Other names: Silver bass
The white perch, Morone americana, is a brackish and freshwater fish native to North America's Atlantic coastal waters. Often found in rivers, lakes, and estuaries, it is a popular game fish due to its adaptability to various environments and its aggressive feeding behavior. This species is known for thriving in areas with calm waters and plays a notable role in both recreational fishing and local fisheries.
Other names
Silver bass
Length
~18" (max 49)
Weight
~1" (max 2)
Water
Fresh, brackish
Water Temp
10-24° F
Depth
7 ft
Acme Kastmaster
Beetle Spin
Berkley Gulp! Minnow
Berkley Gulp! Trout Worm
Blood worms
Blue Fox Flash Spinner
Clams
Drop shot Slug-go
Eagle Claw 2-Way Spinner
Fish Head UnderspinsThe open season coincides with an open season for a sportfish: salmon, trout, or smallmouth bass
25
No
White perch favor calm, slow-moving waters like pools and backwaters of medium to large rivers
They are often found over muddy or sandy bottoms, where they can easily hunt for prey
This species is omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of food, including small fish, invertebrates, and plant material
White perch can adapt to brackish waters, making them common in estuarine environments
Spawning occurs in spring when water temperatures begin to rise
Males prepare shallow nests in the substrate where females deposit their eggs
After hatching, juveniles remain in shallow, sheltered areas, gradually moving to deeper waters as they mature
Seasonal migrations are common, with white perch often moving between fresh and brackish waters depending on the time of year
