A new state record for white perch has been set in New York, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). On November 23, Yongfeng Tian from Brooklyn caught a 3-pound, 4-ounce white perch at Cross River Reservoir in Westchester County. This catch surpasses the previous state record set in 1991 by three ounces.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton commented on the achievement: “This latest State record is a testament to the incredible fishing opportunities that New York State’s waters provide. I would like to congratulate Mr. Tian on an impressive catch, and encourage all New Yorkers to visit DEC’s website to find an opportunity near you to catch the next record fish.”
White perch are commonly found in lakes and rivers across New York, including the Hudson River. They tend to form schools and can be caught using various small baits and lures such as jigs, worms, and minnows.
Tian submitted his catch through DEC’s updated Angler Achievement Awards Program. The program tracks state record fish and recognizes anglers who meet or exceed minimum qualifying lengths for any of 40 eligible species. Participants receive official recognition and a sticker commemorating their achievement.
The awards program features three categories: Angler Award, Youth Angler Award, and State Record Award. Recent updates allow anglers to submit entries online via smartphone. More information about rules, eligible species, and qualifying lengths can be found on the Angler Achievement Awards webpage.
The initiative also aligns with Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign aimed at encouraging families in New York State to spend more time outdoors for physical and mental health benefits.
Additionally, anglers can use the Tackle Box feature within DEC’s HuntFishNY app for information about access sites, fish stocking details, regulations, and other resources.