Perch (Perca fluvialtilis)

Perch (Perca fluvialtilis)

Gary Doyle with a 3 lb 6 oz perch from the River Barrow, February 2003

Gary Doyle with a 3 lb 6 oz perch from the River Barrow, February 2003

Specimen weight: 1.2 kg (2.646 lb).
Record weight: 5lb 8oz Lough Erne. 1946

The lively perch with its bright green livery and vibrrant red fins is one the best loved fish species.

Features:

Perch are easily identified by their olive green colour and the distinctive vertical black stripes on their flanks. The pectoral, pelvic and tail fin are reddish in colour.

Spawning:

Perch can mature at two years of age. Spawning takes place in early April to mid May on aquatic weeds or submerged bushes or tree branches. Egg size is 2-2.5 mm.

Fecundity:

Number of eggs produced per adult is c. 45,000 eggs/kg. Longevity (age): Perch live for about 12 years.

Diet:

Perch are fish-eaters but they also feed on aquatic insects.

Best Angling Methods:

Float fishing, ledgering and spinning.

Best Baits:

Maggots, worms, casters, a selection of small spinners, spoons and plugs and occasionally small dead fish for big specimens.

Best Times to Fish Perch
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Note: ★ Good time to fish Perch