HABITAT

Yellow perch, generally a warm-water fish, are usually found in open water with moderate vegetation and muddy to sand and gravel bottoms. They are seldom found in strong currents, preferring lakes, ponds, and sluggish streams. They favor temperatures of about 70° F. (21° C) and if temperatures rise, they seek deeper, cooler water. More tolerant of oxygen deficiency than species like smallmouth or largemouth bass, they survive well under the ice in winter, in very turbid waters, and in other low-oxygen environments.

Distribution

Yellow perch are one of the most widely spread species of fish in the Northern Hemisphere. They have been widely introduced, intentionally and by accident, to the United States, the Great Lakes drainage systems, and throughout Ontario. Their range increased quickly with the opening of new water routes and by fishermen using them for live bait.

In Canada, yellow perch are common for the most part from east to west with the exception of Labrador, Newfoundland, eastern Quebec, and British Columbia. As every year passes, there is the potential of this species making an appearance in these areas sooner or later.

In the United States, they range from the central states to the eastern seaboard. You can even fish them in Europe and Asia. There may be mixed feelings about this population across the ocean, but most experts agree they are from the same family as the North American species. The doubt was raised because of an added spine on the second dorsal fin.

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