Problematic Perch

Introduction of Yellow Perch to Saratoga Lake a concern for WGFD

During the 39th Annual Saratoga Lake Ice Fishing Derby, there were plenty of trout caught by anglers from near and far. There was even, at least, one walleye hooked.

There were also a number of Yellow Perch, which is a concern for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD). While the exact number of Yellow Perch in Saratoga Lake is unknown, there were enough to be caught by several attendees of the ice fishing derby with at least one participant reeling in approximately six.

According to Chance Kirkeeng, WGFD Laramie Region Fisheries Biologist, Yellow Perch were first discovered by the department in 2021 during sampling of the lake and ranged in size from two to nine inches. Kirkeeng also said recent reports indicated a few perch may have been caught during the 2020/2021 ice fishing season. Yellow Perch are not a native species to Wyoming, and there aren't any populations in the North Platte River. Due to this, the WGFD has concluded there's only one way the fish were introduced into Saratoga Lake; illegal stocking.

"They were not a species that was present anywhere within the North Platte River drainage in Wyoming upstream of the river immediately above Glendo Reservoir," said Kirkeeng. "The nearest neighboring populations are in the Upper Laramie River draining, including Lake Hattie, or the South Platte drainage, including Crystal or Granite Reservoirs. These populations were also established by illegal stocking."

While the WGFD annually trades trout from their hatcheries with other states to get approximately 11 other different cool and warmwater fish, Kirkeeng said these loads are inspected for unintentional species before stocking occurs. To put it plainly, the WGFD checks for stowaways. In 2021, the WGFD traded trout for 1.4 million cool and warmwater fish which were stocked in 28 waters around the state. Even then, none of that stocking occurred in Saratoga Lake, which is managed as a trout fishery.

Though Yellow Perch are considered a popular sport fish, that doesn't mean it will translate over to their illegal introduction to Saratoga Lake.

"Based on experiences elsewhere in Wyoming, it is highly unlikely that Yellow Perch will create a quality fishing experience at Saratoga Lake. Most fisheries in Wyoming that have Yellow Perch contain small stunted fish with fish averaging 6 inches or less and very few reaching 8 inches," Kirkeeng said. "In Wyoming, Yellow Perch often proliferate, reaching seuxal maturity at very small sizes. Over time, this leads to a 'stunted population' with very few fish reaching a size that is sought by anglers."

Due to their proliferation in Wyoming waters, the introduction of Yellow Perch is often a detriment to other fish. According to Kirkeeng, some systems saw trout experience slower growth rates because of the increased competition for food. Recently, WGFD abandoned trout management at Black Hills Power and Light Reservoir near Newcastle following an illegal introduction which resulted in a high abundance of stunted Yellow Perch.

It is unknown what the impact of Yellow Perch introduction may have on Saratoga Lake, primarily because impacts have been varied in other systems, according to Kirkeeng. A primary concern of the WGFD, however, is that Saratoga Lake is in the upper reaches of the North Platte River drainage in Wyoming and fish escapement is common.

"Without considerable and immediate action, yellow perch are likely to disperse downstream to other waters in the North Platte River Drainage including Seminoe, Pathfinder, Alcova and Grayreef  reservoirs and the Sweetwater and Medicine Bow rivers," said Kirkeeng. "This particular introduction is particularly concerning given its location and the potential for the species to spread throughout the North Platte River drainage. We are currently engaged in evaluating whether a chemical treatment would likely succeed in eradicating the species from Saratoga Lake."

As the WGFD evaluates whether chemically treating Saratoga Lake could solve the issue of illegally introduced Yellow Perch, Kirkeeng said anglers can help to address the issue.

"Wyoming Game and Fish recommends anglers at Saratoga Lake harvest as many Yellow Perch as they are legally allowed, including fish that are smaller than they might normally choose to keep," Kirkeeng said. "The statewide regulation of fifty Yellow Perch in the creel and possession is currently in place."

Kirkeeng also made the point that time and resources spent on illicit fish introductions could be better spent on managing other fisheries in the region. It is, however, not a problem found only in Wyoming. Currently, WGFD is coordinating with other western states to more effectively engage the public as to how problematic illegal fish introduction can be.

Anyone with information regarding the illegal introduction of Yellow Perch into Saratoga Lake is encouraged to contact WGFD at 1-877-WGFD-TIP. Identities can remain confidential.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 
Rendered 03/23/2024 14:07