Go for white perch

Fun to catch, good to eat, or for bait

Fishing for white perch in the Carolinas during June offers anglers a prime opportunity to target one of the most underrated panfish species in the region. As the weather warms and summer sets in, white perch become highly active, especially in lakes, rivers, and brackish waters where they often gather in large schools. Their abundance, willingness to bite, and scrappy fights make them a favorite for both casual and serious anglers looking for action and table fare.

White perch, which are not true perch but rather a member of the temperate bass family, are found throughout North Carolina and South Carolina in both freshwater and coastal river systems. They thrive year-round in these environments, and while some anglers consider them a nuisance species, they are anything but that for others.

These fish are highly reliable because they will eat just about anything small enough to fit in their mouths. They are surprisingly tasty, and it’s easy to catch enough for a fish fry. They are also excellent as bait for catfish, and even for largemouth bass and stripers.

Go early and late

During this time of year, early mornings and late evenings are often the most productive times to fish for white perch, especially on hot, sunny days. They are more active during low light periods and may move into slightly deeper water during the midday heat. However, overcast days can provide steady action throughout the day, as the fish feel safer venturing into shallower feeding areas.

Locating white perch in June usually involves searching for schools of baitfish. These panfish are voracious feeders and will aggressively pursue shad, minnows, and small fry. Electronics can be a valuable tool for locating bait balls and the perch that follow them. In lakes like Lake Wylie, Lake Wateree, and Lake Norman, anglers often find success vertical jigging near drop-offs, humps, and submerged points where schools of white perch tend to congregate. In the rivers and brackish estuaries of the coastal plain, anglers may find them around pilings, bridge structures, and creek mouths.

Nothing fancy here

Tackle and presentation are straightforward, which adds to the appeal of white perch fishing. Light spinning rods spooled with 4- to 8-pound test line are ideal. A simple multiple-hook drop shot rig, often called a “perch rig” or “sabiki-style rig,” can catch multiple fish at once. Small crappie jigs, soft plastics, spoons, and even live bait such as minnows or nightcrawlers can all produce. Tipping jigs with a small piece of worm or a sliver of cut bait can increase the odds of a strike, especially in heavily-fished waters.

Another effective method during June is trolling. Anglers slowly pull small spoons, spinners, or Beetle Spins behind the boat at various depths until they dial in on the active bite. This technique covers more water and can be particularly effective when white perch are suspended and scattered over open basins or deeper channels. Trolling allows anglers to locate schools and then stop to cast or jig once fish are found.

Fishing from the bank is also a viable option, especially early and late in the day. Many public fishing piers and boat landings provide access to productive white perch waters. Anglers using simple rigs with a split shot and a live minnow or small piece of worm can catch perch from these spots with ease. In tidal areas, fishing the outgoing tide near creek mouths or small points can be very effective as baitfish are funneled through current seams where white perch lie in wait.

Excellent table fare

White perch are known for their firm, white meat and mild flavor, making them a top target for anglers interested in a fish fry. While they are not as heavily regulated as other sportfish, it’s still important to check local creel limits and rules. In most public bodies of water in the Carolinas, anglers are not limited to how many white perch they can keep.

In the Carolinas, white perch are often viewed as both a sportfish and a nuisance species due to their rapid reproduction and potential to outcompete native fish for food. This dynamic means that keeping a good number of perch for the cooler is often encouraged, and there’s no shortage of ways to prepare them. Fillets fry up nicely with a simple cornmeal coating, but they’re also tasty baked, grilled, or even pickled.