NAME

Perch (Perca fluviatilis)

AVERAGE WEIGHT

In the UK, perch normally grow to between 4-10 inches (12-25 cm) in length and weigh between 4-12 oz (250-750 g). A perch weighing 1 lb (0.45 kg) would be considered a very decent catch.

Specimens between 2-3 lbs (0.9-1.4 kg) are out there but are extremely rare.

ALSO KNOWN AS

European Perch and Redfin Perch

IUCN STATUS

LC – Least Concern

APPEARANCE

The perch is without a doubt one of the most colourful and striking freshwater fish in the UK. Its brawny head houses large black eyes and a mouth which can expand considerably, allowing it to swallow prey which may appear far too large for what is a rather small fish.

Its back is a shade of dark green which transitions into a shade of off-white on its underbelly. Between five and nine distinctive vertical, pointed dark stripes decorate the flanks. The anal, pelvic and base of the tail fin are a bright orange-red colour whilst the front dorsal fin is a dark green colour and has a series of spines which are rather sharp.

The perch also comes with tough, thick scales, each scale is armed with lots of tiny spikes along the edges, which gives the fish a rough texture when held. The gill covers are also spiked on the rear edge to defend against larger predators in the water, such as pike.

SO HOW DO WE CATCH ONE?

BEST BAITS

Perch are aggressive fish with large appetites and are known to take baits which are far too big for them. They are mainly bottom feeders and their diets differ depending on their size. The natural diet of small perch (3-4 inches in length) is made up of crustaceans as well as insects. Larger perch prefer worms, other small fish and fish fry.

Effective baits include lob worms, earthworms, maggots and casters. When fishing for impressive specimens between 2-3 lbs (0.9-1.4 kg), dead baits of small fish such as minnow are a great choice, as is spinning with artificial lures or spoons.

A NOTE ON SPAWNING

Perch spawn in April and May, once water temperatures have reached a consistent 8-15°C. Females lay their sticky white eggs in white ribbons (which can be up to 1 metre in length) over weeds and roots. Perch prefer to spawn in calm, sheltered waters and during their spawning months, laarge shoals of perch fry can be spotted in such areas.

SEASONS

During the autumn and winter months, as temperatures drop, perch shoals grow and the fish migrate to deeper waters, where they are far less active.

As such, during autumn and winter aim for those deeper reaches where the fish are likely to be lurking. Conversely, during warmer months fish close to objects and features in shallower areas in order to catch perch.

BEST LOCATIONS

Perch can be found across the UK and inhabit all types of water, from large rivers to small ponds, gravel pits and lakes.

mall perch are generally found in shoals, whilst the larger, more sought after specimens are typically solitary beasts. River perch usually provide a better fight than those found in lakes or ponds.

FAVOURITE FEEDING PLACES

Perch are mainly bottom feeders and like to lurk around large objects below the surface, such as tree roots, reed beds, undercut banks and manmade structures such as bridge foundations.

METHODS

A lot of the time, perch is caught by anglers who are out fishing for other species or as an opportunistic catch if their presence is recognised in a swim which is being fished. This is not because people don’t like to fish for perch, far from it, perch are great fighters and are welcome by many anglers, but they take bait favoured by other species too.

If you are wanting to specifically go after perch on your local river, it is advised that you spend some time figuring out where they are. It is best to do this early on in the day when they highly active, the best spots to find them are in or close to the deeper reaches of the river, near cover such as rushes, bushes, trees and lily pads.