Perch

If yellow perch is what you're after, Rockford, Illinois, offers some nearby opportunities in the Kishwaukee River and connected backwaters. While not known as a perch hotspot, persistence can pay off. Spring and fall are the best times to target perch, as they move into shallower water to feed. Small jigs tipped with wax worms or minnows are effective baits. Focus on areas with submerged vegetation, docks, or rocky bottoms. A local tip is to fish near areas where the current slows down, as perch often congregate in these calmer waters. The perch in this area tend to be smaller, but they can be plentiful. Public access to the Kishwaukee River is available at several parks, providing bank fishing and limited boat access.