Renowned for energetic jumps and vibrant pink-red lateral bands extending from gill cover to tail. Heavily stocked across DMV streams in spring, providing accessible action for youth and veteran anglers.
Season
March – June & October – December (Stocking Seasons)
Where
Deer Creek, Patuxent River, Antietam Creek, Morgan Run
Salinity band
Inland Freshwater (0 - 3 ppt)
Status
Established Inland Freshwater Species
Record
MD Record: 14 lbs 2 oz
How we fish for them
Drift PowerBait paste on #10 treble hooks, cast 1/16oz gold Phoebe spoons, or swing Woolly Bugger wet flies across current runs.
Rod: White Perch & Panfish Rod 6'6" LF Reel: 1000 Spinning Reel • 6lb Mono
Gear for this in the catalog →Handle with care
Safe release: Wet hands or rubber net before handling to preserve protective slime layer.
Seasons & limits are the law's, not ours
Size, season and creel rules change; always verify with the official regulations before you fish. Maryland DNR regulations →
Profile last reviewed: August 2026