Assessment of Predator Functional Density On Mortality of Stocked Yellow Perch

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission would like to establish yellow perch angling opportunities in south central Nebraska through the use of stocking fingerling.  Studies have indicated that predation mortality can contribute up to 100% of stocked fish mortality.  The predation mortality of stocked yellow perch in eight barrow pits was assessed by lavaging largemouth bass for 50 days post-stocking for 2 separate years.  Estimated total consumption of stocked yellow perch was over 65% in 11 of 16 stockings.  The percentage of stocked yellow perch consumed was negatively correlated with largemouth bass size structure (PSD).  Alternative stocking strategies may need to be developed to allow for more consistent recruitment of stocked yellow perch fingerlings in these systems.