Image © Illinois Department of Natural Resources. No photographs/images included within this information may be used on the internet, publications or any other form of media without the photographer's express permission. All rights reserved.
Characteristics of
perches include two dorsal fins, pelvic fins that are in the throat region with one spine and five rays and ctenoid scales.
walleye (Sander vitreus) Illinois Range: statewide
Size: 12-28” long
Habitat: lakes, reservoirs, streams
Food: insects, fishes
Best Lures: minnows, minnow-spinner combinations, spinners, crankbaits, nightcrawlers, worms, frogs, crayfish
sauger (Sander canadensis) Illinois Range: statewide
Size: average 11" long
Habitat: large rivers
Food: fishes, crayfish, insects, frogs, snails
Best Lures: minnows
yellow perch (Perca flavescens)Illinois Range: northern one-half of the state, Lake Michigan, Mississippi River
Size: 6-10" long
Habitat: rivers, lakes
Food: insects, fishes
Best Lures: minnows, worms, mayfly nymphs
