Yellow Perch

Length:  15 - 30 cm. (6-12 in.)

Distribution/Habitat:
clear waters with some vegetation throughout Ontario; often school

Similar fish:

• walleye
• white perch
• sauger

Key identifying characteristics:

• 6 to 8 dark, vertical bands on sides, alternating with light yellow to yellow-green

Yellow perch are commonly found in the Great Lakes drainage and have been introduced to waters beyond their original range. They are now widely distributed throughout the province.

Perch are most numerous where there are expanses of open water and moderate amounts of vegetation. They often share water with species such as walleye and bass.

Yellow perch are caught by a wide variety of methods:

• still fishing with small minnows, earthworms, and grasshoppers
• insects and flies at the time of the mayfly emergence
• small spinners, spinner and fly combination 
• small tube jigs or twister tails

Perch show a preference for the natural food upon which they are feeding at the time. The live minnow gives the best success at all seasons of the year.