Lake Murray is a 48,579-acre (196.59 km2) reservoir located centrally in South Carolina. The lake and dam were constructed from 1927 through 1930 and are owned by South Carolina Electric and Gas. The name of the lake is a tribute to the engineer William S. Murray. The average depth is 41.5 feet (12.65 meters) but plummets down to around 200 feet (ca. 61 meters) at maximum depth. It was built to produce hydropower and supply water for the Saluda hydroelectric facility. The official name of the dam is Dreher Shoals, but it is commonly referred to as the Lake Murray Dam.
The lake covers an area formerly inhabited by 5,000 families in 11 communities, although the majority of the 65,000 acres (263 km2) were covered by woodland, which was logged prior to construction. The communities were abandoned and had to be relocated, but many stone constructions were left behind. For this reason, schools and churches can be explored in the clear waters of Lake Murray. Even graveyards were left behind, and monuments and headstones with the names of the people laid to rest there can be seen today.
Visitors come to Lake Murray to enjoy the many different recreational activities the lake offers. With 620 miles of shoreline (998 km) hikers and hunters alike have plenty of space to explore. The clear waters provide a playground for a wide variety of water sports such as boating, swimming, and naturally, angling! The management of the lake’s fishery resources is undertaken by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The lake contains a lot of fascinating fish species, below is a list of some of the reservoirs’ most charismatic ones.
Fish Species in Lake Murray
1) Alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula)
The alligator gar is the largest member of the Lepisosteidae (gar) family. Like other gars, it has an elongated, cylindrical body with a long snout. They can be distinguished from other gars by their sheer size and wider, more spoon-like snout. Nicknamed “gator gars”, they get their name from their resemblance to alligators, a nod to their appearance and size. They typically have a brown or dark green dorsal side, brightening towards a pale belly.
The alligator gar was assessed by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2018, where it was listed as ‘Least Concern’, however, the range has contracted, and abundance has declined on the long-term scale. This is at least in some areas because of overfishing, since the long generation times of the species make it vulnerable. They are slow-growing fish that can reach an impressive size with individuals above 6.5 ft (2 meters) and 100 lbs (45 kg) being common. The males become sexually mature around 6 years of age, with females almost doubling that by becoming sexually mature around 11 years old. The females, on average, carry more than 100,000 eggs that are bright red and poisonous if consumed.
2) American eel (Anguilla rostrata)
The American eel belongs to the Anguillidae (freshwater eel) family and is famous for the monstrous spawning journey to the Sargasso Sea, after which the adults die. They have long snake-like bodies, which for adults are typically colored dark brown to black on the dorsal side and creamy yellow on the belly. Young eels are known as glass eels, as they lack pigmentation almost completely.
The American eel can be caught at Lake Murray but is currently under a minimum size limit requirement of 9 inches (22.86 centimeters) and a possession limit of 25 per person per day. However, anglers might want to consider the most recent assessment of the species by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species completed in 2013, where they were listed as ‘Endangered’ under criteria A2bd. This decision is based on a drastic decline in global population size over the last 50 years, declining recruitment of young eels, and the inability to breed eels in aquaculture, leading to the harvest of glass eels to be reared for consumption. Additionally, they face challenges due to climate change, pollution, and modifications of their natural habitat.
3) Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)
The black crappie is a member of the Centrarchidae (sunfish) family with a deep, laterally compressed body. They have a large mouth with pointed teeth on both the upper and lower jaw. The dorsal side is a dark green coat with greenish-blue and silver reflections. The coat lightens down the sides, where irregular dark blotches emerge. The irregular dark spots are the simplest characteristic, which distinguishes this species from similar ones. Additionally, they have a dark opercle spot, but it is often blurred. General pigmentation can vary with habitat.
The black crappie can be typically found in lakes, ponds, and other clear-water environments, where they roam among submerged vegetation. Here they search for prey in the form of crustaceans, grubs, and, when they get big enough, small fishes. They themselves are in return preyed upon by larger predatory species.
The black crappie, a popular game fish at Lake Murray, can be caught above a minimum size limit of 8 inches (20.32 centimeters), but anglers must follow a daily possession limit per person of 20. However, keep in mind that there is a total possession limit on game fish of 40 fish.
4) Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)
The blue catfish is the largest member of the Ictaluridae (North American freshwater catfish) family. The Latin name of the species means forked (furcatus from Latin) fishcat (ictalurus from Greek, originating from the combination of ichthys = fish and ailouros = cat). The second part of the Linnean name refers to the strongly forked tail, which in combination with the size and silverish blue coat is what commonly distinguishes this Ictaluridae from the other members of the family.
The blue catfish typically follows a diurnal pattern, where it occurs near the bottom during the day and moves up close to the shore during the night in search of prey, which includes clams, fishes, and invertebrates such as grubs.
Lake Murray offers excellent catfish fishing, with all four major species present. The blue catfish is not commonly considered a game fish, but many anglers still enjoy catching this bottom-dweller. At Lake Murray, they uphold a productive population without additional stocking, however, there is a size-related limitation of no more than 2 fish larger than 32 inches (81.28 centimeters) per person and a possession limit restricted to 25 per person per day.
5) Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus)
The bluegill sunfish is a commonly known member of the Centrarchidae (sunfish) family. The body has the typical shape of a panfish, with an olive-brown dorsal side and more greenish flanks. These are covered with 5 – 7 double-banded bars, which gradually fade as the fish matures. They have a characteristic black ‘ear’.
Male bluegill sunfish become bright orange on the breast during the spawning period, which happens from May to August. The males arrive at the spawning grounds first, where they create a hollow depression in the sand or gravel. The nests are typically constructed in a colony of 40 – 50 nests, which may be reused several times during the season. The males vigorously defend their nests both before and after spawning, using a frontal threat display to scare off predominately other male sunfishes, but also other species.
The bluegill sunfish are considered game fish at Lake Murray and can be caught at any size, but anglers must follow a daily possession limit per person of 30. Additionally, keep in mind that there is a total possession limit on game fish of 40 fish.
6) Chain pickerel (Esox niger)
The chain pickerel belongs to the Esocidae (pike) family, and like other members of this family, has a duckbill snout and elongated body. The broad snout hides a large mouth with lateral teeth on the lower jaw. A dark green coat covers the dorsal side and becomes brighter towards the paler ventral side. The body is covered in a dark, chain-like pattern. Just like their larger cousin, the northern pike, chain pickerels are ambush predators. They typically live a solitary lifestyle, often hiding among submerged vegetation for unsuspecting prey.
Chain pickerel spawn in early spring when the water temperatures near 50°F (10 °C). The female lays up to 50,000 eggs in adhesive ribbon-like masses, that drift to the bottom and stick to submerged vegetation, among other things. The parental fish do not guard the eggs. It takes about 4 years for chain pickerel to become sexually mature, and they can live for about 10 years.
The chain pickerel is categorized as a game fish at Lake Murray and can be caught at any size, but anglers must respect a daily possession limit of 30 per person. Additionally, keep in mind that there is a total possession limit of 40 game fish.
7) Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
The channel catfish is a member of the Ictaluridae (North American freshwater catfish) family. The Latin name of the species means spotted (punctatus from Latin) fishcat (ictalurus from Greek, originating from the combination of ichthys = fish and ailouros = cat). ‘Punctatus’ refers to the characteristic dark spots that cover the blue to silver coat. As the males mature, they become increasingly dark in color and eventually lose their spots. However, during the spawning period, they become a more intense blue color and the region behind their eyes swell. Two long barbels extrude from the upper jaw, and four smaller barbels are attached to the lower chin.
The channel catfish is an abundant species throughout much of its range. In 2012, when it was most recently assessed by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, it was listed as ‘Least Concern’ with an increasing population trend due to the ongoing expansion of the species range through deliberate introductions. The channel catfish can thrive in a versatile range of habitats from clear to turbid waters, in ponds and lakes to rivers. This has resulted in many subpopulations, and no major threat has been recognized for this species.
8) Common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
The common carp is a member of the Cyprinidae (carp and minnow) family, whose Latin name translates to ‘carp carp’. They can be distinguished from Asian carp by the single long dorsal fin and 2 pairs of barbels extruding from the corners of their mouths. They have a white belly but range in color from silver to green or brass on the dorsal side. The lower fins have an orange hue. They are adaptable fish with the ability to live in a wide variety of habitats, but thrive in large water bodies with slow-moving water and plenty of submerged vegetation. Both the adults and juveniles feed on plants in addition to benthic animals.
Large carp captures are not the most unusual tales, but a record-breaking carp weighing in around the same as the world record channel catfish is something else! Kenneth O. Shealy landed one of these massive beasts in 2000, and the 58-pounder (26.31 kg) still holds the state record. However, since common and grass carp are typically just referred to under the umbrella term of ‘carp’, which of these species the specimen was, is not stated.
9) Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris)
The flathead catfish is a member of the Ictaluridae (North American freshwater catfish) family but belongs to the Pylodictis genus and not Ictalurus or Ameiurus, like the other catfishes in Lake Murray. The Pylodictis genus is monotypic, meaning that this species is the only member of the genus. The flathead catfish can be distinguished from the other catfishes based on the combined characteristics of a horizontally stretched head and a rounded caudal fin. They have an elongated grey-to-brown body with darker mottling that can be present on the lighter belly. The adipose fin, anal fin, and lower tail fins are dusky.
The flathead catfish consumes a less varied diet than the blue catfish, however, this species is still considered generalist, feeding predominately on fish, crayfish, and shrimp. They seemingly ignore mollusks when the other sources are found aplenty, and only to a limited degree consume plant matter or feed of carcasses. The flathead catfish is currently the least caught catfish in the lake, but the population is under a watchful eye in general, as it does have the potential to proliferate and is known to wipe out smaller species of catfish and the redbreast sunfish.
10) Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum)
The gizzard shad is a member of the Dorosomatidae (gizzard shad and sardinella) family, with an oblong herring-like body. The dorsal side has a blue hue, which brightens to silver down the sides. They have a rounded snout, with a short lower jaw that fits into the upper one. The juveniles have a dark shoulder spot, which disappears with age. They form fission-fusion shoals that tend to stay near the surface, however, in well-oxygenated waters, they can be found even down to 108 ft (33 meters).
The gizzard shad was most recently assessed by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2018, where it was listed as ‘Least Concern’. The evaluation was based on a large adult population occurring abundantly throughout the native range. They are temperature-sensitive, which leads to high mortality during the winter in colder areas of their range, but the global population is thought to be stable. They have been introduced to water bodies outside their native range, where they have also managed to establish viable populations.
The gizzard shad can be caught at Lake Murray following the statewide shad regulations of 10 fish per person per day.
11) Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
The grass carp belongs to the Xenocyprididae (East Asian minnows) family. Compared to the common carp, they have a short dorsal fin and a small mouth adapted to feeding on plant material. Therefore, they prefer large, slow-moving water bodies with submerged vegetation. They have an olive to almost bronze coat and a white belly.
Grass carp in Lake Murray are triploid. This means that they are genetically altered to be sterile, so they can be used for biocontrol without fearing they might multiply and outcompete native species. The grass carp is an Asian carp and is typically imported from Asia to control the non-native hydrilla, which can completely overtake lakes. The species has been stocked in many water systems across the US. Luckily, this aquatic pest does not infest the waters of Lake Murray. Instead, the aquatic plants are native southern naiad and slender pondweed. Both plants are eaten by the grass carp in habitats without hydrilla.
Stocking of this species has continued through 2016, 2017, and 2018 following a major flood in 2015. This is to secure a high enough standing population of grass carp in case hydrilla invades.
12) Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
The largemouth bass is a member of the Centrarchidae (sunfish) family and is therefore closely related to the bluegill sunfish and other sunfish species. They have a long and slightly laterally compressed body, with a large mouth that extends at least to the posterior edge of the eye. The dorsal fin is clearly separated into an anterior spined fin and a posterior soft-rayed fin. The belly is white, darkening towards the green dorsal side. In juveniles, the lateral line is marked in a series of dark blotches, which fade with age.
The largemouth bass was most recently assessed by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2018, where it was listed as ‘Least Concern’ due to a large global population of adults occurring in many locations.
Largemouth bass can be caught at Lake Murray following a lake regulation of a minimum size limit of 14 inches (35.56 centimeters). There is a daily possession limit per person of 5 fish combined total of this species and the smallmouth bass including their hybrids. Since it is a game fish, keep in mind that largemouth bass count towards the daily possession limit of 40 game fish.
13) Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
The rainbow trout is a member of the Salmonidae (salmonids) family. They are recognizable from other similar species by their bright multi-coloration, with a dark green and mottled dorsal side and pink to red stripe across the lateral line. Another feature is the lack of breeding humps in males.
Throughout their natural range, some rainbow trout populations are landlocked. Interestingly, the species display two life histories. Some are freshwater residents, while others typically referred to as ‘steelheads’ are anadromous, which means they spend most of their life in saltwater and only return to spawn. These two ‘types’ are commonly thought of as distinct, but in a study from Yakima Basin, Washington, up to 20% of steelheads in 2010 had freshwater resident mothers.
The rainbow trout is a native North American species popular throughout its range. However, the population at Lake Murray is not viable but is stocked from approximately November to May. Due to the species being more adapted to cold water, the winter months are considered the best for trout fishing at Lake Murray, where they can be caught at any length but with a daily possession limit of 5 fish.
14) Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus)
The redear sunfish is a member of the Centrarchidae (sunfish) family. They are quite distinct from other similar species due to the bright red/orange half-moon marking the edge of their black operculum. They range in color from dark to olive green, brightening down the flanks, which are covered in brown spots and run out into an almost golden belly. The redear sunfish can be found in ponds, swamps, and small rivers, but prefer slow-moving waters. They are benthic feeders, predominately consuming mussels, snails, and aquatic insect larvae.
Redear sunfish are often referred to as ‘shellcrackers’ because they have special crushing teeth known as pharyngeal teeth in their throats. These allow them to crack open the shells of their prey, which they reject while keeping the flesh. Due to this adaptation, the redear sunfish rarely takes bait on the surface waters.
The redear sunfish is categorized as a game fish at Lake Murray and can be caught at any size, but anglers must follow a daily possession limit of 30 per person. Additionally, keep in mind that there is a total possession limit on game fish of 40 fish.
15) Redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus)
The redbreast sunfish is a member of the Centrarchidae (sunfish) family. They share the deep-rounded body typical for panfish but have a particularly long dark operculum, which can distinguish them from similar species. This feature is also referenced in the Latin name, as ‘auritus’ means eared (not to be confused with the longear sunfish, which has a white rim on the operculum). They have a brass to green coat, marked by faint stripes in juveniles, which fade with age. In breeding males, the red breast becomes prominent, covering the body in red from the chin to the anal fins.
The redbreast sunfish occurs in habitats over rock and submerged vegetation in both pools and flowing water. However, they typically avoid rapids and stay near underwater elements which offer cover. When the temperature drops down below 41°F (5°C), they tend to aggregate in deeper holes.
The redbreast sunfish is categorized as a game fish at Lake Murray and can be caught at any size, but anglers must respect a daily possession limit of 15 per person. Additionally, keep in mind that there is a total possession limit on game fish of 40 fish.
16) Longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus)
The longnose gar is a member of the Lepisosteidae (gar) family and is sometimes nicknamed the needlenose gar, as the snout is particularly long and narrow, which is also the easiest way to distinguish them from other gars. They have an elongated body with an olive dorsal side, green flanks covered in dark spots, and a whitish belly. The dorsal fin is positioned posteriorly on the body, almost above the anal fin, and is covered in large dark spots like the other fins.
The longnose gar was most recently assessed by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2018, where it was listed as ‘Least Concern’ due to a stable global population consisting of many subpopulations.
The longnose gar grows rapidly in the first two to four years of life depending on its sex. They are sexually dimorphic, which means that there is a visual difference between the sexes. In this case, females grow significantly larger than males. This is also reflected in the age of sexual maturity, which males reach after 2 – 3 years, while females become sexually mature only after 6 – 7 years. The females not only reach a higher weight and adult size but also have relatively larger snouts, however, the reason for this difference is unknown.
17) Shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum)
The shortnose sturgeon is a member of the Acipenseridae (sturgeon) family, a phylogenetically ancient clade with fossil evidence from the Jurassic Period, where they would have shared the Earth with dinosaurs like the stegosaurus and brontosaurus. These ancient fish can be recognized by their cartilaginous skeleton, which is otherwise reserved for sharks and rays, and the bony scutes that cover them like armor.
The shortnose sturgeon has a dark brown dorsal side, which fades towards the white belly. They have large mouths and blunt noses, which gives them their name. They are typically found in deep water with soft or vegetated bottoms. Here, they hunt mussels, worms, aquatic insect larvae, and even small crustaceans. Shortnose sturgeon are diadromous, which means that they can enter the ocean, although they rarely do so.
The shortnose sturgeon is federally listed as an endangered species, and the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species listed them as ‘Vulnerable’ globally when they were last assessed in 2016. They were listed on the criteria A2bce, due to them occupying a small native range and only occurring in a few viable populations. Analyses of these populations have additionally provided evidence for strong separation between the distinct populations.
18) Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu)
The smallmouth bass is a member of the Centrarchidae (sunfish) family. They have brassy to green flanks covered in dark brown blotches. They have a spiny-rayed and a soft-rayed dorsal fin, and the two are only separated by a small breach. Though common across all of North America, they are not South Carolina natives. They were introduced in the 1980s in the northwestern part of the state but have been successfully established.
The smallmouth bass inhabits cool streams or large, clear lakes over rocky and sandy bottoms. Their optimal habitat contains rooted aquatic vegetation in waters more than 6 meters deep and gravel shores. The males spend 4 – 48 hours constructing a nest, after construction they watch over the eggs, fanning them and protecting them against intruders. If the water temperature drops suddenly, the males attempt to rescue the eggs by covering them with substrate.
The smallmouth bass, a popular sports fish, can be caught at Lake Murray following the statewide regulations of a minimum size limit of 12 inches (30.48 centimeters). There is a daily possession limit per person of 5 fish; this is a combined total of this species and the largemouth bass, including their hybrids. Since it is a game fish, keep in mind that smallmouth bass also count towards the daily possession limit of 40 game fish.
19) Striped bass (Morone saxatilis)
The striped bass is a member of the Moronidae (temperate bass) family and has been introduced to rivers and reservoirs throughout the States. They have silver flanks decorated with thin, horizontal lines. The dorsal side is darker, while the belly is milky with no stripes.
The striped bass was most recently assessed by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2019, where it was listed as ‘Least Concern’, despite the current population trend being unknown. This is primarily because of its wide distribution, with many subpopulations supporting a large number of individuals and a lack of disproportionate threats; however, the striped bass’ spawning time is known to be affected by climate change. As temperatures have risen over the past four decades, the species have started spawning about a week earlier.
Striped bass is one of the most popular fish to catch at Lake Murray. From June 1 to September 30 there are no size regulations, but there is a possession limit of 5. However, from October 1 to May 31 anglers should be aware of a minimum length requirement of 21 inches (53.34 centimeters). As with other game fish, caught striped bass count towards the daily possession limit of 40 game fish.
20) Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus)
The warmouth is a member of the Centrarchidae (sunfish) family. They get both their common and Latin name from their large mouth. They have large red eyes and a red spot on their operculum. The body is dark brown with darker lines bleeding down from the dorsal side giving them a tiger-like appearance. The two dorsal fins have almost completely merged. In breeding males, you can find an orange spot at the base of these dorsal fins.
The warmouth was most recently assessed by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2019, where it was listed as ‘Least Concern’. This is primarily due to the stable population trend, a large number of adult individuals, and wide distribution. They are mainly affected, like many other species, by declining habitat quality, however, part of their current range is currently under protection.
Warmouths are categorized as game fish at Lake Murray and can be caught at any size, but anglers must follow a daily possession limit per person of 30. However, keep in mind that there is a total possession limit on game fish of 40 fish.
21) White bass (Morone chrysops)
The white bass is a member of the Moronidae (temperate bass) family. They are silvery fish with 6 – 7 thin horizontal, dark stripes. They can be difficult to distinguish from the striped bass, however, they are generally smaller and have a robust and deep body, in contrast to the slimmer body of the striped bass. The two species can hybridize, resulting in the sunshine bass, which can be recognized by its broken-up horizontal lines, however, this seems to be uncommon under natural conditions. The white bass is an occupant of large lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. They prefer open, clear waters with a water depth of less than 6 meters (20 feet).
White bass fishing at Lake Murray has landed some sizable fish, summiting in 2006, where angler Davis P. Jefferies, Jr. caught a 5 pounds 4.8 ounces (2.4 kg) specimen, which still stands as the current state record. The white bass can be caught without any size limitations at Lake Murray, however, the daily possession limit per person is restricted to 10 fish. As with the other game fish, it counts towards a daily possession limit of 40 game fish per person.
22) White catfish (Ameiurus catus)
The white catfish is a member of the Ictaluridae (North American freshwater catfish) family and is also known as the white bullhead. They are grey with a blue-to-olive hue on the dorsal side and sport a white belly. Like other members of this family, they have eight barbels on their chin and no scales. They can be distinguished from the blue catfish by their noticeably shorter anal fin, and from the channel catfish by their broad head and large mouth.
The white catfish typically inhabit slow-moving waters, ranging from streams to reservoirs, where they use their barbels to locate prey, typically aquatic insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish. They require water temperatures above 68°F (20°C) in the summer to thrive. They have a broad range and occur in many subpopulations, especially following the introduction to new waterways outside their native range.
Lake Murray is known for the record-breaking catfish that can be caught there. One of these beasts was caught in 2014 on June 23 by Charles Earp. During an overnight stay, Mr. Earp landed a 12-pound 2.9-ounce (5.5 kg) white bullhead. This catch still stands as the state record.
23) White crappie (Pomoxis annularis)
The white crappie is a member of the Centrarchidae (sunfish) family. They have the typical deep, laterally compressed body of a sunfish and white flanks marked by vertical dark lines. These dark lines also gave them their Latin name, as ‘annularis’ means ‘having rings’. The dorsal side and head are dark green, and the fins are covered in a wavy pattern.
The white crappie nests communally, with as many as 35 nests having been counted in one colony. They prefer to construct their nests near aquatic vegetation and may even attach their eggs to the roots of these plants. Despite their joint breeding grounds, they chase away intruders and may snap or flare their operculum at other fish.
Back in the early days of Lake Murray, Mrs. H. P. Owens landed a monster white crappie. Weighing 5 pounds and 1 ounce (2.3 kg), Mrs. Owens’ 1949 catch still holds the South Carolina state record. White crappies are categorized as game fish at Lake Murray and can be caught above a minimum size limit of 8 inches (20.32 centimeters), but anglers must follow a daily possession limit per person of 20. Also keep in mind that there is a total possession limit on game fish of 40 fish.
24) White perch (Morone americana)
The white perch is, despite its name, a member of the Moronidae (temperate bass) family and not the Percidae (perch) family, like the yellow perch, for example. They are silver fish, with a green to olive hue and no specific pattern on the flanks, but the lateral line is slightly darker. The two dorsal fins, one spiny and one soft, are joined by a membrane. One distinguishing feature is that they do not have teeth on the tongue. They are generalist feeders consuming a wide variety of aquatic invertebrates such as worms and insects, but they also consume small fish.
The white perch is most common in brackish, quiet waters, typically over mud. The populations close to shore exhibit a semi-anadromous life cycle, where they move between estuarine and freshwater, wherein they spawn. However, the population in Lake Murray is landlocked. They are regarded as a productive species that are sometimes kept under observation due to the concern that they might outcompete other species. This is in part because they lay a large number of eggs that can hatch as quickly as 30 hours later.
25) Yellow perch (Perca flavescens)
The yellow perch is a colorful member of the Percidae (perch) family, which display a yellow coat with six to nine dark vertical bars. The belly is white and the pelvic and anal fins are contrastingly yellow to orange, in addition, they have a dark spot at the base of the first dorsal fin. The first dorsal fin has spiny rays, whereas the second dorsal fin sports soft rays.
The yellow perch can usually be found in clear, vegetated backwaters, pools, or river systems. They depend heavily on underwater vegetation both as cover when they hunt prey and when they spawn. During spawning, the female drapes or spirals her eggs as one continuous egg mass around submerged vegetation. The yellow perch often spawns in shallower waters, which places the egg mass at risk of dewatering. Therefore, a conservation effort placing artificial spawning structures below the potential dewatering zone can help protect this species.
The yellow perch are categorized as game fish at Lake Murray and can be caught at any size, but anglers must follow a daily possession limit per person of 30. Also keep in mind that there is a total possession limit on game fish of 40 fish.
