The ruffe, also known as the yellow perch, is a small freshwater fish found in several bodies of water in Quebec. Although it is not a target species for sport fishing due to its small size and modest fighting ability, it is often caught as a bycatch while fishing for walleye or perch. It is appreciated for its ability to survive in murkier waters, making it a resilient species in varied environments. Its distribution in Quebec is primarily concentrated in the watersheds of the Saint Lawrence River and certain rivers in the southern part of the province.

The ruffe has an elongated and laterally compressed body, typical of members of the Percidae family. Its color ranges from brownish-green to brownish-yellow, with irregular dark spots on the sides that allow it to effectively camouflage in its habitat. Its mouth is relatively small, oriented downward, which is adapted to its primarily benthic diet. The dorsal fins are spiny, with the first being taller than the second. The caudal fin is slightly forked. The scales are small and rough to the touch. Young ruffes have more contrasting patterns than adults, making them sometimes easier to identify. During spawning, males do not show as pronounced coloration or courtship behavior as some other species.

In Quebec, the ruffe is primarily found in the watershed of the Saint Lawrence River and its tributaries, as well as in certain rivers in the southern part of the province. It is particularly abundant in areas where water conditions are moderately turbid and where the bottom consists of silt or sand. Although it is less common in the clear waters of northern Quebec lakes, it can be found in areas where sediments increase the turbidity of the water. Its ability to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions makes it a resilient and adaptable species.

The ruffe prefers calm to moderately flowing waters, often near structures such as rocks, submerged stumps, or aquatic vegetation. It is frequently found in rivers and lakes with muddy or sandy bottoms, where it can feed on small benthic invertebrates. The depths it occupies generally range from 1 to 5 meters, although it may be found deeper in larger lakes. The ruffe tolerates a wide range of temperatures but is more active in waters between 10 and 20 °C.

Ruffe spawning occurs in the spring when the water temperature reaches about 10 °C. Females lay adhesive eggs on rocky or vegetative substrates, often at relatively shallow depths. Once spawning is completed, the eggs hatch after about a week, depending on the water temperature. The fry begin to feed on zooplankton before transitioning to a more varied diet that includes small invertebrates. Growth is rapid during the first few years, and sexual maturity is reached between 2 and 3 years. The lifespan of the ruffe ranges from 5 to 7 years.

Spring → Spawning → Summer → Rapid growth → Autumn → Preparation for winter → Winter → Reduced activity

The ruffe is a schooling fish, often found in small groups. It is not particularly territorial, allowing multiple individuals to coexist in the same area without major conflict. It is not very sensitive to changes in atmospheric pressure, enabling it to remain active even in cloudy or rainy weather. Although it is more active at dusk and dawn, it can be observed moving throughout the day, especially in murkier waters where light penetration is lower.

The diet of the ruffe varies with age. Fry primarily feed on zooplankton and small crustaceans. As they grow, they transition to a diet consisting of insect larvae, worms, and small mollusks. Adults continue to feed on benthic invertebrates but may also consume small fish and eggs from other species. In winter, their metabolism slows down, and they reduce their feeding activity, eating less frequently.

In spring, the ruffe is particularly active after spawning, seeking to replenish its energy reserves. The best times to fish for it are early in the morning and late in the day. In summer, it remains active in shaded or deeper areas to avoid high temperatures. Cloudy days or light rain periods are often the most productive. In autumn, as the water cools, it migrates to deeper areas and becomes less active. In winter, although it continues to feed, its activity is significantly reduced. Periods of stable pressure are often the best for winter fishing.

For ruffe, prefer small-sized lures in natural colors, such as brown or green, which closely mimic its natural prey. In murky waters, brighter colors like yellow or orange can be effective in attracting attention. On sunny days, use lures with metallic reflections to capture light and draw fish to the bottom.

A light rod of 1.8 to 2.1 meters with a moderate action is ideal for ruffe fishing. A fixed spool reel of size 1000 to 2500, spooled with monofilament line of 4 to 6 lb, is sufficient to handle the modest size of the ruffe. Use small hooks, size 6 to 10, to ensure a good hookset. A fluorocarbon leader may be advantageous for its stealth in the water.

Handle the ruffe carefully, as its spiny fins can be sharp. For a successful release, keep the fish in the water as much as possible and avoid handling it with dry hands. For photos, support it gently under the belly to avoid causing stress.

Aquatic predators of the ruffe include walleye, pike, and bass. Among avian predators, herons and ospreys may also hunt them, especially in shallow waters.

The ruffe is not considered a threatened species in Quebec. It is abundant and tolerant of a variety of environmental conditions. There are no specific regulations regarding its fishing, but it is always recommended to practice respectful catch and release to maintain healthy populations.