Yellow Perch

Yellow perch, sometimes known as Lake or6-8 dark bands that run vertically from top to
American perch, are another hugely popular fishbottom, making them easily distinguishable from
found throughout Maine's waters. Like severalother species. Typically, yellow perch are found in
other members of the perch family, yellow perchwarm, weedy waters, though adults are more
are native to Maine, though they have beenprone to heading for deeper and more sheltered
introduced artificially into a limited number ofspots.
waterways, mainly for the purposes of fishing.The fall and winter months are arguably the best
Though yellow perch are not particularlytime to land yellow perch, but like white perch,
sought-after fish as far as seasoned anglers areare a good all year round catch. Earthworms,
concerned, they do offer a superb fishingminnows, shrimp and artificial lures can all be used
opportunity for young or inexperienced anglers,to great effect, and will almost guarantee you a
and as such remain one of Maine's most popularyellow perch in some of the more abundantly
game fishes.populated rivers and lakes. If fishing in deeper
Typically, yellow perch are around 6-12 inches inwaters, adding a small weight to the line and
length with a weight anywhere between ¼letting the bait sink to one-two foot from the
and 1 pound. However, Maine is renowned forbottom will yield best results. Also ensure that the
superb yellow perch, with larger fish reaching 15line is fairly tense, as yellow perch in particular
inches in length and a weight nearer to 1.5 pounds.have a habit of taking the bait without alerting the
The advantage of this is that even beginnerangler.
anglers are handed a challenge, particularly if theyYellow perch can be found in countless rivers,
land one of the larger fish.lakes, ponds and streams across Maine, making
Yellow perch are great looking fish with a numberthem one of the most accessible fish in the state.
of distinguishing features. The top side varies inParticularly popular spots include Great Pond,
colour from rich green to olive whilst the sidesYellow Pond and Cochrane Lake. Their ease of
range from a yellow-green colour to goldencatch, fantastic looks and abundance has ensured
yellow. The belly is typically white, while the finsthat yellow perch continue to be a firm favourite
are bright orange in colour. Yellow perch also haveand one of Maine's most commonly fished species.