Yellow Perch Fishing in Delaware

Yellow perch are a popular and tasty fish that can be found in many waters across Delaware. They are a cool-water species that prefer open water conditions in rivers and ponds. They feed on aquatic insects, crayfish, fish eggs, and small fishes. They often congregate in large schools and are poor swimmers, which makes them vulnerable to predators and anglers alike.

How to Catch Yellow Perch

Yellow perch can be caught with a variety of methods, but some of the most effective ones are:

• Small spinners and jigs: These lures can imitate the natural prey of yellow perch and trigger their predatory instincts. You can cast and retrieve them slowly along the bottom or near structure, or jig them vertically in deeper water.
• Live bait: Nothing beats the real thing when it comes to attracting yellow perch. You can use meal worms, worms, small minnows, or even pieces of cut bait. You can fish them on a small hook under a bobber, or on a drop-shot rig near the bottom.
• Ice fishing: Yellow perch are active throughout the winter and can provide great ice fishing action. You can use small spoons, jigs, or live bait on a tip-up or a jigging rod. Drill several holes and move around until you find a school of perch.

Where to Find Yellow Perch

Yellow perch are abundant and widespread in Delaware, but some of the best places to fish for them are:

• Delaware Bay: The bay offers some of the largest yellow perch in the state, as well as other species like black drum, striped bass, white perch, and catfish. You can fish from shore at places like Augustine Beach, Woodland Beach, Collins Beach, or Broadkill Beach, using bloodworms, cut bunker, clams, sand fleas, or green crabs as bait. You can also fish from a boat near the bay mouth or over artificial reefs.
• Indian River Inlet: The inlet is a hotspot for yellow perch and other fish like hickory shad, tautog, striped bass, and flounder. You can fish from the rocks or the bridge using small spoons, shad darts, sand fleas, green crabs, or white bucktails with sassy shads.
• Freshwater Rivers and Ponds: Some of the top locations for yellow perch fishing in Delaware include Wagamons Pond, Killens Pond, and Red Mill Pond. These bodies of water are all stocked with yellow perch and offer plenty of opportunities for anglers to catch them. Another great location for yellow perch fishing in Delaware is the Delaware River. The river is home to a variety of fish species, including yellow perch. Anglers can catch perch by fishing near the shore or by drifting with the current. In addition to the Delaware River, the Chesapeake Bay is also a popular location for yellow perch fishing in Delaware.
  • Wagamons Pond is a popular location for yellow perch fishing in Delaware. Wagamons Pond is a relatively small freshwater pond located in Milton, Delaware. It covers an area of approximately 62 acres and has a maximum depth of around 14 feet. Despite its small size, Wagamons Pond is a popular location for fishing and other recreational activities in the region. It is stocked with a variety of fish species, including yellow perch, largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Anglers can catch perch using a variety of techniques, including live bait and artificial lures. When fishing for yellow perch at Wagamons Pond, it’s important to use light tackle and a small hook. Some of the best baits to use include live minnows and worms, as well as small jigs and spinners. Fishing near the weed beds or drop-offs can also be effective. With a little patience and skill, anglers can enjoy a day of successful yellow perch fishing at Wagamons Pond.
  • Killens Pond is another great location for yellow perch fishing in Delaware. Killens Pond is a larger freshwater pond located in Felton, Delaware. It covers an area of approximately 66 acres and has a maximum depth of around 35 feet. Killens Pond is a popular location for fishing, swimming, boating, and other recreational activities in the region. It is stocked with a variety of fish species, including yellow perch, largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish, making it a popular destination for anglers of all skill levels. Anglers can catch yellow perch using live bait such as minnows and worms or by using small jigs and spinners. When fishing for yellow perch at Killens Pond, it’s important to fish around the brush and weed beds, as well as near drop-offs and other underwater structures. Using light tackle and a small hook is also important to avoid spooking the perch. With a little patience and persistence, anglers can enjoy a successful day of yellow perch fishing at Killens Pond.
  • Red Mill Pond is a popular location for yellow perch fishing in Delaware. Red Mill Pond is a medium-sized freshwater pond located in Sussex County, Delaware. It covers an area of approximately 360 acres and has a maximum depth of around 26 feet. Red Mill Pond is a popular location for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities in the region. It is stocked with a variety of fish species, including yellow perch, largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie, making it a great destination for anglers of all skill levels. Anglers can catch perch using a variety of techniques, including live bait such as minnows and worms, as well as small jigs and spinners. When fishing for yellow perch at Red Mill Pond, it’s important to fish around the weed beds and drop-offs, as well as near other underwater structures. Using light tackle and a small hook is also important to avoid spooking the perch. With a little patience and skill, anglers can enjoy a successful day of yellow perch fishing at Red Mill Pond.
  • The Delaware River is a popular location for yellow perch fishing in Delaware.
    The Delaware River is a major river on the east coast of the United States that flows through four states, including Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. The total length of the Delaware River is approximately 330 miles (530 km). In terms of width, the river varies from several hundred feet to over a mile in certain areas, depending on the location and the surrounding topography. The depth of the Delaware River also varies, with the deepest parts reaching over 100 feet (30 meters) in some areas. Anglers can catch perch using a variety of techniques, including live bait such as minnows and worms, as well as small jigs and spinners. When fishing for yellow perch in the Delaware River, it’s important to focus on areas with slower-moving currents, such as around the mouths of tributary streams or behind large rocks or other underwater structures. Using light tackle and a small hook is also important to avoid spooking the perch. With a little patience and persistence, anglers can enjoy a successful day of yellow perch fishing in the Delaware River.

Yellow Perch Regulations

Yellow perch are considered a panfish in Delaware and have no size limit. The daily limit is 50 panfish total per person (no more than 25 yellow perch). The season is open year-round.

Yellow Perch Records

The Delaware state record for yellow perch is 2 pounds 11 ounces caught by Marvin Kessinger in 1976 from Red Clay Creek. The world record for yellow perch is 4 pounds 3 ounces caught by Dr. C. Abbott in 1865 from Bordentown Pond in New Jersey.

Yellow perch are a fun and delicious fish to catch in Delaware. They can be found in many waters across the state and offer year-round fishing opportunities. Whether you use lures or live bait, shore or boat fishing, or ice fishing gear, you can enjoy catching these yellow beauties with orange fins.