Fishing.Info - White Perch

The white perch is actually a species of the bass genus (Moronidae) and averages about 1 lb. in size. Primarily found in the Atlantic Slope drainages of northeastern North America, the white perch lives in brackish water near the mouths of rivers. It is also found in the quiet pools of medium to large rivers , and close inshore in shallow coastal waters. The white perch invaded the Great Lakes through the Erie and Welland canals in 1950. Because fish eggs are apparently an important component of the diet of white perch, the introduction of white perch into the Great Lakes is believed to be the cause of the decline of Great Lakes walleye population.

White perch are prolific competitors of native fish species, have been found to eat the eggs of walleye (Stizostedion vitreum), white bass (Morone chrysops), other white perch and possibly other species as well. At times, depending on which fish is spawning, the eggs of either walleye or white bass comprise 100% of the white perch’s diet. Another problem with having white perch in the Great Lakes is that they have hybridized with native white bass in western Lake Erie. Since these hybrids are capable of back-crossing with parent species as well as crossing among themselves, they could dilute the gene pool of both parent species. This is the first known natural occurring hybrid in this genus.

Spawning: White perch spawn in shallow tributary waters in April and May. Small adhesive eggs are randomly released in shallow riffle areas.

Angling: The white perch is now well established in all five Great Lakes and their surrounding states. They can also be found in Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska and New Hampshire. White perch have been stocked intentionally in other areas for sport fishing.

An excellent panfish highly regarded as a food fish in the Eastern United States, it is not often exploited as a game fish and generally is regarded as undesirable, especially when over-population in fresh waters causes the species to become stunted.

Unlike the Yellow Perch, the white perch can be found in fresh and saltwater. They travel and feed in schools. The best time to catch perch is in the twilight hours.