Yellow Perch - what's going on?

[fishhawk2700]

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.

IMO if you think commercial fishing has little impact on fish numbers, your paycheck must come from that industry. Sport fishing lake wide, and the limited commercial fishing on the US side or the lake has little impact on numbers. The Canadian commercial fleet is a different story. You are correct in the fact that there are many factors involved with fish numbers from year to year, but I think you're missing my point. Once Quotas are set, those fish will be caught. If in following years if recruitment is poor, or any other problem pops up that is damaging to the fishery, its to late those fish are gone.

What makes me curious is the OH dnr says perch numbers are up, but the Canadian fisheries people cut the Canadian quotas by 32%. The Canadians don't give anything up without hard facts.

[Jameson46]

Fyi: my buddy and I were out off Lorain last Friday and quickly pulled our limit of nice walleye using perch pattern spoons.

[PDS]

Any way we can use the spiny water flea as bait or use it to our advantage? I know they’re tiny, but maybe make a dough with them in it (think Berkeley power dough), or something like that?Sometimes gotta match the hatch and go with what nature gives you....

[hammerhead]

they will be gone if the water ever cools down

[Eyezcrazy]

The idiots are those that want us to become socialists. Sorry could not let that go as I realize this is no place for politics

Many on here receive social security. We already have socialist programs.

[fishhawk2700]

they will be gone if the water ever cools down

Cooler water might not help. Ever fished for salmon. Colder water tends to hold more fleas. Might want to check and see what the preferred water temp is for swf's.

[fishhawk2700]

Preferred temp for the SWF is between 50 and 75.5 degrees. They can survive in 40 to 86 degree water.

[hammerhead]

but i bet their number go down some

[West Basin]

Whenever I put a post on this site regarding the fisheries issues and management of Lake Erie, I accept that some people will either take my post with the wrong intent or they will respond with a comment that they read into my post. Replies / posts are certainly welcome. I try my best to be clear. None of us are perfect, so I expect some misinterpretation now and then, either my fault for not writing clearly or someone reading something in or out of my post.

Just to clear something up.

I never said commercial fishing has little impact on fish numbers. I said, and meant to say, that the current spiny water flea issue isn’t likely a result of current commercial fishing. The complicated process of evaluating and managing Lake Erie fish populations has provided a pretty good and accurate model over the years, and is always improving. Catch quotas are set with long term impacts figured in. That’s the point – to make sure populations can survive future poor hatches and other limiting factors.

[pimplepounder]

One year ago, all I read was all the great catches of perch. One year later a different tune. This Spring and early Summer was a bit unusual and in my opininon has brought about some unusual patterns. I am expecting the bite to improve. They did not just disappear in one year.