nightcrawlers, small jigs, spinners, or small crankbaits. Experimenting with different colors, sizes, and presentations can help you determine what works best on a given day.