RIVER FISH · Schools & shoreline cover
Yellow perch
Perca flavescens
A yellow-gold schooling perch with dark vertical bars, common around vegetation in lakes and slower river habitat.
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Meet the fish
- Habitat
- Ponds, lakes and slow-flowing rivers, especially clear water near vegetation.
- On the menu
- A mix of aquatic invertebrates and small fish.
- Size context
- USFWS lists a common length of about 7.5 inches; larger perch occur in productive waters.
- Range & local context
- Native across much of northern and eastern North America and introduced to waters outside portions of its original range.
Living with the river
Water & habitat
Water clarity, vegetation, temperature and shoreline habitat all affect perch distribution; a gauge does not locate a school.
Seasonal life
Spring spawning occurs along shorelines as females deposit long ribbons of eggs over vegetation, branches and other submerged structure.
Before you go
Local seasons, limits and consumption guidance vary. Confirm rules for the exact lake or river before keeping fish.
Use the linked agencies and the relevant river guide for current regulations, closures and consumption advisories. A species profile is not a fishing license or a statement that harvest is allowed.
Editorial review: . Regional size examples are labeled; maximum lengths are not typical sizes.
More river fish
Keep exploring species connected to the same river-guide network.