
Winter hot spots and how-to for white perch around the island.
White perch, are a hardy and delicious fish, and they remain active during the colder months, making them a fantastic target for winter anglers on Long Island. Whether you’re looking to put a few on the table for dinner or simply enjoy a productive day on the water, Long Island offers a variety of excellent spots for catching white perch during the winter.
Top Spots
The Connetquot River, located in Suffolk County, is a known hotspot for white perch. Focus on areas near brackish water transitions, as white perch often congregate in these zones during winter. This rive has been known to give up some of the largest specimens every winter when it comes to white perch. Another great location is the Peconic River, especially its upper brackish sections, where fish tend to school in deeper pockets. You might have to spend some time finding them but once you do it can be game on. The Carmans River, on the South Shore, provides excellent access, particularly around the middle to upper reaches where salinity levels drop. Playing the tides here could be a big key to success. The Nissequogue River’s tidal sections are also reliable, especially in deeper holes and bends during the colder months. Browns River, though smaller, offers great opportunities for anglers targeting white perch, particularly around areas where the river widens and slows and has also been known to give up some big perch over the years.
While white perching in all of these spots you have a good chance of coming across some holdover striped bass, which are a close cousin of white perch. They can be a ton of fun on lighter tackle as well. Remember, you must release any of these small to medium-sized stripers that you catch, once landed.

Winter White Perch Fishing Techniques
White perch are opportunistic feeders. Live baits like grass shrimp, bloodworms, or small minnows work well. For anglers using artificials, small jigs tipped with soft plastics can also be effective. Light spinning rods paired with reels spooled with 4- to 8-pound test line are ideal for these fish. To target white perch in winter, focus on areas with minimal current during outgoing or slack tides, as they often gather in slower-moving waters.
Using a light spinning rod and a small reel is especially advantageous when targeting white perch. These fish are not overly large, so lighter gear enhances the sensitivity needed to detect subtle bites. A small spinning reel matched with a 6- to 7-foot rod provides excellent control and makes it easier to cast lightweight rigs or jig heads accurately. This setup ensures you can feel even the slightest nibble, increasing your chances of hooking these winter favorites.
For jigging, use small jig heads (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with soft plastics or live bait, bouncing them near the bottom to entice bites. Soft plastics come in a variety of styles that work well for white perch. Paddle-tail minnows offer a lifelike swimming action that can attract strikes in deeper waters, while curly-tail grubs create enticing vibrations when retrieved slowly. Additionally, small soft plastic worms or larvae imitations, in natural colors like white, silver, or chartreuse, can mimic the forage white perch feed on during winter. I’ve done well myself with small Bass Assassins, Keitechs and tiny Gulp grubs. Experimenting with these options allows you to adapt to the fish’s behavior and water conditions. Float fishing with a rig baited with grass shrimp or worms works well in shallower areas, while the drop shot method is particularly effective in deeper pockets, keeping the bait in the strike zone longer.

Additional Tips
Using a small boat can significantly enhance your white perch fishing experience. A boat allows anglers to access deeper channels, submerged structures, and isolated pockets that are difficult to reach from shore. During the winter, white perch often gather in deeper waters, making a boat invaluable for exploring these areas. Staying mobile is key. If you’re not getting bites, move to a new location as white perch often school, and finding an active group can make all the difference.
Always prioritize safety by wearing a life jacket and checking the weather before heading out during the cold months as well. Winter conditions can be harsh, so dress in layers and carry the proper safety gear. Keep your presentation slow, as white perch are less aggressive in colder water.
If fishing from a boat, use a fish finder to locate schools of perch in deeper areas. Pay attention to underwater structure such as submerged logs, drop-offs, and rock piles, as these often attract perch. From the shore, focus on casting near pilings, docks, and bends in the river where white perch are likely to congregate.

New York State Record White Perch
The New York state record for white perch was broken just a couple of years ago on Long Island by Jeff Butta from Steiger Craft, showcasing the exceptional potential of local waters. This new record, set in 2023, features a remarkable marine white perch weighing 3 pounds, 2 ounces. Jeff eclipsed the previous record held by Rich Milled of Lindenhurst Bait and Tackle by over a quarter-pound. The capture highlights the trophy-sized opportunities available to anglers on Long Island, particularly in its tidal and estuarine habitats.
White perch fishing on Long Island in winter is both unique and rewarding. With the right techniques and knowledge of prime locations, you can enjoy a successful day on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, targeting white perch is an excellent way to keep fishing during the colder months. Remember to stay patient, experiment with different techniques, and enjoy the peaceful winter Long Island has to offer while fishing for these lively hard fighters.