When you think of a notable freshwater fish, one that comes to mind most often is the yellow perch. The coloration of a yellow perch is unlike any other freshwater species. Anglers across the United States enjoy perch fishing. Although they are not native to all states, they have been widely introduced to east coast, and west coast anglers can relate and share perch fishing stories. What is a yellow perch fish?

How To Identify A Yellow Perch Fish

When it comes to what is perch, yellow perch have unique coloration. The sides are banded with between six and eight black stripes, which start at the dorsal fin and extend down toward the perches belly. What is most astonishing about a yellow perch is the color of the body. The color of the body can range between yellow and gold depending on the waters it lives. Two dorsal fins extend out of the top of the fish.

Many people ask, is perch a freshwater fish. The yellow perch is a freshwater fish however, saltwater varieties of perch do exist.

The walleye fish is a family member of the perch, but walleye grow larger. Most perch measure between six and twelve inches and can weigh upwards of a pound. These fish are small but worth it for the battle and the table fare. 

What Is The Range Of A Yellow Perch

When wondering where do perch live, the entire northeast holds native populations of yellow perch. The range extends out to the Midwest and up into Canada. Nearly every large or small lake in these areas will have a healthy number of yellow perch, such as the great lakes.  

Beyond the native range, the yellow perch has been introduced to lakes across the United States. The perch fish is more proliferate in northern areas because they thrive in cooler water temperatures. However, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina all have lakes and rivers with yellow perch. 

Keep in mind that the north and eastern sides of South Carolina and North Carolina in its entirety have natural populations of yellow perch. Don’t hesitate to focus on yellow perch NC and yellow perch SC. The yellow perch Georgia is not native to the state; however, they have been stocked in northern lakes for anglers to enjoy.

What Do Yellow Perch Eat

Yellow perch Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina consume a wide variety of foods. The answer to what do yellow perch eat, these fish dine on snails, crawfish, minnows, insects, and snails. Even though they do not grow very long, yellow perch will grow thick because of the abundance of nourishment available. 

In What Type Of Habitat Do Yellow Perch Live

Most importantly, yellow perch prefer clear, cool water. Anglers can catch perch in lakes and rivers, and creeks with minimal current. In the springtime, look for yellow perch near the shore around patches of weeds. 

What is interesting about the yellow perch is that they can survive in brackish water. Brackish water contains levels of salt but not the full extent of the ocean. 

How Do You Catch Yellow Perch 

When targeting yellow perch fish, they are caught in a variety of ways. Because of its small size, it is a perfect fish to catch for beginning anglers. Ultralight rods and reels will do the trick.

For the most part, perch tend to gather in school and feed near the bottom. This is most important when it comes to how to catch yellow perch. Remember, they are not very big, so use small lures and baits: cast or troll spoons, jigs with a soft plastic grub imitation, or spinners.

Best Bait For Yellow Perch

When it comes to the best bait for yellow perch, live bait tops them all. As far as what do perch eat, tip a jig or a hook and weight heavy enough to reach the bottom with a waxworm, crawfish, nightcrawler, small minnow, or cricket. Once hooked up to one fish stay in the same area, there is likely to be more. 

Are Yellow Perch Good To Eat

Yes, yellow perch fish are great to eat. The answer to are yellow perch good to eat is yes, because the flesh of a yellow perch is white, firm, sweet in taste, and flakes easily when cooked. 

Cooking perch is simple by following any yellow perch recipes. The fillets can be pan-fried, broiled, sauteed, or as a classic fish and chips. Have a little tartar sauce to dip the fish into on the side. 

Pack Up The Gear And Go Yellow Perch Fishing

Now you know whats a perch. Yes, most anglers in the southern states like Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina prefer to chase largemouth bass in lakes and trout in mountain streams. As a result, the yellow perch fishing is often overlooked. Here is a few of the most notable perch lakes in each state. Lake Phelps in North Carolina, Lake Jocassee in South Carolina, and Lake Hartwell, Georgia. Remember to obtain a state fishing license and check on size and limits before casting a line.