The Fishing Report
Fishing seasons & conditions by region
Yellow Perch Perca flavescens
Yellow Perch Size, Range & Diet
| Typical size | 7–11 in, 0.3–0.8 lb |
|---|---|
| Maximum | up to 20 in and 4 lb |
| Lifespan | up to 11 years |
| Range | All five Great Lakes and their connecting bays, plus lakes and slow rivers across the northern US from New England west to the Dakotas and north through Canada. |
| Habitat | Schools in clear water over sand, gravel and vegetation edges, mostly inside 30 ft but sliding deeper in midsummer and midwinter. |
| Diet | Insect larvae, small crustaceans, minnows and fish eggs picked off the bottom and weed edges. |
Sizes are typical rod-and-reel and documented maximum figures, not size limits — see the regulations links below for the rules where you fish.
How to Identify a Yellow Perch
- Golden-yellow body with 6-8 dark vertical bars
- Two separate dorsal fins, first spiny
- Orange-tinted pelvic and anal fins (esp. spawning males)
- Slightly humped back, blunt snout
- No canine teeth, only small rasp-like teeth
- Dark, non-reflective eye
Tell it apart: Bold dark vertical bars over a yellow body, orange-tinted lower fins, a normal dark eye, and no canine teeth mark it as a perch, not a walleye.
Easily confused with: Walleye
Side by side: Yellow Perch vs Walleye
How to Catch Yellow Perch
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- Best September-November as schools fatten up; drop small jigs and minnow-tipped spreader rigs near bottom, then chase the same fish on ice in midwinter.GearPerch spreader rigsSmall jig headsLight spinning combo
When & Where Yellow Perch Are in Season
Peak Good Fair Slow
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Lakes Inshore | ||||||||||||
| Great Lakes Offshore |
Yellow Perch Regulations
MinnesotaMinnesota Department of Natural Resources (Minnesota DNR)WisconsinWisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)MichiganMichigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)IllinoisIllinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fisheries (iFish Illinois)IndianaIndiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Fish & WildlifeOhioOhio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of WildlifePennsylvaniaPennsylvania Fish and Boat CommissionNew York (Great Lakes / inland)New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)
Always check local regulations — seasons, size, and bag limits vary by state and species, and change year to year. When in doubt, release.