Vibrant golden panfish with distinct vertical dark bars. Runs upstream into freshwater creek heads before ice-out to spawn over submerged brush and vegetation.
How we fish for them
Rig 1/16-1/8oz minnow-head jigs or small live minnows under a slip bobber. Finesse retrieves around deep creek bends during late February runs yield fast action.
Rod: 7'0" medium-light spinning rod Reel: 3000-size reel with 10lb Braid or 6lb Mono
Gear for this in the catalog →Gear that catches Yellow Perch
Pulled from the shop by how Yellow Perch is actually fished — not a fixed list, so it tracks the catalogue.
Gamakatsu Round Jig Head Size 1/0 1/8oz 5ct
Keeps a soft plastic in the strike zone. $7.99
Gamakatsu Round Jig Head Size 2/0 1/4oz 5ct
Keeps a soft plastic in the strike zone. $7.99
Gamakatsu Round Jig Head Size 3/0 3/16oz 5ct
Keeps a soft plastic in the strike zone. $7.99
Berkley Fusion 19 Hybrid Jig Head 1/4oz 2/0 4ct Fish Head
Keeps a soft plastic in the strike zone. $6.99
Handle with care
Spiny dorsal fin rays and sharp opercular (gill cover) spines. Smooth down dorsal fin before handling.
Seasons & limits are the law's, not ours
Size, season and creel rules change; always verify with the official regulations before you fish. Maryland DNR regulations →
Profile last reviewed: August 2026