Every year in late spring, early summer, the white perch bite gets white hot on our local lake, Shearon Harris. Not only is it a blast to catch them one after another, it is a good time to fill the freezer as these fish are delicious to eat. Last summer, we found a pretty good sized pocket of perch and caught them pretty straight for over an hour. Check out the video on our YouTube channel. We ended up cleaning 21 fish from this trip and cooked them up for dinner the next night! Good things happen when you get out fishing! If you are new to freshwater fishing or fishing in North Carolina in general, maybe you have not seen this species of fish before. Here’s what you need to know about them:
Physical Characteristics
White perch have a silvery body and occasionally appear goldish in color. They typically range in size from 6 to 12 inches and it is not uncommon to catch one weighing a pound or more at Shearon Harris. (Note: In North Carolina, a one pound perch is considered a citation size and you can earn a certerficate from the North Carolina Angler Recognition Program by catching one. See the bottom of the NCARP page for all the listed weights and sizes of fish needed to earn a certificate. If you collect six certificates, you can earn a Master Angler certificate and patch!) White perch do not have a tooth patch on it’s tongue which distinguishes it from it’s cousing the white bass. It has two dorsal fins with nine spines (front) and 12 spines (back).
Habitat and Distribution
White perch are native to the Atlantic Coast and inhabit a variety of freshwater environments, including lakes, ponds, rivers, and reservoirs. These adaptable fish can thrive in both brackish and freshwater habitats. They prefer silt, mud, and sandy bottoms but are occasionally found close to cover. Usually the fish are grouped up in about 5-10 feet of water in the spring.
Feeding Behavior
White perch are opportunistic feeders and have a diverse diet. They primarily feed on small fish, insects, crustaceans, and have also been known to eat the eggs of other fish species such as walleye and white bass. They have a voracious appetite and as already stated, they feed in schools and getting a school fired up can make for a very memorable trip.
Fishing Techniques and Tips
A light to medium weight fishing rod combo is best for catching white perch. Using a heavier rod and reel are really not necessary and can cause tearing of their mouths on aggressive hooksets. They hit aggressively when feeding and a light to medium action rod helps against overly aggressive hooksets. We really like the Quantum Optix rod and reel combo.
When it comes to bait and lures, white perch are known to be attracted to live bait, such as worms or minnows. However, we have had our best success catching them on small crankbaits like the Strike King KVD Splash in Sexy Shad color. Experiment with different colors and sizes to find what works best in your local fishing spot.
Cooking and Culinary Aspects
If you enjoy eating fish, you should definitely give white perch a try using your favorite fish recipe. When frying perch, many prefer House of Autry brand breading. However, the mild-flavor of perch makes them suitable for various cooking methods. Whether you choose to pan-fry them with a touch of fish seasoning or bake them with a flavorful marinade, white perch are sure to delight your taste buds.
Regulations and Conservation
It is crucial to familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations and adhere to size and creel limits when targeting white perch. These regulations are in place to ensure the sustainability of fish populations and the overall health of the ecosystem. By practicing responsible angling and following fishing guidelines, you can contribute to the conservation of white perch for future generations.
Conclusion
If you have never targeted white perch specifically, you are missing out on a memorable fishing trip. We are huge fans of catching these hard fighting fish and certainly big fans of eating them. Give Shearon Harris a try for white perch if you are in the area and feel free to send pics to our socials and we’ll be glad to post them! Now get up, get going, and Get Out Fishing!
