Walleye & Yellow Perch

  • walleye
    Walleye
    yellow perch
    Yellow Perch

    Illustrations by Joseph R. Tomelleri ©

     

    Walleye are the largest member of the perch family. They lack the distinctive vertical bar makings of the yellow perch. They can be found in the Great Lakes and connecting waters as well as inland rivers, lakes and reservoirs, though many of the inland fisheries are dependent upon stocking programs to maintain fishable populations. The Lake Erie-Detroit River-Lake St. Clair-St. Clair River system is outstanding, drawing anglers from across the country in spring and early summer.

    Early in the season, fishing bottom with lead-head jigs tipped with minnows or with plastic grub bodies is the top technique, but as the season progresses, trolling with plugs (such as Rapalas and Wiggle Warts) or spoons or with spinners and crawler harnesses becomes the preferred method.