Yellow Perch
LOCATIONS
BODIES OF WATER
Yellow perch, a popular freshwater game fish, can be found in selected bodies of water throughout the South/Gulf region. They are commonly found in lakes, reservoirs, and some rivers that provide suitable habitat and cooler water conditions.
Alabama: Lake Guntersville, Wheeler Lake, Wilson Lake, Pickwick Lake, Logan Martin Lake.
Arkansas: Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Ouachita, Bull Shoals Lake, DeGray Lake, Lake Hamilton.
Georgia: Lake Allatoona, Lake Lanier, Clarks Hill Lake, West Point Lake, Lake Oconee.
Louisiana: Toledo Bend Reservoir, Calcasieu Lake, Catahoula Lake, Caney Lake, Lake D'Arbonne.
Mississippi: Sardis Lake, Grenada Lake, Enid Lake, Ross Barnett Reservoir, Arkabutla Lake.
Oklahoma: Lake Eufaula, Keystone Lake, Grand Lake, Lake Tenkiller, Lake Oologah.
Tennessee: Kentucky Lake, Chickamauga Lake, Watts Bar Lake, Douglas Lake, J. Percy Priest Lake.
Texas: Lake Ray Roberts, Lake Texoma, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Toledo Bend Reservoir, Lake Conroe.
STRUCTURE/HABITAT
Yellow perch are often found in areas with vegetation, submerged structures, and cooler water temperatures. They prefer habitats with moderate depths and ample cover, such as weed beds, submerged timber, and rocky areas.
Look for yellow perch near drop-offs, underwater humps, and areas with changes in depth or structure. They are known to congregate near submerged vegetation, fallen trees, and brush piles. Yellow perch tend to be more active during low-light conditions, such as dawn, dusk, and on cloudy days.
PATTERNS
SPRING
During the spring, yellow perch move into shallower areas to spawn and feed. Look for them near weed beds, submerged vegetation, and areas with moderate depths. Yellow perch tend to be more active during the warmer parts of the day and can be targeted using small jigs, live bait, or small spinners.
SUMMER
In the summer, yellow perch often seek cooler and deeper waters, particularly during the hottest parts of the day. Look for them near drop-offs, submerged structures, and areas with moderate depths. Fishing early in the morning or late in the evening can be productive during this season when yellow perch are more active.
FALL
As fall arrives, yellow perch become more active and feed heavily in preparation for winter. They may move into shallower areas again, especially near weed beds, submerged vegetation, and areas with good cover. Look for yellow perch near points, docks, or along the edges of vegetation beds.
WINTER
During the winter months, yellow perch tend to gather in deeper sections of lakes and reservoirs. Look for them near areas with structures such as submerged timber, brush piles, or near drop-offs. Vertical jigging or slow presentations with live bait or small jigs can be effective during the colder months.
Bait
Yellow perch are known for their appetite for small baitfish, insects, and invertebrates. Common bait options for yellow perch fishing include small jigs, live bait such as minnows, worms, and insect larvae. Small spinners, spoons, and soft plastics can also be effective in enticing yellow perch strikes.
When using live bait, consider using small hooks and light tackle to match the size of the bait and ensure a natural presentation. Adjust the weight of your rig or use a slip bobber to suspend the bait at the desired depth, depending on the location of yellow perch in the water column.
Artificial lures such as small jigs, inline spinners, and small crankbaits can be productive when targeting yellow perch. Choose lures in natural colors and smaller sizes to mimic the forage that yellow perch typically feed on. Experiment with different retrieves, including slow and steady retrieves or occasional pauses, to entice strikes.
It's important to use light to ultralight spinning tackle when pursuing yellow perch. A sensitive rod and reel combo with light monofilament or fluorocarbon line will allow you to detect subtle bites and provide a better feel for the fish. Use a small hook, typically size 6 to 10, to avoid spooking the fish and increase your hook-up success.