Montana Field Guide

The yellow perch is a very familiar species to most fishermen. This fish was introduced into Montana and is found in abundance in many lakes and reservoirs located east and west of the Divide. Perch support one of the largest fisheries in Montana and are considered one of the best eating fish in the state. Because of their tendency to travel in schools, perch often can be caught in large numbers, which makes up for their relatively small size and difficulty in cleaning. Young yellow perch are important prey for several sport fish. Perch drape strings of gelatinous material with eggs embedded inside over substrate or vegetation. Perch foods are invertebrates and small fish.

Many small teeth but no canine teeth. Anal fin has two spines and 6 to 8 soft rays. Lower fins reddish orange in breeding males.

May move into tributary streams to spawn.

Prefers warm to cool clear lakes with vegetation and to a lesser extent, slow, weedy streams, but is adaptable. Usually spawns over aquatic vegetation but silt-free sand and gravel bars may be used.

Adults eat aquatic invert. and small fish. Young feed largely on zooplankton.

Travel in schools make up of fish of approximately the same size. Important forage fish. Populations often stunt.

Sexually mature in 2 years. Spawns April-May at 45-50 degrees F. Incubation: 10-20 days. No parental care.