Yellow Perch is a favorite fish for many fishermen who love cold-water fishing. Its scientific name, Perca flavescens, suggests a bright yellow color, making it a famous catch. Although the name has nothing to do with the bananas turning brown, it adds to the exciting details about this fish.
The yellow perch is suitable for fishing throughout the year, but catching them during the winter, especially by ice, is exciting in the northern parts. This is probably because there is less competition from other warm-water fish. Another factor is that these fish generally swim together, forming even more prominent groups in winter. Whatever the reason, there are some simple tips to catch the yellow perch during the winter.
Tips to catch yellow perch fish in winter:
- Regulation:
Before starting fishing, check your state’s rules for catching yellow perch in the winter. When the New Year begins, be sure to get a new fishing license. Different states have different rules about how many fishing devices can be used. In Pennsylvania, for example, you can use up to five devices, such as rods or tips, but hooks are not limited if you are wearing bait. In addition, pay attention to how many fish you are allowed to keep, and remember, this limit may change depending on the lake or the river in the same state.
- Baits and lures:
The best bait to catch yellow perch in winter is usually the same as the rest of the year: minnows. But the yellow perch also likes live bait, such as night crawlers, leeches, and mealworms. Move your line a little occasionally to attract their attention. For ice fishing, the lures that look like little fish work well, such as tiny spoons or lipless crankbaits. Even a tiny jig with a piece of living worms can do the trick for a successful yellow perch ice fishing trip.
- Location:
Wondering where to find a yellow perch in the winter? Do online research, ask local fishermen, or visit a bait store to see if the yellow perch is in the water. If they start fishing in the deep hole with the structure. But the yellow posture wants to move, sometimes in a shallow place. If you are fishing on the ice, prepare to pierce more holes or wait patiently for the fish to come to you. Pay attention to the bottom of the lake or the river. Making a slight noise, like bows or a small spoon on a soft background, can attract the fish’s attention. But the best lakes for yellow-perch ice fishing can have a more difficult and rocky background. Once you figure out the pattern, you can find a lot of fish biting.
- Security Reminder:
When visiting yellow perch fish in the winter, always think about security. Fishing with a friend and bring safety equipment such as life jackets, ice cleats, ice picks, a cell phone, and warm clothing. These precautions will ensure you have a safe and pleasant fishing experience.
- The best time to fish:
Yellow perch likes to be active early in the morning and late in the afternoon in the winter. Then, plan your fishing journey at these times. Choosing the right time of the day can help you catch more perch during winter.
- Pay attention to the weather:
Note the weather! The warmer days can make the perch more active, while frigid days can make them slow down. Check the weather before leaving and change your fishing plans depending on what happens outside. Adapting to the weather can help you catch more perch in the winter.
- Try different jigging moves:
Perch can be picky eaters. Experiment with different ways of moving your bait up and down (we call it jigging) to see what they want. Sometimes, they want a slow and gentle motion. See how the fish react and change your style to catch more perch.