Perch

White perch are semi-anadromous members of the family, Moronidae, that migrate to tidal fresh and slightly brackish waters each spring to spawn.​ Silver in color with a slightly projecting lower jaw and teeth, white perch may reach a mature length of 19 inches but are more commonly found around 7 to 10 inches, weighing from 8 ounces to 1 pound.​ The largest was caught in the Chesapeake Bay and weighed 2.6 pounds.

Seasons

While the perch season is open year-round, catches are greatest during the spring spawning season and from September through November. Adults tend to inhabit open waters close to shore but may also frequent quiet streams well up into the tributaries from March - November. During the winter months, they can be found in downstream portions of the tributaries and deeper channel areas throughout the Bay. For current recreational size and creel limits, see Maryland's updated regulation page.​

Opportunity

Closely related to striped bass, white perch are available to anglers from shore and from boats because they are widely distributed among a variety of habitats, including inshore waters. They are among one of the most bountiful species in the Chesapeake Bay and are also well established in Maryland's larger Reservoirs: Liberty, Loch Raven, Prettyboy, Tridelphia, and Rocky Gorge.

Yellow perch are an important sportfish in Maryland, especially in the Chesapeake Bay area and Deep Creek Lake, because they inhabit a vast territory, a wide variety of habitats, are a schooling fish, and congregate near shore in the spring. Their general coloring tends to be brassy green to golden yellow on their sides and white to yellow on their belly. The most distinguishing feature are 6-8 dark vertical bands found across their back and sides. Yellow perch can reach a maximum length of 18 inches and the largest recorded in Maryland was 3 lbs., 5 oz.

Seasons

While the perch season is open year-round, recreational fishing for yellow perch is a very has become a tradition for many anglers as the first fish to "arrive" in the rivers after the first of the year. Most fish are caught in these early winter months during their spawning run in the upper tributaries where they are easier to catch.For current recreational size and creel limits, see Maryland's updated regulation page

Opportunity

Yellow perch are found in approximately 13,000 acres of lakes and ponds, with tributaries to Chesapeake Bay furnishing considerably more water area.​ They are generally freshwater fish and can be found in all Maryland reservoirs, including Piney Run, Liberty, Loch Raven, and Prettyboy Reservoirs. However, in Maryland, yellow perch have adapted to the estuarine waters of Chesapeake Bay and have historically been reported in all of its major tributaries and streams.​

Simple, quick, and at the palm of your hand, DNR’s app is the easiest way to get your Maryland fishing license. Download the app on your smartphone (MD DNR), click Apply for License, and enroll. From the app, you can also register any catches, post photos, and check for regulations updates. Or, you can apply for a license through Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ website. There are a few instances where registering for a license may not be necessary; visit Maryland DNR for a full list of these exceptions. For more information on fishing without a license – and locations where licenses are not required – visit http://dnr.maryland.gov/Fisheries/Pages/Free-Fishing.aspx. Visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for a complete list of Maryland’s Fishing Regulations.

Money generated from the sale of licenses goes directly to the conservation, protection, and preservation of Maryland’s natural habitat and cherished wildlife. Maryland DNR works tirelessly to maintain a healthy population of fish and game, and the regulations needed to sustain fishing and hunting in Maryland. Changes in regulations, dates, and requirements vary year-to-year. Please check with DNR frequently for the most up-to-date information.