Habitat: Yellow perch can be found in several reservoirs in West Virginia, as well as in a few small impoundments and in the larger rivers such as the Ohio and the Monongahela. Yellow perch can be found in a variety of habitats from deep, open areas over soft bottom to shallow areas with dense weeds. Yellow Perch spawn during the early spring and drape long egg strands over woody debris or vegetation. During warm months, schools of yellow perch can be seen roaming the shallows through cover searching for food. Yellow perch will often retreat to deeper water as the temperature drops in winter and during the hottest periods of the summer.
Other: Both walleye and sauger have a similar body shape to the yellow perch. However, they can be easily be distinguished by the absence of large canine teeth in yellow perch. Yellow perch are also much larger than other members of the Percidae family, such as the darters.
Habitat & Range
Yellow perch can be found in several reservoirs in West Virginia, as well as in a few small impoundments and in the larger rivers such as the Ohio and the Monongahela. Yellow perch can be found in a variety of habitats from deep, open areas over soft bottom to shallow areas with dense weeds. Yellow Perch spawn during the early spring and drape long egg strands over woody debris or vegetation. During warm months, schools of yellow perch can be seen roaming the shallows through cover searching for food. Yellow perch will often retreat to deeper water as the temperature drops in winter and during the hottest periods of the summer.
Status, Trends & Threats
Yellow perch tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions and are usually resilient to many typical conservation issues. However, a reduction in suitable spawning habitat such as woody debris or vegetation can reduce spawning success and decrease population numbers. In addition, lake level fluctuations during the spawning period may strand eggs or larvae that were in shallow water.
License & Regulations
A valid West Virginia fishing license is required for anglers age 15 and older. Licenses are available for residents, non-residents, and short-term durations. A West Virginia Trout Stamp is required to fish for or possess trout in designated trout waters. Purchase online through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website or at authorized license retailers throughout the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Habitat
Yellow perch can be found in several reservoirs in West Virginia, as well as in a few small impoundments and in the larger rivers such as the Ohio and the Monongahela. Yellow perch can be found in a variety of habitats from deep, open areas over soft bottom to shallow areas with dense weeds. Yellow Perch spawn during the early spring and drape long egg strands over woody debris or vegetation. During warm months, schools of yellow perch can be seen roaming the shallows through cover searching for food. Yellow perch will often retreat to deeper water as the temperature drops in winter and during the hottest periods of the summer.
Interesting Facts
Yellow perch are aggressive eaters and can be caught near the bottom with worms, minnows or small lures. Yellow perch are prized by anglers for their excellent tasting fillets. Most yellow perch caught by anglers will be from 4 to 12 inches. Large yellow perch over 12 inches are coveted by anglers and are often known as jumbos. The West Virginia length record for Yellow Perch is 15.44 inches (Craig Hollandsworth, 2020) and the weight record is 2.04 pounds (Clinton Mills, 2018).
Regulations
West Virginia fishing regulations apply to Yellow Perch. A valid West Virginia fishing license is required for anglers 15 and older. Bag and size limits vary by species and water body. Some waters have special regulations including catch-and-release only, artificial lures only, or specific size limits. Check the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Fishing Regulations for current rules specific to your fishing location.
References
| State | Category | Directory | Subcategory | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | Fishing | License | License & Fees | A valid West Virginia fishing license is required for anglers age 15 and older. Licenses are available for residents, no | Link |
