11-27-2020, 03:01 PM
I have a bachelor’s degree from Weber State, but it is not in fisheries management. That means my opinions on fish management are just that – opinions. 
But I do read and do some research about the management of the species and consider most of my opinions are based on the facts I can dig up. I also fish which gives me a small amount of experience to add to the overall mix.
My first observation is that Pat has forgotten more about fishing in Utah than I will probably ever know. I respect his reports, insights, and recommendations. I think his letter to Chris was spot on and hope Chris can set in motion some solutions to remedy a downward perch trend at Willard.
My second observation is that it is EXCEEDINGLY difficult to ‘manage’ perch in Utah. Folks are always trying to compare perch fisheries back east with ours. And the main reason this doesn’t work most of the time is because of the differences in water environments. Almost all the perch waters back east are natural lakes that have been in existence for centuries that are very stable in levels and structure and have stable native populations of perch. Our perch waters are almost all man-made reservoirs, whose levels fluctuate widely ever year and have minimal habitat needed for reproduction that isn’t accessible every year. So, the perch fishery in Utah is mostly boom or bust. Willard water levels are more stable then most other perch waters.
Third observation is this. Fishing pressure has increased from about 370,000 licensed anglers in Utah in 2003 to almost 497,000 in 2019. It has gotten to the point that there are now waiting lines to get into State Parks with water venues on most weekends throughout the three summer months. The parking lots are full and boats have to wait for a boat to leave before another one is let in. Boat numbers of all types (fishing & power squadron) get bigger every year.
Last observation is this. The attitude of “Its not a successful fishing trip unless I can take home a full limit of fish.” is rampant in Utah. I rate all my fishing trips a success weather I catch fish or not. I am thankful to be able to be there in relatively good health and enjoying the experience, usually with friends I like being with. Bringing home a fish or 4 is just a bonus. As to perch, my personal limit has been no more than 20 in the past which is two meals for my bride and myself. I’m leaning towards cutting that to 10 this year as I fish enough such that I really don’t need to stockpile them. I make no judgements about your decisions on how many to keep if it is within the legal limits set by the state.
Life is good.
But I do read and do some research about the management of the species and consider most of my opinions are based on the facts I can dig up. I also fish which gives me a small amount of experience to add to the overall mix.
My first observation is that Pat has forgotten more about fishing in Utah than I will probably ever know. I respect his reports, insights, and recommendations. I think his letter to Chris was spot on and hope Chris can set in motion some solutions to remedy a downward perch trend at Willard.
My second observation is that it is EXCEEDINGLY difficult to ‘manage’ perch in Utah. Folks are always trying to compare perch fisheries back east with ours. And the main reason this doesn’t work most of the time is because of the differences in water environments. Almost all the perch waters back east are natural lakes that have been in existence for centuries that are very stable in levels and structure and have stable native populations of perch. Our perch waters are almost all man-made reservoirs, whose levels fluctuate widely ever year and have minimal habitat needed for reproduction that isn’t accessible every year. So, the perch fishery in Utah is mostly boom or bust. Willard water levels are more stable then most other perch waters.
Third observation is this. Fishing pressure has increased from about 370,000 licensed anglers in Utah in 2003 to almost 497,000 in 2019. It has gotten to the point that there are now waiting lines to get into State Parks with water venues on most weekends throughout the three summer months. The parking lots are full and boats have to wait for a boat to leave before another one is let in. Boat numbers of all types (fishing & power squadron) get bigger every year.
Last observation is this. The attitude of “Its not a successful fishing trip unless I can take home a full limit of fish.” is rampant in Utah. I rate all my fishing trips a success weather I catch fish or not. I am thankful to be able to be there in relatively good health and enjoying the experience, usually with friends I like being with. Bringing home a fish or 4 is just a bonus. As to perch, my personal limit has been no more than 20 in the past which is two meals for my bride and myself. I’m leaning towards cutting that to 10 this year as I fish enough such that I really don’t need to stockpile them. I make no judgements about your decisions on how many to keep if it is within the legal limits set by the state.
Life is good.
Bob Hicks, from Utah
I'm 82 years young and going as hard as I can for as long as I can.
"Free men do not ask permission to bear arms."
I'm 82 years young and going as hard as I can for as long as I can.
"Free men do not ask permission to bear arms."