Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens)
Life's a bit easier with a little help from your friends. A close relative to the walleye, the yellow perch is an extraverted breed that seeks close neighbors. Its gregarious nature definitely has its downfalls, though. Travelling in schools near the water surface year-round, fishermen target these yellow fellows as they make for a good nosh and the perfect entrée for a Friday night fish fry. It helps anglers that the fish are rather predictable; based on the time of year, they congregate nearer to shore (during cooler months) or farther from shore (during the warmer). This species is adaptable and prolific, which allows the yellow perch to bounce back quickly after fishing season.
Don Schreiner
