Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch are one of the most popular freshwater fish in North America, especially throughout the northern U.S. and Canada. Known for their vibrant yellow-gold color and vertical dark bars, they’re a favorite of anglers young and old — and make for delicious eating too.

Often schooling up in large groups, perch are eager biters, making them perfect for beginners or for loading up on fish fast. Whether you’re fishing from a dock in summer or through the ice in the dead of winter, perch bring action. They can live in a wide variety of waters, from big lakes to weedy ponds, and are surprisingly hardy in colder climates.

Record Size: 4lbs

Where to Find Them: Shallow weed beds, drop-offs, deeper holes in winter — look for schools!

Pan Fried Perch - Bear Dog's Kitchen 

1. Yellow Perch often school by size — catch one, and there’s likely 20 more just like it nearby.
   
   

2. In ice fishing season, they’re nicknamed “ice gold” because they’re so prized.
   
   

3. They’re super sensitive to light changes — fishing at dawn and dusk gets the best bites.