Comments by 'kenc' above also indicate that even with the SE VA yellow perch they are most active, feeding and growing best when the water is cooler and then less active and bite less in warmest water temperatures.
I have noticed that in my pond as well. I have also noticed a small but noticeable decrease in the WR's of my SMB this fall as the temps got colder, and and small increase in the WRs of my YP. I suspect that my YP have gained a slight competitive advantage over the SMB as water temperatures dropped below the 50 degree mark. I had thousands of 1" GSH everywhere in the pond this fall and I suspect my YP have been better at utilizing them than my SMB.
