Indiana angler Blas Lars made state history by catching a 3-pound, 2-ounce yellow perch in Lake Michigan, breaking a 43-year-old state record. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (Indiana DNR) made a Facebook post about Lars’ catch on May 1. This record-breaking yellow perch was caught during the Mayor’s Fishing Derby in Hammond on April 21. The previous state record for the species was a 2-pound, 8-ounce fish caught in 1981. This was not the only long-standing Indiana state record that was broken this year, as another fisherman broke the 1992 smallmouth bass record.
Yellow perch are native to Lake Michigan and are popular with anglers due to their ease of catching and quality as table fare. Although the population of yellow perch has declined from its peak decades ago, there is still a strong fishery for large perch. According to the International Game Fish Association, the current world record for yellow perch is nearly 160 years old. The heaviest-ever yellow perch was caught on May 1, 1865, weighing 4 pounds, 3 ounces. Perch growth rates have accelerated in recent years, with many reaching true trophy sizes at younger ages.
Indiana DNR Lake Michigan fisheries research biologist Ben Dickinson stated that many anglers have been catching true ‘jumbo’ perch in the 14- to 17-inch size class over the past two years. This indicates that perch growth rates have increased significantly. In addition to the record-breaking yellow perch caught by Blas Lars, another fisherman broke the 1992 smallmouth bass record earlier in the year. Yellow perch remains a popular species for anglers fishing in Lake Michigan, despite the decline in population from its peak decades ago.
The outstanding catch by Blas Lars highlights the potential for trophy-sized perch in Lake Michigan. Lara’s yellow perch broke a record that had stood for over four decades, showcasing the impressive growth rates of perch in recent years. The catch also underscores the popularity of fishing for yellow perch in Lake Michigan among anglers. The record-breaking yellow perch caught by Lars is a testament to the quality of the fishery in the area and the success of conservation efforts aimed at preserving native fish species in the region.
The Indiana DNR’s announcement of Blas Lars’ record-breaking catch generated excitement among anglers and conservationists in the state. The catch serves as a reminder of the diverse and abundant fish populations in Lake Michigan, including the prized yellow perch. With continued conservation efforts and responsible fishing practices, the fishery for yellow perch and other native species in the lake can thrive. The record-breaking yellow perch caught by Lars is a testament to the resilience of fish populations and the success of conservation initiatives in Indiana’s waters.
