Fisheries managers trimmed the Lake Erie total allowable catch (TAC) for walleye amidst declining, but not concerning, numbers. The sustainability of the perch fishery is, however, causing greater concern.
Lake Erie perch quotas, measured in pounds, are set in four management zones. Starting from the west, Management Units 1 and 2, which extend from the mouth of the Detroit River to the Chatham-Kent and Elgin County lines, were given a 20% reduction in the TAC. Unit 3, which stretches to the tip of Long Point, had a 40% cut, however, while there was no change in Management Unit 4, which runs from the tip of Long Point to the mouth of the Niagara River.
“Unlike the walleye fishery, there is a concern about the future of yellow perch,” Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs Greg McClinchey said.
Scientists believe the low perch numbers can be attributed to poor recruitment into the adult population and predation by walleye. He said science-based decisions will be needed to tackle the issue.
“In speaking with some folks there, it’s going to take some efforts to reverse this,” McClinchey added.
Asked why there were no cuts in unit 4, when there was a huge reduction to neighbouring unit 3, McClinchey answered, “Frankly, it stands to reason numbers may come down there as well.”
Regarding walleye, McClinchey said numbers peaked in 2023, and the current reduction is because numbers have declined since then, likely because of reduced spawning success. The total walleye TAC, measured in fish, is 10.17 million. In 2025, that number was 13.537 million.
“This is them following the science,” he said of the decision. “This is part of the walleye management plan. There are no long-term concerns about the sustainability or viability of the walleye fishery. We have to watch as populations ebb and flow.”
