Perch situation on Lake Michigan

Those numbers of alewives aren't accurate... I've had conversations with the guy who actually does the trawling. No doubt the numbers are down historically and are low - but the trout and salmon in the lake are surviving very well. I even pulled a 7" alewife out of a 24" coho (one of 12 alewives in this cohos belly). I don't think we're out of the woods yet. We've gotten extremely lucky we haven't had a harsh winter in a few years. That could've finished the alewives off. I'd still love to see the lake trout stocking stop, but that's a different conversation.

Anyways, back to perch. Don't think this article has been posted yet... Not looking good.

https://amp.jsonline.com/amp/834668002

This says it all --- record weights in chinook that hadn't been seen in years, intense lobbying not reducing stocking no's of chinook in Wi, (successful). Maybe not such a good idea? Toss in the Quaggas, not looking good.

https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/columnists/paul-smith/2018/02/21/smith-alewife-hit-record-low-lake-michigan-2017/356786002/

I agree. And yes commercial harvest(some illegally) put a huge dent into lake Michigan's perch population. Add that to how much the lake has changed? Not sure if perch will ever recover, considering how strict regs have been over the last 15 years. If they were to rebound I figure it would have happened already. They have had ample time. However I don't know what you are speaking of with the walleyed? Am I missing something? 

Tom has been located! These pics aren't his real name either. I will keep that private

Haven't tried... I know I've got some buddies who slay them down in Illinois at certain times in the year.  Here's a somewhat recent publication on the "Status of Yellow Perch in Lake Michigan 2016-2017".  To sum it up - don't expect to catch many perch around Milwaukee anytime soon.  

mdnrlmfmp.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/statusofyellowperchlm2016-2017.pdf

Yeah Shane, that's why I couldn't go back and make a connection.

I do remember that guy...especially the logic (or lack of) that his brain produced.

Wrangler5, was his handle but he was called many other things! He was my morning laugh before work and I kind of miss him.

Ok, for those that don't know the names of all the users here (which appears to be just me), who on earth is this Tom that's been dominating the conversation?  What did he go by here?

I am willing to bet it's to restore Native Predators (TM) to stop Asian carp!

That's sarcasm, by the way

Walleye stocking?

Looks like somebody with some experience is high up on walleye. Its been awhile that Ive seen any but would definitly love to see this happen. And would help if possible. Something to keep an eye out at least.

Yeah my buddy caught a nice number of perch in Lake Michigan Chicago area over this past weekend.

All is not lost the strong hatch from 2yrs ago starting to bear fruit. Hope this happens this coming year up our way.

http://www.chitown-angler.com/1fish/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=86142&sid=c20dbd38c102cd0fdbee19c6ceae19a8

I should also wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, and hopefully never see another post from Tom. I know it might be hard but let's just hope.

https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2017/11/22/latest-discovery-dnr-find-four-bighead-carp-wisconsin-river-near-prairie-du-sac/887099001/

"Four adult bighead carp, an invasive fish species, were captured this fall by the Department of Natural Resources on the Wisconsin River, the agency reported this week."

As Tommy would say, lets start stocking those perch in the WI river.  Need to get rid of those asian carp.

Snake,

Good sarcasm well now you know, thanks for the entertainment.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving