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White Perch

White Perch

White Perch in New Jersey are actually members of the temperate bass family, not true perch, and are closely related to striped bass. These fish are native to New Jersey's Atlantic coastal waters and are semi-anadromous, moving between salt and brackish water.

Scientific Name: Morone americana

Physical Characteristics:
  • Silvery, greenish-gray fish with dark, highly domed backs typically measure 8-10 inches and weigh around 1 pound, though New Jersey's state records include a 3-pound, 1-ounce freshwater specimen from Forest Hill Park Lake and a 2-pound, 12-ounce saltwater fish from Little Beach Creek.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Inhabit estuaries, rivers, lakes, and brackish backwaters throughout New Jersey.

Key Locations

  • Major populations in South Jersey's Absecon Bay, Great Egg River, Mullica River, Cohansey River, and Tuckahoe River systems.
  • Also found in North Jersey's Hackensack and Raritan rivers, Central Jersey's Toms River, and the Delaware River system including tributaries like Crosswicks, Rancocas, Cooper, Big Timber, and Mantua Creeks.
  • Prime New Jersey locations include Atlantic County's Route 30 bridges and marshes, Collins Cove for ice fishing, upper Mullica River, Bass River, Tuckahoe tributaries, and Jeffries Landing.

Specific Spots

  • Target backwater flats running into channels 3-12 feet deep, looking for ledges where shrimp and crabs spill over.
  • Fish structures like bridge abutments, bulkheads, creek bends, and lagoons where grass shrimp cling to cover.

White Perch FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for White Perch in New Jersey?

Top baits include grass shrimp (excellent for chumming), bloodworms, small minnows, and pieces of shedder crab. Effective lures include small Mepps #2 spinners, Beetle Spin jigs with live minnows, 1/8-ounce jig heads in yellow and white, shad darts, small bucktails, and Sabiki rigs.

When is the best time to fish for White Perch in New Jersey?

Peak activity during late winter through early spring (February-May) and again in fall. During spawning periods, avoid fishing as these fish move upriver to freshwater areas to reproduce (typically April through June when water temperatures reach 50-60 degrees).

How do you catch White Perch in New Jersey?

Chumming with grass shrimp is highly effective, toss handfuls every minute to establish a feeding slick. Thread shrimp on hooks and ball 3-4 more for 'shrimp ball' baits.

What do White Perch eat?

Considered omnivores with highly opportunistic feeding behavior. They consume grass shrimp, small minnows, bloodworms, crustaceans, fish e.g.gs, and detritus, adapting their diet to whatever forage is most abundant.

Where do White Perch live in New Jersey?

Inhabit estuaries, rivers, lakes, and brackish backwaters throughout New Jersey.

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