Perch in Florida? Yes! Dead Lakes in the Panhandle.
October 10, 2025
By Erika Zambello
I remember the first time I caught a yellow perch in Florida. Bright red fins, yellow and green bodies, voracious appetite for the rosy-red minnows from a nearby bait shop—this Dead Lakes population represents the southernmost outpost for a species that lives across the northern United States and into Canada. The Dead Lakes in Florida’s Panhandle, due north from Apalachicola, are in a rural area but aren’t hard to get to, yet most Florida anglers have no idea such a beautiful (and delicious) species can be found in the Sunshine State.
Florida’s rivers and lakes are loaded with gems like this. Let’s get to know a few of them.
Chain Pickerel State record 6.96 pounds | Lake Talquin Related to northern pike, the smaller chain pickerel tolerates a wide range of water temperature while favoring heavily vegetated lakes, calm sections of rivers, and swamps. Anglers can try for them year-round with minnows or a variety of lures, including crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Good eating—but watch out for bones!
Redfin Pickerel State record 1.06 pounds | New River A smaller pickerel found in the northern half of Florida and across the Panhandle. Some go after redfin pickerel with dip nets or minnow traps, but they will also come to light tackle like soft plastic baits.
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Yellow Perch State record 1.47 pounds | Dead Lakes Very popular in midwestern and Great Lakes states, this species has a very narrow range in Florida, only living in Dead Lakes, part of the Chipola River. Researchers believe that a spring in Stone Mill Creek, which flows into the Dead Lakes, cools the water enough for the perch to survive here. Perch are delicious. I especially love them pan-fried.
Striped bass State record 42.24 pounds | Apalachicola River Fish of the St. Johns River and a handful of Panhandle waterways, striped bass need flowing current to reproduce and struggle if water warms to over 75 degrees F. This limits their range in the Sunshine State. Fishing for them is easier in the late fall through early spring, especially with live shad or heavy jigs. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) raises some for stocking, along with the popular sunshine bass hybrid.
Warmouth State record 2.44 pounds | Yellow River Fishing in muddy water? Look for warmouth! These aggressive sunfish swim amidst plants and snags, preferring slow waters of canals, lakes, canals, and quiet river areas. They eat insects, smaller fish, shrimp, and crayfish, and will come to the same lures and tackle that attract bluegill and other sunfish. Like most small fish, bones can be difficult to remove for cooking, but once you have clean fillets, they are delicious deep-fried.
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White Bass State record 4.69 pounds | Apalachicola River Fish for white bass in the Apalachicola and Ochlocknee watersheds. They look like a smaller version of stripers and live by eating small fish and minnows. Mimic these baitfish with light tackle or flies, targeting the white bass in schools in the shallows. Broil or grill them for best home-cooking results.
Conserving Our Freshwater Gems Native fish depend on healthy habitat and clean water. How can anglers help? For one, support the management and acquisition of conservation land, especially those purchased and maintained by the water management districts. Also, go fishing! Fishing license sales go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission , which protects and studies freshwater fisheries while preserving habitat and preventing unlawful take of a range of sportfish.
This article was featured as a “Florida Gem” in the August-September issue of Florida Sportsman magazine. Click to subscribe .
