Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations HSB and yellow perch

Ed your question of: "Can a slot limit on perch (fishing through the ice with several anglers), say 7 - 10 inches help to effectively reduce perch numbers? Will remaining larger perch (> 11 inches) effectively evade the mouths of HSB and help control their own young?"

1. I think a slot limit will definately help to reduce perch numbers. Until you have a good number of larger perch (2nd or 3rd yr) present the slot should probably be initially modified to a lower UPPER size such as to 8.5 or 9"). Once the population dynamics starts to skew toward larger adult perch (3rd or 4th yr) then broaden the slot limit range to include 10" and or 11" perch. This method will help to produce more numbers of perch larger than 10".

2. I am convinced that larger perch will reduce numbers of 0 yr class perch. A recent study in Germany found that large perch (european yellow perch) were effective predators of YOY perch. As YOY perch grew into a refuge size, the adult perch switched to eating more of the other types of forage items. A local perch pond has only perch in it and he does not have an overabundance of small stunted perch. Perch in the 4.5"-6" range are abundant. Note that weed growth is minimal in this pond. Perch are opportunistic feeders and will utilize the most abundant and appropriate sized food items present. The perch in the 4" to 6" size class may need supplimental thinning based on their density which you will have to monitor with regular fishing (spring & fall) and or trapping. I doubt that the HSB (16"-20") will eat very many perch 8" to 9" long. I think these HSB will eat primarily perch in the 4"-7" range. Occassional stomach contents will verify the eating habits. Larger HSB that are harvested can be replaced with young HSB. It is best to keep the majority of your HSB population at less than 20" long.