How to Catch Yellow Perch?

Answer 1

Yellow perch are found in freshwater lakes throughout the United States and Canada. The species is known for its small size and tendency to stick together in large schools. Left unchecked, yellow perch can quickly wipe out native fish populations when introduced to a new habitat. The fishes’ aggressive eating habits make them easy to catch year round, and fishermen who locate a school of yellow perch should be prepared to pull many of the one to two pound fish out of the water. Even though they’re relatively simple to catch, here are a few tips to make it even easier for you to catch a mess of these tasty fish on your next fishing expedition:

Where and when to catch yellow perch

Yellow perch are most common in inland lakes along the Atlantic coast and in the Midwest but can be found as far north as Canada’s Northwest Territories. Yellow perch are active year round and prefer shallow waters in the summer and deeper waters during the rest of the year. They feed in shallow waters at sunrise and sunset and are most easily caught during those times.

Bait

Although artificial bait is more convenient, live bait is best for catching yellow perch. The species finds minnows nearly irresistible, and attaching shiny spinners or beads to the hook makes them even more alluring. Small chunks of worm and small crickets are also great bait for yellow perch. Yellow perch will steal oversized bait or bait on large hooks, so stick with a 4 or a 6 hook and anchor the bait near the bottom. For those who prefer artificial lures, plastic minnows in a metallic color can work well. Yellow perch rely heavily on their sense of smell when hunting, so if you spray a stink scent on artificial lures you’ll likely catch more fish.

Equipment

You don’t need any special equipment to catch yellow perch. A cane pole, bobber and hook will work just fine. Perch are attracted to noise and vibration, so running your boat’s motor can bring this curious fish closer. Yellow perch are great targets for beginning anglers, and novices can get plenty of practice reeling them in with a rod that’s designed for medium action and has a spinning or casting reel.