MDNR sets new daily perch limit

LANSING — Fisherman will have to settle for keeping fewer perch when fishing in Michigan waters this spring, as the Michigan DNR has imposed new daily limits for yellow perch.

Starting April 1, the possession limit has been reduced from 50 to 25 fish per day on most state waters.

Locally, the exceptions include those fishing on Lake Gogebic in Gogebic and Ontonagon counties. Lake Gogebic has a limit of 25 fish per day, with no more than five of those fishing being 12 inches or longer.

Lake Erie will still have a 50-fish limit.

The reduction in legal limits, which the Michigan Natural Resources Commission approved late last year after “extensive public and scientific reviews,” is designed to ensure a healthy gamefish population for future generations.

“The major goal for lowering the yellow perch daily possession limit was to better achieve an optimal balance between conservation and fishing opportunity, reflecting the importance and popularity of yellow perch in Michigan,” said Christian LeSage, who works for the DNR’s Aquatic Species and Regulatory Affairs Unit. “Yellow perch are among the most sought-after game species in Michigan, and we want to ensure generations of anglers can continue to enjoy fishing for them.”

The state’s 2019 fishing guide, with these regulations and others, will be available starting March 1.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DNRDigests.

—Richard Jenkins