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Overview

The Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) is one of the most familiar fish in northern North America — a small schooling species with a beautiful yellow-gold body broken by 6-8 dark vertical bars and bright orange-red lower fins. Perch are abundant, easy to catch, and considered some of the finest-eating freshwater fish available.

Yellow Perch are unusual among game fish in being active in bright daylight (most fish prefer low light). They school in 10-30 ft of water near vegetation and structure, feeding on insect larvae, small minnows, and crustaceans. They are also the #1 prey of walleye — wherever you find perch, you find walleye nearby.

The world record (4 lb 3 oz, set in 1865 in New Jersey) is the oldest standing freshwater fishing record in North America. Perch are caught year-round on small jigs tipped with minnows or wax worms, perch rigs with two hooks, and small spoons. They are the #1 ice fishing target across the Great Lakes and the upper Midwest.

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Fish Data31 / 39 fields

Fish Data

31 / 39 fields

Physical

Adult Size— not set

Average Length(in)7.5 in

ColorationYellow-gold body with 6-8 dark vertical bars on the sides. Lower fins are bright orange-red, especially in breeding males.

Distinguishing FeaturesDistinctive vertical dark bars on a yellow-gold body. Two separate dorsal fins (first spiny, second soft). Orange-red pelvic and anal fins.

Max Length(in)16.0 in

Max Weight(lb)4.2 lb

World Record Weight(lb)4.2 lb

Habitat

Diet— not set

Native Range— not set

Conservation Status— not set

Depth Preference10-30 ft typical, schooling near bottom or mid-column.

HabitatLakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers — schooling species. Prefers cool, clear water with vegetation or structure.

Introduced RangeIntroduced in many western US states and parts of the southern US, where it can become an invasive nuisance.

Native RangeNorthern North America — Great Lakes, Atlantic and Hudson Bay drainages from southern Canada south to South Carolina and west to Kansas.

Temperature PreferenceCool water — most active at 65-72°F.

Water TypeFreshwater

Classification

Common Names— not set

PhylumChordata

Kingdom— not set

Species— not set

Class— not set

Common NamesPerch, American perch, Lake perch, Striped perch, Ringed perch, Coontail, Jack perch

FamilyPercidae

GenusPerca

OrderPerciformes

Scientific NamePerca flavescens

Behavior

Active TimeDiurnal

Diet TypeCarnivore

Lifespan(yr)9 yr

Spawning SeasonEarly spring (April-May) at 45-52°F. Females release eggs in long gelatinous accordion-like strands draped over vegetation or branches.

Typical PreyInsect larvae, small minnows, fish eggs, crayfish, small crustaceans, zooplankton.

Conservation

Invasive Elsewhere Yes

IUCN StatusLeast Concern

Recreation

Best LuresSmall jigs tipped with minnows or wax worms, small spinners, drop-shot rigs, perch rigs with two hooks, small spoons.

Best SeasonSpring through fall. One of the top ice-fishing targets in winter on the Great Lakes.

Best Time of DayMidday — yellow perch are unusual in being most active in bright daylight.

Eating QualityExcellent

Edible Yes

Game Fish Yes

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External Resources2 links

External Resources & Links

2 links

FishBase

iNaturalist

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