Skip to main content

Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch

Yellow perch are a non-native freshwater species in Arizona that were introduced through stocking programs by the U. S. Fish Commission in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

They are schooling fish that travel in groups of 25-200 similar-sized individuals and are active during daylight hours.

They serve as important forage for larger predators like bass and walleye while also being prized by anglers for their excellent eating quality.

Scientific Name: Perca flavescens

Physical Characteristics:
  • These distinctive fish are easily identified by their yellow to gold coloration with 6-8 dark vertical bars along their sides, olive-green backs, and cream-colored bellies.
  • They typically range from 4-12 inches in length, with the world record at 4 pounds 3 ounces.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They are commonly found in littoral zones of lakes, though they can inhabit depths up to 50 feet.

Key Locations

  • Lake Havasu, Lake Powell, and the Greer Lakes system (Bunch, Tunnel, and River reservoirs), where River Reservoir specifically contains yellow perch along with common carp.

Specific Spots

  • Fish near the bottom in vegetated areas, around submerged structure, or along drop-offs where perch school.

Yellow Perch FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Yellow Perch in Arizona?

Small jigs are the most effective lures - try 1/16 to 1/8 ounce jig heads with soft plastics like 1-2 inch tube jigs, curly-tail grubs, or small swimbaits in natural colors. For hard baits, small crankbaits (micro cranks), tiny spoons like Kastmasters and Z-rays, and small spinners such as Panther Martins work well.

When is the best time to fish for Yellow Perch in Arizona?

Spring (after spawning concludes) and early summer offering the best action. Spring and fall when they're actively feeding. Spawning period (typically April through June in Arizona) should be avoided to protect reproduction.

How do you catch Yellow Perch in Arizona?

Employ a slow, steady retrieve with jigs or try vertical jigging techniques. With bait, use either bottom rigs or suspend under bobbers. When ice fishing (where legal in Arizona), small jigs tipped with worms or maggots work excellently.

What do Yellow Perch eat?

Yellow perch are opportunistic feeders with a varied diet that includes aquatic invertebrates, small insects, minnows, crayfish, and zooplankton. Juveniles start with zooplankton and progress to larger prey as they mature.

Where do Yellow Perch live in Arizona?

They are commonly found in littoral zones of lakes, though they can inhabit depths up to 50 feet.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Yellow Perch.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Yellow Perch water

    Pick Yellow Perch and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Yellow Perch

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Yellow Perch are.

Open the map, filter by Yellow Perch, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Arizona licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Explore Arizona waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.