Yellow Perch
Yellow perch are not native to Arkansas waters but have established populations through human introduction.
The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission first documented yellow perch in Arkansas waters in 1999 on the Arkansas side of Bull Shoals Lake, with Missouri confirming them on their side in 1998.
Scientific Name: Perca flavescens
- Yellow perch are distinguished by their gold-to-yellow coloration with 6-8 distinctive dark vertical bars running from the operculum to the tail fin.
- They typically reach 4-10 inches in length, though the Arkansas state record was a 14+ inch fish weighing 1.24 pounds caught from Bull Shoals Lake in 2006.
Fishing in Arkansas
Lake Conway
Arkansas River
Fourche LaFave River
Bayou Meto
Greers Ferry Lake
Lake Dardanelle
Petit Jean River
Little Red River
Saline River
Lake Ouachita
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- They prefer clear water near vegetation and school in groups of 25-200 fish.
Key Locations
- Bull Shoals Lake, the Bull Shoals Tailwater, and more recently in the Norfork Tailwater.
- Particularly around the flats near Highway 125 campground and toward the ferry on Bull Shoals Lake.
Specific Spots
- Fish near vegetation, submerged timber, drop-offs, and areas with structure.
Yellow Perch FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Yellow Perch in Arkansas?
Small jigs (1/32 oz) tipped with grubs, small power tubes, or plastic worms in glow, ruby, or rootbeer colors. Small spoons, spinners, and crankbaits like the Rebel Hellgrammite. Norman DD-22 crankbaits. Natural baits such as small minnows, nightcrawlers, wax worms, and crayfish tails.
When is the best time to fish for Yellow Perch in Arkansas?
Spring, early summer, and fall provide the best fishing opportunities when perch move into shallower waters. Avoid fishing during spawning periods (April-May when water reaches 45-58°F) to allow successful reproduction.
How do you catch Yellow Perch in Arkansas?
The most productive technique is trolling with Norman DD-22 crankbaits at depths of 25-27 feet. Vertical jigging with tungsten jigs works well in deeper water. Natural baits can be fished under a slip bobber.
What do Yellow Perch eat?
Yellow perch feed on zooplankton when young, transitioning to aquatic insects, small fish, and invertebrates as adults.
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