White Perch
White perch in New Hampshire are actually members of the temperate bass family, closely related to striped bass rather than true perch.
These are highly adaptable fish that thrive in a variety of water depths and habitat conditions, particularly in waters that reach temperatures over 75°F.
Scientific Name: Morone americana
- Silvery fish with large scales, dark lateral lines, and two large spiny dorsal fins.
Fishing in New Hampshire
Merrimack River
Contoocook River
Great Bay
Lake Winnisquam
Lake Winnipesaukee
Piscataqua River
Sunapee Lake
Pemigewasset River
Bellamy River
Squam Lake
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Relatively common throughout New Hampshire's lakes and ponds, having been introduced to many inland water bodies beyond their native Atlantic slope range.
Key Locations
- Lakes like Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam, Big Squam, Opechee, Waukewan, Wentworth, Mascoma, Silver (Lochmere), and Ossipee, as well as Goose Pond and Upper and Lower Baker ponds.
- Great Pond.
Specific Spots
- Focus on depths of 15-25 feet in lakes, though they may be found suspended over much deeper water.
- For ice fishing, concentrate on areas where streams enter lakes and fish 3-5 feet off the bottom.
White Perch FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for White Perch in New Hampshire?
Small spinnerbaits, 1/8-1/4 oz shad darts, 1-2 inch soft plastics (paddle tails, twisters, tube jigs), small spoons, hair jigs, and Swedish pimples for larger fish. Pink jigs work exceptionally well. For ice fishing: small jigs tipped with dillies, spikes, or small pieces of smelt.
What flies work for White Perch in New Hampshire?
Small chartreuse bonefish-style patterns, black or olive woolly buggers, and small streamers that imitate minnows or grass shrimp.
When is the best time to fish for White Perch in New Hampshire?
Late spring through fall, with the best action occurring from April through October. For ice fishing: December-March.
How do you catch White Perch in New Hampshire?
Keep baits and lures small as white perch have tiny mouths. Vary your jigging cadence and try 'pounding the bottom' by lifting the jig 1-2 feet and letting it fall to create silt clouds. Electronics help locate suspended schools, which are constantly moving.
What do White Perch eat?
Opportunistic feeders with fish e.g.gs making up a large proportion of their diet when available, but they also consume zooplankton, small minnows, fish larvae, benthic invertebrates, and aquatic insect larvae.
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