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