To date, the International Game Fish Association all-tackle world record yellow perch stands at 4 pounds, 3 ounces, caught in 1865 in Bordentown, New Jersey by Dr. C. Abbott. Currently, it’s the longest-standing record for freshwater fish in North America and yellow perch is still one of the most popular inland fish to catch in open water or through the ice. In comparison, Connecticut’s state record stands at 2 pounds, 13 ounces, caught in 1973 by Miller Bassett.

Perca flavescens, commonly referred to as just perch or a slew of other localized nicknames, is native to much of North America and was first described in 1814 by Samuel Latham Mitchell of New York. Across various populations, they often live 9- to 10 years depending, of course, on climate conditions affecting their age, growth rate, and size, which generally ranges from 4- to 10 inches. So, the 18-inch world record perch caught about 157 years ago was definitely an impressive catch!

Young and larval perch, like many fish species, feed on zooplankton. Soon, they move up to macroinvertebrates such as midges and mosquitos. Mature adults then feed on invertebrates, fish eggs, crayfish, mystic shrimp, and juvenile fish. About 20 percent of the diet of perch over an ounce consists of small fish and, like many fish, the majority of their feeding is done just before dark.

This tidbit of information is something anglers should key on, along with realizing that nearshore structure like docks, reeds, and aquatic weeds are a haven from which they feed. These schooling fish shy away from clear open lake water and, within rivers, they only frequent pools, slack water, and moderately vegetated habitat. In summer, they like inshore surface water, but are always cautious of predatory neighbors considering that practically all cool- to warm-water species inhabiting their body of water will target them, including other perch.

This ought to give some insight as to why so many lures take on a perch pattern. To be effective, these lures need to be fished like a real perch—larger ones for predators, smaller ones for perch. Assorted lightly weighted marabou jigs or jigs tipped with a soft tail, small spinner, or a variety of ultra-lite lures or a size or two up will get a perch’s attention. A number 6 or 8 hook tied to the equivalent of 4- or 6-pound test line and baited with a live worm or scented bait will also work wonders. Try a nymph fly as a teaser. The key is that where and when you fish for these colorful and tasty fish will make all the difference in your trip.

On the Water

Ahead of the weekend, air temperatures tanked into the low single digits before high pressure built and returned them to mid-50s, along with some intermittent rain. This strong frontal system yielded to weak high pressure that moved through the area. From then on and through the weekend, we saw a cold front followed by stronger high pressure that led to gusty winds and 50-degree weather approaching 60. However, that brief temperature tease slipped back into the mid-30s and 40s ahead of a potentially stormy outlook.

This familiar pattern is edging us closer to spring and allowing for more days on the water or ice when safe thickness can be found. As air temps rise, there is the familiar corresponding drop that’s a normal occurrence when spring is approaching. Those few single-digit days shored up some of the ice fishing hot spots, such as lakes Beseck, Cedar, and Gardner, which managed to hold on to about 6- to 7 inches of ice. However, 40- to 50-degree days accompanied by rain and wind kept ice fishers off-balance as many spots became difficult to fish.

Largemouth bass is always a prize catch through the ice and, for some, make for a good winter chowder treat, even though a high percentage of these fish are caught and released in season. Another good chowder prospect is northern pike. Quite the stalker and aggressive fighter, this specie loves a hefty spinner, realistic swimmer, or lively shiner.

Yellow perch is considered by many to be one of freshwater’s tastiest fish. Its flesh is tender and moist and great to either pan fry or bake. To simply pan fry, grab a good old seasoned cast-iron skillet and add about half an inch of canola oil. Heat until hot in order to get a nice crisp breading. Rinse and pat dry the fillets before coating them with flour, a seasoning mix like Old Bay, and maybe a touch of basil or dill. Fry until lightly browned and then place them on a paper-towel-lined cooling rack to maintain crispness. Add a couple of the more popular side dishes such as grilled or steamed veggies, roasted potatoes, a creative pasta mix, salad, or coleslaw, and you have quite a fresh, tasty meal. Serve with some lemon, tartar sauce, and enjoy.

As we get these in-between windows where temperatures moderate for a few days between cold fronts and high pressures prevail, trout rivers and streams see more activity from fish and anglers, salmon bite harder, and searuns forge ahead up river to spawn. And while checking out the key tidal rivers, make targeted casts for holdover striped bass that will be feeding, provided they are not tucked into a cove that’s iced over. We are getting closer to where SP minnows, soft plastics, small jigs, and other herring imitations will be in play.

Important Public Hearing

Atlantic Striped Bass Amendment 7 CT Webinar to be held on Tuesday, March 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. Use www.asmfc.org link to review Amendment 7 and/or register. For questions, contact Justin Davis at the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection at 860-447-4322.

Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and international fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media.

For all things fishy including rods, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Masks required inside. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better.

Tight Lines,

Captain Morgan

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