According to Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the 2012 recreational yellow perch fishing season is underway thanks to the mild winter weather and an increased fish population.
Recreational fishing for yellow perch has enjoyed a resurgence in the last few years due to management changes forged with recreational fishing groups, commercial watermen, and DNR fisheries managers.
DNR Fisheries Director Tom O’Connell summarized the project, saying: “The current abundance of yellow perch is largely a result of stakeholders working together with DNR to develop a prudent management plan.”
This time of year, anglers will find yellow perch schooled in depths of 10-30 feet before making their annual spawning run. Maryland yellow perch hot spots include the Susquehanna River, Northeast River, Nanjemoy Creek, the Chester River near Crumpton. On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, yellow perch are also caught in the Sassafras, Elk, Chester, Choptank, Nanticoke, Wicomico, and Pocomoke rivers.
In Maryland tidal waters, yellow perch have a 9 inch minimum size and 10 fish per day creel limit. To catch perch, anglers need only a basic rod and reel, light line, small hooks, floats (bobbers), and minnows, nightcrawlers, or other live baits. They can also be caught using small jigs, spinnerbaits, or other flashy lures.
The 2012 Yellow Perch Appreciation Day will be held on March 3 at the Town of Northeast Park, a Maryland free-fishing area where fishing licenses are not required. The Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland will host a fishing contest as part of the celebration.
A 14-inch or longer yellow perch qualifies as a Maryland Angler Award fish. Catching an award-sized fish will gain a lucky angler a certificate and free tickets to the Maryland Fishing Challenge Grand Finale at Sandy Point State Park in September. Qualifying fish can be checked in at any Maryland angler Award Center.
source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Related Information
Eastern Shore Hotspots – dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/fishingreport/ypercheast.html
Western Shore Hot Spots – dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/fishingreport/yperchwest.html