news
To maintain a quality perch fishery, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is proposing to reduce the yellow perch bag limit for all inland waters to 20 daily and 30 in possession.
This regulation would go into effect May 13, 2000. DNR Section of Fisheries biologists determined that yellow perch were being over harvested on some waters and that reducing the limit was the best way to maintain a quality fishery.
Extensive statewide and local public input and analysis of perch population and harvest data on Lake Winnibigoshish were used to make this decision.
The possession limit for yellow perch, which is currently 100 for inland waters, reflects a time when perch were not as highly valued as they are today.
As recently as 1978, there were no limits on perch harvest. Today, perch are a popular panfish in Minnesota. The current 100-fish limit has resulted in over harvest of larger perch on Lake Winnibigoshish, one of Minnesota^s premier perch fisheries. Surveys on Winnibigoshish over the last 25 years indicate that over harvest is causing the average size and weight of perch to decline.
Biologists have determined that declines in the average weight and number of perch greater than 9 inches will continue unless harvest rates are reduced by at least 60 percent.
"The proposed regulation is necessary if we expect to maintain or increase the number of decent-sized fish on Winnibigoshish and other lakes where perch are under a lot of harvest pressure," said Ron Payer, DNR Fisheries Section chief.
"This is the first time in recent years that the DNR has proposed different daily and possession limits for game fish species," added Payer. "On all other fish species, the daily and possession limit is the same for statewide inland water regulations."
Although the perch decline is most evident on Winnibigoshish, the bag limit reduction is proposed for all inland waters to avoid similar problems developing on other lakes.
"Many anglers have told us that we need to do something to maintain the size of perch and that they support reduced bag limits," Payer said. "We think this is the option that has the best chance of accomplishing that goal."
Uploaded: 9/22/1999
Uploaded: 9/22/1999