This is especially true on full moon nights. Yellow Perch Fishing Tips. Yellow Perch are a species of panfish that can be found on offshore structure such as rock or sand. Drop your yellow perch rigs with the bait a foot or two about the bottom to attract schools. Targeting the larger fish, Jumbo Perch, is a popular fishing option in some of the Great Lakes and also North Dakota and South Dakota. They often school together and move very quickly, making them a challenge to stay on top of. Try Night Fishing. Perch tend to school near cover or at the bottom so use a slip float to present live bait. Perch are notorious bait thieves, and once you've found a school, be sure to allow time for them to nibble so you don't pull up a bare hook. Bait and Lures. Yellow Perch Fishing Rigs. Perch bite best during daylight hours especially around noon and towards evening. A great time to fish for yellow perch is at night. Fly Fish for Yellows. 16. Few yellow perch are targeted with fly fishing gear but it’s not because it isn’t a viable option. 17. Because their bites are subtle and difficult to detect, going with ultra-light tackle will provide the added sensitivity needed to detect a bite. Fish with live bait or baited jigs for the best success. When it comes to perch fishing rigs, lighter is generally better. Although most anglers agree yellow perch are a reliable catch, there is a trick to consistently catching large fish.