UTERWhite perch fishing in Delaware Bay and Ocean City
In Delaware Bay and Ocean City, white perch peak March–November and are around year-round, spawning in March–April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. March: Spring run up the Delaware Bay creeks and the Nanticoke.
No note for October — see the months around it.
White perch in Delaware Bay and Ocean City, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchSpawningSpring run up the Delaware Bay creeks and the Nanticoke.
- AprilSpawningTog on the inlet rocks; Delaware River striper spawn; first fluke. Green crabs on the Indian River Inlet rocks; minnow-and-squid drifts in the back bays for early fluke; first drum and blues show in Delaware Bay late in the month.
- MayPeak
- JunePeak
- JulyPeak
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish white perch near Lewes, Indian River Inlet, Ocean City
Delaware Bay's big, shoaly estuary with the lumps and sloughs off Slaughter Beach and the Coral Beds; the Delaware, Maryland and Assateague surf; the inland bays and back bays behind them (Rehoboth, Indian River, Assawoman, Sinepuxent, Chincoteague); Virginia's wild seaside barrier islands; and the offshore lumps (Jackspot, Hambone) out to Baltimore, Poor Man's and Washington canyons.
What to use for white perch
- Grass shrimpTwo or three on a #6 hook under a small cork — the bream, crappie, sheepshead and mangrove snapper bait nobody sells.
- BloodwormsA piece threaded on a #2 to 2/0 hook on a hi-lo or fish-finder rig — the striper, spot, croaker and white perch bait of the Chesapeake and the surf.
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader20–40 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#1–4/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 44–84°F water, best at 56–76°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch white perch in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Peak season is March–November, with fish spawning in March–April (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). White perch are here year-round. March: Spring run up the Delaware Bay creeks and the Nanticoke.
Where do white perch hold in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Look on channel edge, fishing pier, bridge — around Lewes, Indian River Inlet, Ocean City, Chincoteague, Wachapreague, Cape May.
What is the best bait for white perch in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Live bait: grass shrimp, bloodworms, minnows (fatheads, shiners). Grass shrimp: Two or three on a #6 hook under a small cork — the bream, crappie, sheepshead and mangrove snapper bait nobody sells. Tackle: leader 20–40 lb fluorocarbon, hook #1–4/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores white perch for this hour on this water, draws every reef, wreck and access point near you, and keeps your spots. $9.99 a month, 14 days free.
Start 14 free daysMore
All about white perch · Delmarva & Delaware Bay, the whole year