White Perch

COMMON NAMES: White perch, Silver perch, Gray perch, Blue nose perch

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Morone americana

IDENTIFICATION: The white perch is a deep bodied fish that looks very similar to the white bass. The main difference is that the white perch is all silver and does not have dark lines running the length of the body.

RANGE AND HABITAT: White perch are originally from the Atlantic Coast where they are found in brackish water. However, they have now become established throughout the lower Great Lakes and their tributaries. White perch prefer clear water and have no preference for substrate type.

LIFE HISTORY: White perch spawn in tributaries along the Great Lakes in April and May. They release their adhesive eggs randomly into shallow water. Adults prey upon aquatic insects, invertebrates, a wide variety of fishes, and on the eggs of other fish species.

ADULT SIZE: White perch average between 7 to 12 inches and weigh between 4 ounces and 1 pound. Individuals up to 3 pounds have been reported along the Atlantic Coast.

FISHING METHODS: This species can be taken with minnows, shiners, worms or cut bait fished near the bottom. The best fishing for white perch occurs nearshore in spring and in major tributaries.