Fish Profile - White Perch

Seldom reaching more than 12 inches in length, white perch are the smallest members of State's true bass. They are easily told apart from other true bass because white perch have no dark stripes and no patches of teeth on their tongues.

Like striped bass, white perch can live in both fresh and saltwater. Although white perch prefer brackish waters, they also live in rivers, lakes and reservoirs. They often occur in large schools in turbid shallow areas.

White perch are prolific breeders. Schools of spawning white perch crowd into tributary streams or along gravelly shoal areas in lakes and large rivers to deposit their eggs. The tiny eggs sink to the bottom and attach to vegetation and rocks. Young perch eat plankton and insects while older perch feed mostly on fish.

White perch are tasty fish with white, flaky flesh.  Although small in size, they can put up a good fight when hooked. White perch are especially easy to catch in the spring during spawning. They can be caught by still fishing with worms or grubs, or by casting small flies or lures. Best catches are taken at dusk or after dark.

Species Facts

Science Name: Morone americana Other Names: Perch, Silver Perch, Blue-Nose Perch, Grey Perch Environment: Lakes and rivers Range: East Coast, North of Georgia

Home :: Contact Us :: Parnelle Homepage :: Admin