Yellow Perch ?

FishinTalk · #1 (**permalink**) 01-01-2007, 08:06 PM

Is it normal for them to be full of eggs now? I thought it was more early spring or say 2 months from now. Every one I caught today and kept (about 12) was full of eggs. - In Western Pa.

matt s. · #2 (**permalink**) 01-02-2007, 12:42 AM

they usally do spawn in spring....might be a sign of an early spring this year...very odd...

Crappisaurusrex · #3 (**permalink**) 01-02-2007, 07:14 AM

In Va the game dept says they spawn in Jan and Feb.

cook · #4 (**permalink**) 01-02-2007, 08:28 AM

They are just getting ready,they need time to develop.Happens with catfish here,caught a few with eggs sunday,and they don't spawn until June.

FishinTalk · #5 (**permalink**) 01-02-2007, 06:18 PM

I thought it was a little odd. I mean it wasn't just a small sac but rather large 1/3 the size of the fish. Maybe the warm winter has the cycle a little confused.

crappiequeennc · #6 (**permalink**) 01-03-2007, 06:28 PM

It all depends where you live ...The females are getting ready now...They will start spawning from the end of Febuary thru May...The water temperature needs to be between 45 and 52 degrees....Here in N.C. they will start around the middle of March...

FishinTalk · #7 (**permalink**) 01-03-2007, 06:47 PM

Guess it makes sense really. I never thought about how long they carried the eggs till spawn and to see them all loaded up surprised me. I know they sure did turn on in this lake and are very active and hungry right now

bttmline · #8 (**permalink**) 01-06-2007, 10:13 AM

There are many species that start to develop egg sacks this time of year, not because of the weather we are having, just naturally. Such as walleye that spawn very soon after what would usually be our ice-out. Our saugeyes here in Ohio have had egg sack for over a month.
Tim

CK14 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-18-2007, 07:17 PM

in washington they school up big time in late january-early february. easy pickins....