Yellow perch are a popular fresh and brackish water fish in much of the country. They are prolific fish and very adaptable, feeding on small fish, insects, worms and crustaceans. Yellow perch are small colorful fish, rarely exceeding a pound. They have brilliant vertical bars of reddish brown and yellow and orange fins. The fish are stocky built and have white flesh that is very mild.

White perch are also small but stocky built fish. They vary from light silver in some areas to almost black above when inhabiting darker water. These darker colored fish are often mistaken for another species and may be be referred to as "black perch". They sometimes inhabit the same stretches of water as yellow perch. White perch are more comfortable in saltwater than yellow perch and tend to be more common in the lower sections of the rivers and bays than their striped cousins. They may move up and down tributaries during the year and also vary in their preferred depths depending on water temperature and other factors.

Both species of perch are related to the larger white bass and striped bass. In many areas white perch live together with striped bass. While small school sized fish are not a threat, perch are a favorite prey of larger stripers. Many anglers know this and sometimes live line perch as striped bass baits.  

Perch fishing is fun filled and in some cases anglers gather in great numbers in the early spring when these fish school up before spawning. After the spawning runs, some anglers continue to target white and yellow perch. The fish are hard fighters on light tackle and are the perfect species for a family outing. Perch tackle is simple, inexpensive and easy to use. Almost any existing equipment can be used and many a child has managed to boat perch with his or her snoopy rod. Other anglers employ bass fishing gear or even fly rods. Anglers may choose to harvest perch for the table or release their fish back into the environment.

Both white and yellow perch are caught year round, even while ice fishing in the winter. Anglers use baits such as minnows, grass shrimp, night crawlers, blood worms or grubs. Both species of perch also respond well to prepared baits that are available from fishing tackle shops or other stores. These baits consist of a special mix that looks, feels and smells like a natural product. The bait is overlaid on a tough cheesecloth type mesh and shaped like real baits, such as blood worms, squid strips, etc. These are fished just like fresh cut bait.

Traditional artificial lures include a variety of small artificial jigs, dry flies, wet flies and other lures. As with the cut baits, the latest lures are available with realistic scents and textures to fool fish into thinking they are in pursuit of a live meal.

Perch are simple to clean and easy to cook. Smaller fish can be scaled and cleaned whole while larger perch are sometimes filleted. Both white and yellow perch may contain roe during the spawning season. Perch roe should be carefully removed as it is a delicious treat for seafood lovers. Perch are most often breaded and fried but their mild taste makes them a good choice for other styles such as baking, grilling or in fish chowders.

No Comments Yet.