Get ready for an exciting development in North Dakota's fishing scene! The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has a bold plan to boost the population of yellow perch, a beloved panfish, in Devils Lake. But here's where it gets controversial: they're not just releasing young fry, they're planning to stock adult perch, a strategy that has rarely been attempted on such a large scale.
Greg Power, the fisheries chief, explains that this "trap-and-transport" method has successfully created new perch fisheries in smaller lakes, but Devils Lake presents a unique challenge. Power highlights the importance of timing, stating that the window of opportunity is brief, as perch are early spawners.
"The critical part is getting the nets in right at ice-out and moving the perch to new lakes before they spawn. It's a delicate operation, but it's paid off handsomely in the past," Power says.
However, Power also acknowledges that stocking adult perch into lakes with established populations has yielded mixed results. This upcoming effort is in response to a recent decline in perch numbers, with Game and Fish netting surveys showing a drop from 18.3 fish per net in 2021 to 8.8 fish per net in 2024.
"The perch population in Devils Lake has its ups and downs, just like any other prairie lake," Power explains. "It's a natural cycle, and we're working to ensure it stays healthy."
Local fishing guides and outfitters, concerned about the perch population, requested this proactive measure. Mark Bry, a Devils Lake guide, appreciates the department's willingness to take action.
"We're trying to stay ahead of the curve," Bry says. "The perch population may not be as strong as it was a few years ago, but we're confident that with some enhancement, we can bring it back up."
The upcoming stocking effort will also involve tagging perch to estimate the population and monitor its growth over the next few years. Power acknowledges the challenges, especially with finding enough adult perch to move, as reproduction and water levels have declined in many perch lakes across the state.
"It's going to be a challenge, but we're committed to finding a solution. We want to ensure that Devils Lake remains a top destination for anglers," Power adds.
In addition, the department plans to raise the white bass limit, which Power believes could help balance the predator-prey dynamics in the lake.
"It's a delicate ecosystem, and we have to consider the impact on all species. Ultimately, everyone wants a thriving fishery, and we're doing our best to make that happen," Power concludes.
And this is the part most people miss: the 2025 perch hatch in Devils Lake looks promising, offering a potential natural boost to the population.
"I think we're on the right track," Bry says. "There will be ups and downs, but overall, the future looks bright for Devils Lake perch."
The upcoming adult perch stocking in Devils Lake is an unprecedented move, with the last effort taking place 20 years ago. Game and Fish records show that adult perch were stocked in Devils Lake in the 1970s and 1992, with varying levels of success.
"We're entering uncharted territory with this endeavor, especially on a lake as large as Devils Lake. It's a complex operation, but we're committed to giving it our best shot," Power says.
So, what do you think? Is this a bold move towards a healthier fishery, or a risky strategy that might not pay off? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
