Yellow Perch - what's going on?

[West Basin]

The main point to remember here is Lake Erie is a dynamic system, like all environments. There is no “normal,” only short and long term trends.

The theory is the spiny water fleas are eating enough of the other algae-eating zooplankton to at least partially account for the increased late summer algae blooms. The huge/large population of the spiny water flea provides an easy and plentiful food source for Yellow Perch. As long as that food source is readily available, the perch will take advantage of it, almost exclusively. So yes, the system seems to be altered. One thing effects another and on down the line. All other factors also play a role; higher water levels, water temperatures and other water parameters, a high walleye population, etc.

Commercial fishing is highly regulated and monitored. There is little chance it is a significant factor in any of this.

The researches and monitors will continue to study this and figure out what’s going on. Meanwhile we fisherfolks will do what we often do – adapt.