NativeSchooling

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

A smaller cousin of the Walleye. Schooling fish that are excellent eating and great for kids to catch.

AVERAGE SIZE
0.2-0.4 kg (8-14 oz)
LAKES WITH YELLOW PERCH
98+ in database
Yellow Perch

Habitat

Perch are schooling fish found near structure on the bottomβ€”weed beds, submerged timber, rock piles, and drop-offs. They feed on insects, minnows, and crayfish. When you find one, there are usually more.

Seasonal Patterns

Spring: Shallow bays warming up from ice-out. Summer: Weed edges and structure in 10-25 feet. Fall: Schooling over deep flats. Winter: One of the best ice fishing targets, often in 15-30 feet.

Fishing Techniques

  • Vertical jigging: Small jigs tipped with bait, worked near bottom
  • Float fishing: Bobber rig with small jig or hook 1-2 feet off bottom
  • Drop-shot: Hook suspended 16-24 inches above sinker
  • Casting small spinners and crankbaits in open water

Best Lures

  • Small jigs (1/16-1/8 oz) in chartreuse, orange, or natural colors
  • Tungsten ice jigs for sensitivity
  • Small spoons for jigging
  • Lipless crankbaits (Slab Rap, Rippin' Rap)
  • Soft plastic grubs and curly tails

Best Bait

  • Mealworms and maggots
  • Small minnows (fathead)
  • Cut nightcrawlers
  • Small leeches

Alberta Regulations

Generally no limit on perch in most Alberta waters. Check specific waterbodies as some may have restrictions. Great species for young anglers due to cooperative nature.

View Official Regulations β†’

Identification

Distinctive vertical black bars on yellow-green sides. Small compared to walleye. Two dorsal fins, the front with spines.

Pro Tips

  • When you catch one, stay putβ€”perch school together
  • Use small hooks (#6-#10) and light line (4-6 lb)
  • Lift and drop jigs to create small silt clouds that attract perch
  • Flashers and underwater cameras help locate schools in winter
  • Fresh bait outperforms old bait significantly

Size Information

Average Size: 0.2-0.4 kg (8-14 oz), with fish over 0.5 kg (1 lb) considered jumbos

WHERE TO CATCH YELLOW PERCH IN ALBERTA

Lake Claire

πŸ“ Northern Alberta

WalleyeNorthern PikePerch

Lesser Slave Lake

πŸ“ Northern Alberta

WalleyeNorthern PikeYellow PerchWhitefish

Lac La Biche

πŸ“ Northern Alberta

WalleyeNorthern PikePerchWhitefish

Calling Lake

πŸ“ Northern Alberta

WalleyePikeNorthern PikePerch

Bistcho Lake

πŸ“ Northern Alberta

WalleyeNorthern PikePerch

Sylvan Lake

πŸ“ Central Alberta

WhitefishPikeWalleyePerch

Gull Lake

πŸ“ Central Alberta

PikeWalleyeWhitefishNorthern Pike

Wabamun Lake

πŸ“ Central Alberta

Northern PikeWhitefishPerchWalleye (Catch & Release)

Lac Ste. Anne

πŸ“ Central Alberta

Northern PikePerchWalleye

Buffalo Lake

πŸ“ Central Alberta

Northern PikePerchWalleye

Pine Lake

πŸ“ Central Alberta

PikeWalleyePerchRainbow Trout

Lake Newell

πŸ“ Southern Alberta

WalleyePikeWhitefishNorthern Pike

Lac la Nonne

πŸ“ Central Alberta

WalleyePerchPike

Minnow Lake

πŸ“ Central Alberta

PikePerch

Wizard Lake

πŸ“ Central Alberta

PikePerchNorthern Pike

Battle Lake

πŸ“ Central Alberta

Northern PikePerchWalleye

McGregor Lake

πŸ“ Southern Alberta

WalleyeWhitefishPikeNorthern Pike

Travers Reservoir

πŸ“ Southern Alberta

WalleyePikeNorthern PikePerch

Crawling Valley Reservoir

πŸ“ Southern Alberta

WalleyePikeNorthern PikePerch

Keho Lake

πŸ“ Southern Alberta

PikeWalleyeNorthern PikePerch

Elkwater Lake

πŸ“ Southern Alberta

PikePerchRainbow TroutBrown Trout

Little Bow Reservoir

πŸ“ Southern Alberta

WalleyePikePerchNorthern Pike

Pinehurst Lake

πŸ“ Northern Alberta

WalleyePikePerch

Fawcett Lake

πŸ“ Northern Alberta

WalleyePikePerch
View All 98 Lakes with Yellow Perch β†’