Population biology of yellow perch in southern Lake Michigan, 1971-79
Dataset Identification:
Resource Abstract:
This study was based mainly on gill-net collections of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) made during July and August 1971-79,
in southern Lake Michigan at Grand Haven, Saugatuck, South Haven, Benton Harbor, and New Buffalo, Michigan; Michigan City
and Gary, Indiana; Waukegan, Illinois; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Abundance of yellow perch was above the 1971-79 average in
1971 and 1972, below average in 1979, and about average or in doubt in the other years. Abundance during 1976-79 was greatest
at Saugatuck and decreased more or less progressively from Saugatuck southward and around the southern end of the lake. The
geographical differences in abundance were attributable partly to differences in fishing mortality. Average lengths of fish
caught were greatest at Saugatuck, and generally greater in Michigan waters than in other areas; they were greater for females
than for males. Fish sampled ranged in age from I to IX, but 88% of the males and 81% of the females were of ages II-V. Older
perch were generally more common in State of Michigan waters, particularly at Saugatuck, than elsewhere. Females grew faster
than males after the second year of life. Average lengths of males and females at the end of 3 years were 197 and 214 mm,
respectively, in Michigan waters and 186 and 195 mm in Indiana-Illinois (few perch were caught in Wisconsin). The relation
of weight (W) to length (L) for combined sexes was W = 2.6761(10-6) x L3.2644. Perch in southeastern Lake Michigan spawned
mainly from late May to mid June. Virtually all males were mature in their second year, but some females not until their fourth
year. Perch 174 to 355 mm long contained 9, 300 to 136, 000 eggs. Approximate mortalities of males and females in Michigan
waters were 52% and 48%, respectively; rates were higher in Indiana-Illinois.
Citation
Title Population biology of yellow perch in southern Lake Michigan, 1971-79