White perch are abundant in the tidal Hudson from northern Manhattan all the way to Albany, with peak numbers in the mildly salty parts of the estuary. They are commonly caught by anglers fishing from shore. Like other Hudson fish, they are contaminated with PCBs and state agencies recommend that you avoid or limit meals of white perch.

The average white perch is six to ten inches long, weighing less than one pound. Generally this fish is silver green or bronze in color, lacking the distinct stripes of its near relative, the striped bass.