Ecology, Management, and Status of Walleye, Sauger, and Yellow Perch in Michigan
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ATUR F N AL O R T E N S E O U M R T C R E A S STATE OF MICHIGAN P E DNR D M ICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES SR41 January 2007 Ecology, Management, and Status of Walleye, Sauger, and Yellow Perch in Michigan James C. Schneider, Richard P. O’Neal and Richard D. Clark, Jr. Walleye Sander vitreus Sauger Sander canadensis Yellow Perch Perca flavescens www.michigan.gov/dnr/ FISHERIES DIVISION SPECIAL REPORT 41 MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FISHERIES DIVISION Fisheries Special Report 41 January 2007 Ecology, Management, and Status of Walleye, Sauger, and Yellow Perch in Michigan James C. Schneider, Richard P. O’Neal, and Richard D. Clark, Jr. MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (DNR) MISSION STATEMENT “The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the State’s natural resources for current and future generations.” NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION (NRC) STATEMENT The Natural Resources Commission, as the governing body for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, provides a strategic framework for the DNR to effectively manage your resources. The NRC holds monthly, public meetings throughout Michigan, working closely with its constituencies in establishing and improving natural resources management policy. MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES NON DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) provides equal opportunities for employment and access to Michigan’s natural resources. Both State and Federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, age, sex, height, weight or marital status under the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 as amended (MI PA 453 and MI PA 220, Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act). If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you desire additional information, please write: HUMAN RESOURCES Or MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL RIGHTS Or OFFICE FOR DIVERSITY AND CIVIL RIGHTS MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES CADILLAC PLACE US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PO BOX 30028 3054 W. GRAND BLVD., SUITE 3-600 4040 NORTH FAIRFAX DRIVE LANSING MI 48909-7528 DETROIT MI 48202 ARLINGTON VA 22203 For information or assistance on this publication, contact the MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Fisheries Division, PO BOX 30446, LANSING, MI 48909, or call 517-373-1280. TTY/TDD: 711 (Michigan Relay Center) This information is available in alternative formats. ATUR F N AL O R T E N S E O U M R T C Printed under authority of Michigan Department of Natural Resources R E A S P E DNR D Total number of copies printed 60 — Total cost $366.14 — Cost per copy $6.10 M ICHIGAN Suggested Citation Format Schneider, J. C., R. P. O’Neal, and R. D. Clark, Jr. 2007. Ecology, management, and status of walleye, sauger, and yellow perch in Michigan. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Special Report 41, Ann Arbor. ii Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 1 Ecology ................................................................................................................................... 1 Walleye ............................................................................................................................................... 2 Sauger................................................................................................................................................. 4 Yellow Perch ....................................................................................................................................... 5 Management in Michigan........................................................................................................ 7 General Goals and Practices.............................................................................................................. 7 Management Objectives ..................................................................................................................... 7 Walleye............................................................................................................................................ 8 Sauger............................................................................................................................................. 9 Yellow Perch ................................................................................................................................... 9 Fishing Regulations .......................................................................................................................... 10 Walleye.......................................................................................................................................... 10 Yellow Perch ................................................................................................................................. 11 Habitat Protection ............................................................................................................................. 12 Stocking ............................................................................................................................................ 12 Genetics............................................................................................................................................ 13 Status in Michigan................................................................................................................. 13 Lake Superior Basin.......................................................................................................................... 15 Walleye.......................................................................................................................................... 15 Distribution................................................................................................................................. 15 Special concerns ....................................................................................................................... 16 Yellow Perch ................................................................................................................................. 17 Distribution................................................................................................................................. 17 Special concerns ....................................................................................................................... 17 Lake Michigan Basin......................................................................................................................... 18 Walleye.......................................................................................................................................... 18 Distribution................................................................................................................................. 18 Special concerns ....................................................................................................................... 21 Yellow Perch ................................................................................................................................. 22 Distribution................................................................................................................................. 22 Special concerns ....................................................................................................................... 23 Lake Huron Basin ............................................................................................................................. 23 Walleye.......................................................................................................................................... 23 Distribution................................................................................................................................. 23 Special concerns ....................................................................................................................... 25 Yellow Perch ................................................................................................................................. 25 Distribution................................................................................................................................. 25 Special concerns ....................................................................................................................... 26 Lake Erie Basin................................................................................................................................. 27 Walleye.......................................................................................................................................... 27 Distribution................................................................................................................................. 27 Special concerns ....................................................................................................................... 28 Yellow Perch ................................................................................................................................. 28 Distribution................................................................................................................................