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Step 1
Closely observe the dorsal fin of the yellow perch. This top fin is split into two distinct areas. One contains a number of sharp spines and is located in front of a completely separate fin that is composed of soft rays.
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Step 2
Look at the fin called the anal fin. This fin is located on the bottom of the yellow perch at the rear of the fish. It will have two spines protruding from it in the front that are sharp and thin.
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Step 3
Take note of the coloring of the yellow perch's body. It will be whitish to yellowing on the underbelly with a shade of yellow on the sides. Six to eight vertical wide stripes of darker green will extend from in back of the head all the way to the tail.
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Step 4
Observe the lower fins and the tail of the yellow perch. These will be shades of orange and yellow with the brightest colors belonging to males just before the spawning season occurs in the spring time.
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Step 5
Remember that the yellow perch is not a large fish. The average specimen barely weighs a little less than one pound. Yellow perch that can grow as long as 15 inches and that weigh more than 1 1/2 pounds are considered trophy fish for this species.
