Saltwater Fish of Connecticut
White Perch
Morone americana
🏆 Connecticut State Record
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Also called: Sea Perch, Black-back, Silver Perch
Identification
Small, silvery, spiny fish that lacks the prominent stripes of striped bass and is generally smaller.
Habitat
Estuaries and brackish rivers, migrating into brackish or fresh water to spawn in spring; also connected freshwater lakes.
Behavior
Schooling and opportunistic; adults reach 8-10 inches and up to a pound.
How to Catch
Brine shrimp, grass shrimp, and sandworms; lures like Swedish Pimples and Kastmasters.
Notes
Excellent eating; abundant in tidal and fresh systems.
Where to find White Perch in CT
- Quinnipiac River North Haven / New Haven
- Rogers Lake Old Lyme