UTERYellow perch fishing in North Dakota freshwater
In North Dakota freshwater, yellow perch peak September–October and December–April and are around year-round, spawning in April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: Devils Lake jumbos through the ice.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Yellow perch in North Dakota freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeakDevils Lake jumbos through the ice.
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchPeakDevils Lake last-ice perch.
- AprilSpawning
- MayLeaving
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish yellow perch near Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe
Devils Lake's perch, walleye and pike, the Missouri River reservoirs, paddlefish at the confluence, and the Red River's trophy channel cats.
What to use for yellow perch
- 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.
- Wax wormsOne or two on a tiny ice jig or a #10 hook for bluegill, perch and crappie, under the ice or a float.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 34–80°F water, best at 55–72°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch yellow perch in North Dakota freshwater?
Peak season is September–October and December–April, with fish spawning in April (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Yellow perch are here year-round. January: Devils Lake jumbos through the ice.
Where do yellow perch hold in North Dakota freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, dock / pilings, river, pond / pit — around Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe, Missouri River, Red River of the North.
What is the best bait for yellow perch in North Dakota freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners), wax worms, nightcrawlers. 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. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for yellow perch in North Dakota freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF) and change — read the current rule at https://gf.nd.gov/regulations/fishing before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://gf.nd.gov/fishing/licensing.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores yellow 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 yellow perch · North Dakota fresh water, the whole year