UTERWhite perch fishing in Maryland freshwater
In Maryland freshwater, white perch peak March and August–October and are around year-round, spawning in March, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. March: White perch run up the Choptank, the Patuxent and the Nanticoke — shad darts and grass shrimp.
No note for October — see the months around it.
White perch in Maryland freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryArriving
- MarchSpawningWhite perch run up the Choptank, the Patuxent and the Nanticoke — shad darts and grass shrimp.
- AprilLeavingTail of the run in the upper tidal rivers.
- MayAround
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish white perch near Tidal Potomac, Susquehanna Flats, Deep Creek Lake
The tidal Potomac's grass bass and invasive snakeheads and blue cats, tidal creek perch runs, the Susquehanna Flats, Deep Creek Lake in the mountains, and Gunpowder trout.
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 Maryland freshwater?
Peak season is March and August–October, with fish spawning in March (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). White perch are here year-round. March: White perch run up the Choptank, the Patuxent and the Nanticoke — shad darts and grass shrimp.
Where do white perch hold in Maryland freshwater?
Look on dock / pilings, bridge, creek / stream, river — around Tidal Potomac, Susquehanna Flats, Deep Creek Lake, Patuxent River, Gunpowder River, Choptank River.
What is the best bait for white perch in Maryland freshwater?
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.
What are the rules for white perch in Maryland freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (Maryland DNR) and change — read the current rule at https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/regulations/index.aspx before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/licensing.aspx.
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