UTERYellow perch fishing in Wisconsin freshwater
In Wisconsin 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: Green Bay and the Winnebago system ice perch.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Yellow perch in Wisconsin freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeakGreen Bay and the Winnebago system ice perch.
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchPeak
- AprilSpawning
- MayLeaving
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish yellow perch near Lake Winnebago, Wolf River, Chippewa Flowage
Northern muskie and walleye lakes around Hayward and the Vilas County chain, the Winnebago system's walleye, white bass and sturgeon, driftless trout creeks, and the Mississippi.
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 Wisconsin 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: Green Bay and the Winnebago system ice perch.
Where do yellow perch hold in Wisconsin freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, dock / pilings, river, pond / pit — around Lake Winnebago, Wolf River, Chippewa Flowage, Madison chain, Lake Geneva, Mississippi River.
What is the best bait for yellow perch in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Wisconsin DNR) and change — read the current rule at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/outreach/FishingLicenses.
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