Yellow perch are also known as raccoon perch, ringed perch, lake perch, and redfin perch. The yellowish sides have 6 to 9 dark vertical bars. The lower fins are amber to bright orange. Females are not as brightly colored as males.

Yellow perch are easy to catch, but are not strong fighters. Popular baits include small minnows, worms, leeches, crickets, grubs, and crayfish tails. The most effective lures are small jigs and spinners.

The largest yellow perch are found in open water areas of large lakes with fairly clear water, a firm bottom and sparse to moderate vegetation. Small lakes, ponds and rivers usually produce smaller perch. Yellow perch prefer water temperature from 65 ° to 72° F.

Yello Perch spawn in the spring, normally at water temperatures from 43 °to 48° F. Gelatinous strings of eggs are deposited over weeds or brush in the shallows of lakes or in tributary streams. Most spawning takes place at night or in early morning. Parents do not guard the eggs or fry.

Eating Habits

Important foods include immature aquatic insects, crayfish, snails, small fish, and fish eggs. Perch feed most heavily during daylight hours.

Table Quality

One of the finest eating freshwater fish. The white, flaky meat is even firmer and tastier than that of walleye.

Age & Growth

Maximum age is about 10 years. Growth is highly variable, depending upon the habitat.

World Record

4 pounds, 3 ounces, caught in the Delaware River, Ner Jersey, in 1865.

Ontario

Air Cochrane
Birch Island Lodge
Canada Outfitters
Chapleau Lodge
Cianci's Holiday North Lodge
Fireside Lodge
Garden Island Lodge
Kesagami Wilderness Lodge
Lecuyer's Lodge
Leisure Island Houseboat Rentals
Maynard Lake Lodge & Outpost
O-Pee-Chee Lake Lodge

Ontario

A West Nipissing Resort
Papa John's Place
Sudbury Aviation Limited
Tambir Cottages
Tomahawk Resort

Saskatchewan

B & L Cabins and Outfitters Ltd.
Cree River Lodge
Minor Bay Camps Ltd.