12-02-2008, 01:26 PM
That's a pretty good perch in anybody's lake. But not exceptional compared to how big they can grow. It depends a lot on where you're fishing.
Perch can grow to about four pounds.
Until the lamprey and alewife invasion, Lake Michigan was known for its jumbo perch, which typically went 16-18 inches. There was even a commercial fishery for them.
I used to live on a small lake in northern Illinois that was a perch factory. The average fish was 12-13 inches.
Most lakes that support perch are like bluegill lakes, however. There are lots of small ones, and a few trophy sized. I would guess the average perch, across the country, runs about 9 inches.
Brook
[signature]
Perch can grow to about four pounds.
Until the lamprey and alewife invasion, Lake Michigan was known for its jumbo perch, which typically went 16-18 inches. There was even a commercial fishery for them.
I used to live on a small lake in northern Illinois that was a perch factory. The average fish was 12-13 inches.
Most lakes that support perch are like bluegill lakes, however. There are lots of small ones, and a few trophy sized. I would guess the average perch, across the country, runs about 9 inches.
Brook
[signature]