How to Catch Yellow Perch: Simple Techniques and Tips

Do you know how to catch yellow perch? Yellow perch thrive in many waters of the Adirondacks, and spring brings fantastic fishing opportunities for what is arguably the best tasting of all freshwater fish. Their delicious flavor has earned this species the nickname “yellow gold.”

Spawning and Water Temperatures

In April, after the ice melts and water temperatures reach the upper forties, yellow perch migrate to shallow bays and tributaries to spawn. They prefer to spawn under the cover of darkness, seeking out marshy areas and flats rich in aquatic vegetation. Female perch deposit gelatinous strands of eggs on:

• Cattails
• Reeds
• Brush
• Weeds

Unlike smallmouth and largemouth bass, yellow perch do not protect their nests. Instead, they tend to stay close to their spawning areas throughout May. For anglers, this means that large numbers of yellow perch can be found concentrated in relatively small, near-shore locations. As a result, both shore and boat anglers have excellent opportunities to catch yellow perch during this six-week period.

How to Find Large Schools Of Perch

Like other times of the year, yellow perch travel in schools during spring, even late spring. This season offers distinct advantages for anglers, as these schools are often large and located close to shore. To effectively catch yellow perch during this time, anglers should focus on weedy bays and nearby structures or edges. These areas provide excellent opportunities for locating and fishing for yellow perch.

Primary Holding Areas

Where and How to Find Perch

A good starting point for deciding where to pursue spring perch is to visit a local bait shop, as these establishments are in daily contact with anglers. Once on the water, clusters of boats can indicate where the fish are located. When approaching a group of boats, keep two important guidelines in mind:

1. Respect Other Anglers: Maintain a reasonable distance from other boats to ensure everyone has space to fish comfortably.
2. Observe Their Success: Pay attention to whether they are catching yellow perch on a drop-off, weed line, or another feature, and position yourself accordingly.

While most anglers don’t have underwater cameras, such devices can be useful for locating schools of perch. A more traditional and cost-effective method is to move slowly through an area using the wind or an electric motor. Once you catch a perch, drop anchor and focus on that school until the action slows down.

Useful Tips

1. Choose the Right Time: The best times to fish for yellow perch are during the early morning and late afternoon, especially in spring and fall when they are most active.
2. Use Light Tackle: Opt for light spinning gear with a 4 to 8-pound test line. This setup allows for better sensitivity and a more enjoyable fight when reeling in perch.
3. Select Effective Bait: Live bait such as minnows, worms, or crickets works well. Small jigs, spinners, and soft plastics in bright colors can also be effective, especially in murky water.
4. Target the Right Locations: Look for yellow perch near:
   • Weed edges
   • Drop-offs
   • Break walls
   • Sloping shorelines
   • Openings in weed beds
   • Mouths of tributaries
5. Fish Near Structure: Yellow perch are often found near structures like rocks, submerged trees, or man-made features. These areas provide cover and attract baitfish.
6. Use a Fish Finder: If available, a fish finder can help locate schools of perch, making your fishing efforts more efficient.
7. Practice Patience: If you catch one perch, stay in the area, as they often travel in schools. Drop anchor and continue to fish until the action slows.
8. Adjust Your Depth: Yellow perch can be found at various depths depending on the time of year and water conditions. Don’t hesitate to adjust your depth until you find where they are feeding.
9. Be Stealthy: When approaching likely fishing spots, move quietly to avoid spooking the fish.
10. Check Local Regulations: Always review local fishing regulations regarding size limits, bag limits, and seasonal restrictions to ensure compliance.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of successfully catching yellow perch. Happy fishing!

The Rule: “Be Closer to the Bottom”

Yellow perch are primarily bottom-oriented fish, making it crucial for anglers to present their baits close to the substrate. They often inhabit weedy areas, drop-offs, and rocky bottoms, where they forage for food.

When targeting yellow perch, consider the following tips:

• Use a Bottom Presentation: Employ techniques such as jigging or using a drop-shot rig to keep your bait near the bottom. This approach increases the likelihood of attracting perch, as they tend to strike from below.
• Opt for Smaller Offerings: Yellow perch generally prefer smaller baits, typically ranging from 1 to 3 inches in size. Small minnows, worms, or tiny jigs can be particularly effective.
• Experiment with Bait Types: While perch are not finicky feeders and will bite both artificial lures and live bait, they may show slight preferences based on the conditions. For instance, in clearer waters, they might be more attracted to natural baits, while bright-colored lures can work well in murky water.
• Adjust Your Depth: As you fish, be mindful of the depth at which you’re presenting your bait. If you’re not getting bites, try adjusting your depth until you find where the perch are actively feeding.
• Look for Structure: Focus on fishing near structures such as rocks, submerged logs, or weed beds, as these areas provide shelter and attract baitfish, making them prime hunting grounds for yellow perch.

The Most Popular Artificial Lures for Yellow Perch

Jig Fishing

When it comes to jig fishing for yellow perch, two effective types are tube jigs and twister-tipped jigs. These lures have proven to be highly productive, especially in the following colors:

• White
• Bright Colors: Yellow, green, and chartreuse

To enhance effectiveness, consider tipping jigs with maggots or small pieces of nightcrawler. This addition not only provides scent but also adds texture, which can entice more strikes. Although yellow perch are generally not fussy eaters, they will quickly reject offerings that are unappealing.

For bait anglers, lively small minnows and fresh pieces of nightcrawler are the top choices.

Rigging Strategies

No matter what type of offering an angler uses, it’s beneficial to rig two baits at the end of the line. For example, you can:

• Tie on two jigs and vary the colors or tipping to see what works best.
• Use a minnow on one hook and a piece of crawler on the other.
• Place a tube jig on the bottom and a live minnow above it.

This dual-lure strategy not only doubles your chances of a hookup but also helps quickly identify the perch’s feeding preferences for the day. Additionally, using two lures often leads to catching more fish, as the presentation can appeal to different perch in the area.

Original Article By Captain Mike Seymour

About the Author

Captain Mike Seymour is a licensed Coast Guard Captain and NYS guide who has guided extensively on the St. Lawrence River, Black Lake, and western Alaska. He is a member and former president of the New York State Outdoor Writers’ Association and is an active writer for several publications. In addition to fishing the St. Lawrence River, he is actively fishing Lake Ontario, the Adirondacks, and the other waters of the state. Contact him at fishmike@twcny.rr.com.

This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.