YELLOW PERCH (Perca flavescens)

See also: Lake Whitefish, Lake Trout, Northern Pike and Burbot.

In Lake Simcoe, YELLOW PERCH are the most sought after game fish through the ice providing steady angling action throughout the winter while providing great table fare. Jumbo sized perch in the 13 to 14 inch range are caught every season and can be taken with the right gear and know-how. As it stands today; a healthy, naturally reproducing population exists with a year round open angling season. To continue catching quality fish, please respect the current catch and keep regulations, and keep only what you need. Release those trophy sized fish as they provide the strong genetic stock and egg numbers for future successful stocks.

Biology: Spawns in the spring from mid April to early May when water temperatures reach 6-12 C. They migrate shoreward into the shallow areas of lakes and often into rivers. Spawning takes place near rooted vegetation, submerged brush or fallen trees and at times over sand and gravel. They can reach a maximum age of 9 to 10 years old.

Ontario Angling Record: The largest yellow perch was caught on March 20, 2003. Long Beach, Lake Erie, the fish weighed 2.42lbs, was 15.1" long and had a girth of 12.1"!

Lake Simcoe Size Range: Regularly average between 6-8" in length with upper 10 to 14" class range caught every winter.