How To Catch Yellow Perch

Do you want to learn how to catch yellow perch? Yellow perch is a favorite of many anglers as they are abundant, quick to bite, and taste good. Yellow perch is mostly found in the northern United States and Canada.

Yellow Perch is a schooling fish and this makes it easy for beginners as well as more experienced anglers to catch yellow perch. In this article, we discuss the fish methods for yellow perch, the baits, lures, and tackle, where you can easily find them, and more.

How To Identify Yellow Perch

Yellow perch is easy to identify as it features about 6 to 9 dark, vertical markings on its yellow-colored body. The dark, and vertical markings extend from its back down to its bottom flanks. Yellow perch is a small-sized fish although you may catch a few of the large ones. It usually weighs 4 to 12 ounces.

Where Can You Find Yellow Perch

Yellow perch likes the bottom where they prey on bait. But here’s the kicker: they like aquatic vegetation so if you are fishing for yellow perch, look for aquatic vegetation and send your bait or lure to the bottom or just above the bottom and work your way up the water column. However, if you see a school of yellow fish closer to the surface on your fish finder, you can go after them.

Additionally, yellow perch can be found in warm and cold water. They are very active in cold water. You can find yellow perch in lakes, ponds, and streams.

Yellow Perch Fishing Setup

Light tackle is the popular choice for yellow perch and an ultralight spinning or spin cast combo spooled with 2-4 lb mono will work for casting baits or lures or jig fishing. For trolling or drift-fishing, use a firmer 6 to 6-1/2-foot rod with a medium to fast tip.

Additionally, yellow perch are known for stealing bait, therefore a fast action tip will help you detect faint bites. Some anglers prefer fly rods when fishing for yellow perch.

1. Hooks

Hooks with sizes ranging from 4 to 8 work well for perch fishing although some anglers prefer larger-sized hooks since it is harder for them to be swallowed and are easier to remove.

2. Sinkers

Yellow perch likes to prey for baitfish at the bottom and light split-shot and bell sinkers work well at the bottom.

3. Line

Monofilament lines work well for yellow perch. A 4 to 8-pound test line will work for trolling or drift-fishing yellow perch. When casting or still-fishing, a 4 to 6-pound test line or a 2 pound-test line will get the job done.

4. Bobbers

Bobbers will make it easier when fishing for perch as they will keep the bait in the right position when fishing around aquatic vegetation or when shore or dock fishing.

5. Jig Heads

For yellow perch jigs, round 1/16 ounce jigs will work although heavier and lighter jigs are preferable in some situations.

How To Catch Yellow Perch

Yellow perch is a favorite for many anglers as they are easy to catch, can be found all year, are a schooling fish, and taste great. Many different fishing methods can be used to catch yellow perch.

1. Trolling

Trolling is a popular and productive method for catching yellow perch, especially in larger bodies of water where these fish may be scattered across wide areas. Anglers employ this technique by slowly moving their boat while trailing one or more lines with bait or lure behind them. The key to successful trolling for yellow perch lies in covering a lot of water to locate schools of fish.

Anglers can use various trolling setups, including inline planer boards, downriggers, or simply flat-lining baits behind the boat. When trolling for yellow perch, it’s essential to use lightweight tackle and small, brightly colored lures or spinners that mimic the forage species commonly eaten by perch.

Adjusting trolling speed and depth can also be crucial, as perch may be found at different depths depending on factors such as water temperature and time of day. Anglers can experiment with trolling speeds and lure depths until they find the most productive combination. For more detailed information on trolling techniques for yellow perch, visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ page on yellow perch fishing.

2. Vertical Jigging

Vertical jigging is a popular and effective technique for targeting yellow perch, especially in deeper waters or when they are holding tight to underwater structures. Anglers use specialized jigging rods and reels equipped with sensitive lines to feel even the subtlest bites.

The method involves dropping a weighted jig vertically below the boat and then imparting subtle movements to mimic the natural behavior of prey species. This technique allows anglers to precisely control the depth and movement of the lure, making it ideal for enticing perch holding near the bottom or suspended in the water column.

Yellow perch are known to be attracted to small, brightly colored jigs tipped with live bait such as minnows or worms. Anglers can experiment with different jigging motions, including lifts, drops, and jiggles, to entice strikes from perch.

Vertical jigging requires patience and finesse but can be highly rewarding when mastered. For more information on vertical jigging techniques for yellow perch, visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ page on yellow perch.

3. Bait Casting

Baitcasting is a versatile and effective method for catching yellow perch, offering anglers precision and control when presenting bait in specific areas where perch are likely to be found. Anglers typically use lightweight baitcasting rods and reels paired with monofilament or fluorocarbon lines, allowing for accurate casts even in tight spaces.

When targeting yellow perch with baitcasting gear, anglers often opt for small jigs, spinners, or live bait such as minnows, worms, or insect larvae. These baits can be presented near submerged structures, weed beds, or drop-offs where perch congregate to feed.

Baitcasting allows anglers to make precise casts to these areas, increasing the chances of enticing strikes from perch. It’s essential to vary retrieval speeds and experiment with different bait presentations to determine what triggers the most bites.

With practice, baitcasting can be a highly productive method for catching yellow perch. For more information on baitcasting techniques for yellow perch, visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ page on yellow perch.

4. Drift Fishing

Drift fishing is another productive method for targeting yellow perch, especially in larger bodies of water with expansive areas of habitat. Anglers drift along with the current or wind while presenting bait to actively feeding perch.

Common baits for drift fishing include minnows, worms, and small jigs. Anglers can vary the depth at which they present their bait by using a combination of weights and bobbers to keep the bait near the desired depth in the water column.

Drift fishing allows anglers to cover a lot of water efficiently, increasing their chances of encountering schools of yellow perch. It’s essential to pay attention to signs of perch activity, such as surface feeding or fish marks on the depth finder, to maximize success. For more information, visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s page on yellow perch.

5. Fly Fishing

Fly fishing for yellow perch can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, especially for anglers who appreciate the art of casting lightweight flies. While yellow perch may not be the primary target for many fly anglers, they are known to readily take small flies when presented effectively.

Anglers typically use lightweight fly rods and reels matched with floating or sinking fly lines to target perch in shallow to moderately deep waters. Common fly patterns for yellow perch include small streamers, nymphs, and wet flies that mimic their natural prey such as minnows, insects, and small crustaceans.

Fly anglers often focus on casting their flies near submerged structures, weed beds, or drop-offs where perch are known to congregate. It’s essential to use a slow and steady retrieve to entice strikes from these cautious fish.

While fly fishing for yellow perch requires patience and finesse, it can be incredibly rewarding when successful. For more information on yellow perch fishing techniques, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ page on yellow perch.

6. Still Fishing

Still fishing, also known as bottom fishing or bait fishing, is a straightforward yet effective method for catching yellow perch, particularly in calmer waters such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. Anglers use baited hooks or rigs and allow them to sink to the bottom, where perch are often found foraging for food.

Common bait options include nightcrawlers, minnows, and insect larvae. Anglers can fish from the shore, docks, or anchored boats, casting their lines out and waiting for perch to take the bait. Patience is key with still fishing, as perch can be selective about when and where they feed.

Anglers may need to experiment with different bait presentations and locations until they find success. For more information, visit the U.S. Geological Survey’s page on yellow perch.

7. Jigging

Jigging is a popular and effective method for catching yellow perch. Anglers typically use small, brightly colored jigs tipped with bait such as minnows, worms, or soft plastics. By jigging the bait up and down near the bottom, anglers can entice yellow perch to strike.

This technique is particularly effective in deeper waters or areas with structures where perch tend to congregate. Anglers can vary the depth and speed of their jigging motion until they find the right combination to attract bites from yellow perch.

The use of jigs allows anglers to cover a wide area and target yellow perch in various types of water bodies, including lakes, ponds, and rivers. For more information, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s page on yellow perch.

Best Baits For Yellow Perch

1. Minnows

Minnows are one of the most effective baits for catching yellow perch, offering a natural presentation that appeals to these voracious predators. Anglers can catch their own minnows using a small seine net or minnow trap in shallow, weedy areas of lakes or streams. Once caught, minnows can be rigged on a small hook with a split shot sinker to keep them at the desired depth.

Alternatively, anglers can use a small jighead to present the minnow slightly off the bottom, where perch often feed. When fishing with minnows for yellow perch, it’s essential to match the size of the bait to the size of the fish. Small to medium-sized minnows are typically best, as they are more manageable for perch to eat and less likely to intimidate them.

Additionally, anglers should experiment with different depths and locations until they find where the perch is actively feeding. Patience and persistence are key when using minnows as bait for yellow perch fishing. For more information on using minnows to catch yellow perch, consult the resources provided by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

2. Leeches

Leeches are another effective bait option for anglers targeting yellow perch. These freshwater invertebrates are readily available at bait shops or can be collected from natural habitats like lakes, ponds, or slow-moving streams. When using leeches as bait for yellow perch, anglers can rig them on a small hook either singly or in clusters, depending on the size of the leeches and the preferences of the fish.

Adding a small split shot sinker above the hook can help keep the bait at the desired depth, where perch are likely to be feeding. Anglers can fish with leeches using a variety of techniques, including still fishing, drifting, or vertical jigging, depending on the fishing conditions and personal preference.

It’s essential to handle leeches carefully to avoid injury and maintain their liveliness, as active bait is more attractive to perch. Experimenting with different presentations and locations can help anglers determine the most effective way to use leeches to catch yellow perch. For more tips on catching yellow perch with leeches, anglers can refer to resources provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

3. Worms

Worms are one of the most versatile and widely used baits for targeting yellow perch. Anglers can use various types of worms, including nightcrawlers, red worms, and garden worms, all of which are readily available at bait shops or can be collected from compost piles or garden beds.

When fishing for yellow perch with worms, anglers can rig them on small hooks either singly or in bunches, depending on the size of the worms and the preference of the fish. Adding a small split shot sinker above the hook can help keep the bait at the desired depth, where perch are often found.

Anglers can employ different fishing techniques such as still fishing, drift fishing, or jigging, depending on the fishing conditions and personal preference. It’s essential to present the worm naturally and avoid excessive movement to entice perch effectively.

Experimenting with different bait sizes, colors, and presentations can help anglers determine the most effective approach for using worms to catch yellow perch. For more insights on catching yellow perch with worms, anglers can refer to resources provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

4. Larvae

Larvae, such as mealworms and waxworms, are effective baits for targeting yellow perch. These small and wriggling insects can be particularly enticing to perch, especially when presented naturally and in the right conditions.

Anglers can rig larvae on small hooks, either individually or in clusters, to mimic natural prey items that perch feed on. Adding a small split shot sinker above the hook can help keep the bait at the desired depth. When fishing with larvae for yellow perch, anglers can employ various techniques such as still fishing, drift fishing, or jigging, depending on the fishing conditions and personal preference.

It’s essential to present the larvae naturally and avoid excessive movement to entice perch effectively. Experimenting with different bait sizes, colors, and presentations can help anglers determine the most effective approach for using larvae to catch yellow perch. For more insights on catching yellow perch with larvae, anglers can refer to resources provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

5. Insects

Insects, such as grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles, can be effective baits for targeting yellow perch. These natural offerings are readily available near water bodies where perch are commonly found and can be collected or purchased from bait shops. When fishing for yellow perch with insects, anglers can rig them on small hooks using techniques such as still fishing, drift fishing, or jigging.

Presenting insects naturally and in the right depth can increase their attractiveness to perch. Adding a small split shot sinker above the hook can help keep the bait at the desired depth. Anglers should aim to mimic the natural movements of insects to entice perch effectively.

Experimenting with different types of insects and presentations can help anglers determine the most successful approach for using insects to catch yellow perch. For more information on catching yellow perch with insects, anglers can refer to resources provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

6. Crayfish

Crayfish serves as an excellent live bait option for targeting yellow perch. These crustaceans are naturally present in many freshwater environments where yellow perch thrive, making them an attractive and familiar food source for fish. Anglers can catch crayfish using baited traps, minnow traps, or even by hand in shallow waters.

Once collected, crayfish can be rigged on a hook using various methods, such as threading the hook through the tail or securing it through the carapace. When presenting crayfish as bait, anglers should consider the natural behavior of the crustaceans, as perch are more likely to strike when the bait appears lively and active.

Anglers can employ techniques like bottom fishing or drift fishing to target yellow perch effectively with crayfish. By adjusting the depth and location of the presentation, anglers can increase their chances of enticing perch to bite.

Experimenting with different sizes of crayfish and presentation styles can help anglers determine the most effective approach for using crayfish as bait to catch yellow perch. For more information on catching yellow perch with crayfish, anglers can refer to resources provided by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Best Lures For Yellow Perch

1. Spoons

Spoons are popular lures for targeting yellow perch, offering versatility and effectiveness in various fishing conditions. These lures mimic small baitfish or insects, making them attractive to perch. Spoons come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors, allowing anglers to match the local forage and water conditions.

When targeting yellow perch with spoons, anglers can employ a variety of retrieval techniques, including steady retrieves, jerks, or pauses to mimic injured or fleeing prey. The flash and vibration produced by spoons can trigger aggressive strikes from perch, especially in clear water or during low-light conditions.

Anglers can use spoons effectively in both shallow and deep water, depending on the feeding habits and preferences of the perch in the area. Additionally, spoons can be tipped with live bait or scented plastics to add extra attraction.

Experimenting with different spoon sizes, colors, and retrieval speeds can help anglers determine the most effective presentation for catching yellow perch. For more information on using spoons to target yellow perch, anglers can refer to resources provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

2. Spinners

Spinners are highly effective lures for targeting yellow perch, known for their ability to attract strikes in various fishing conditions. These lures consist of a rotating blade, a shaft, and a hook, creating both visual appeal and vibration in the water.

The spinning blade mimics the movement of small baitfish or insects, making it irresistible to perch. Spinners come in a variety of sizes, colors, and blade configurations, allowing anglers to match the local forage and water conditions. When fishing for yellow perch with spinners, anglers can employ a steady retrieve or vary their retrieval speed to entice strikes.

The flash and vibration produced by the spinning blade can trigger aggressive responses from perch, especially in murky or stained water where visibility is limited. Spinners are versatile lures that can be effectively used in both shallow and deep water, making them suitable for targeting perch in various habitats such as lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.

Anglers can also experiment with different spinner sizes and blade colors to determine the most effective presentation for catching yellow perch. For more information on using spinners to target yellow perch, anglers can refer to resources provided by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

3. Crankbaits

Crankbaits are versatile and effective lures for targeting yellow perch, offering anglers a reliable option to entice strikes in various fishing conditions. These lures typically feature a lip or bill that causes them to dive to specific depths when retrieved, allowing anglers to cover different water columns efficiently.

Crankbaits come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, colors, and diving depths, providing anglers with options to match the local forage and water conditions. When fishing for yellow perch with crankbaits, anglers can experiment with different diving depths to locate schools of perch holding at various depths.

Slow and steady retrieves are often effective for enticing strikes, but anglers can also try varying the retrieval speed or adding pauses to trigger reaction strikes from perch. Crankbaits with realistic baitfish patterns or vibrant colors can mimic the prey of yellow perch, making them attractive targets for hungry fish.

Additionally, anglers can target submerged structures, drop-offs, and weed edges where yellow perch are known to congregate, increasing their chances of success with crankbaits. Overall, crankbaits are valuable tools in the angler’s arsenal for catching yellow perch and can be used effectively in lakes, ponds, rivers, and reservoirs. For more information on using crankbaits to target yellow perch, anglers can refer to resources provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

4. Jigs

Jigs are a popular and versatile lure option for targeting yellow perch, offering anglers a simple yet effective way to catch these prized freshwater fish. Consisting of a weighted head and a hook adorned with various soft plastic bodies, feathers, or hair, jigs can be customized to match the preferences of yellow perch and the conditions of the fishing environment.

Anglers can choose from a wide range of jig sizes, colors, and designs to match the size of the perch and mimic the local forage. When fishing for yellow perch with jigs, anglers can employ a variety of techniques, including vertical jigging, casting, and drifting.

Vertical jigging near submerged structures, drop-offs, or weed beds is particularly effective, as it allows anglers to present the jig directly in front of the perch holding tight to cover. Slow, subtle movements of the jig, interspersed with occasional twitches or lifts, can entice strikes from wary perch.

Casting jigs along weed edges, around docks, or into shallow flats can also yield success, especially during periods of active feeding. Anglers can experiment with different retrieves, speeds, and jig presentations to determine the most effective approach for enticing strikes from yellow perch.

Overall, jigs are a versatile and reliable lure option for anglers targeting yellow perch in a variety of freshwater environments. For more information on using jigs to catch yellow perch, anglers can refer to resources provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

How To Catch Yellow Perch In Winter

Fishing for yellow perch in the winter is not challenging as they tend to be very active in cold water and also bite often. When fishing in the winter, you will have to search for them, but once you locate a school, its game on. Yellow perch likes to move away from the bottom in winter than during other seasons.

How To Catch Yellow Perch From Shore

You can fish for perch from the shore when the water temperature is warm and they come into shallow waters. Casting and retrieving is one popular method that is used by anglers when fishing for yellow perch from the shore.

How To Catch Yellow Perch In Spring

During spring, perch will move to water with temperatures between 45 to 52 degrees to spawn. They spawn from early February to late June. The large perchs gather in shallow water during spring and that is a great time to go perch fishing.

How To Catch Yellow Perch In Summer

During the summer, large perch will move to deeper water when summer begins. The small perch, however, can be found year-round in shallow water.

How To Catch Yellow Perch In Fall

Yellow perch will be active and in search of food during the fall. It can be more challenging for anglers as the hardest aspect will be locating them. However, they can often be found in deep, rocky habitats.

How To Catch Yellow Perch Ice Fishing

Yellow perch is very active in cold water and this makes it easy for anglers. They school together and bite in cold water which helps anglers catch them in large numbers.

Jigging spoons and teardrop jigs with wax worms or spikes will almost always result in a bite. You can use an ultralight spinning rod spooled with a 4-pound line.

The Bottom Line

Yellow perch is a favorite of many anglers as it is easy to catch, abundant, and tasty. Yellow perch is a schooling fish that feed all year and this makes it an easy target. It is also a good fish for beginners as well as experienced anglers to target.

In this article, we discussed how to catch yellow perch, the fishing methods, the baits, and lures, as well as the fishing setup. You can get more perch fishing tips to catch more perch from reading this article. You can also read how to catch surfperch, crappie fishing tips, and bluegill fishing tips.