Indiana Angler Smashes A Perch State Record

Exciting New Indiana State Record: Perch Caught in Lake Michigan

In an extraordinary feat, angler Blas Lara shattered Indiana’s 43-year-old state record by landing a colossal yellow perch weighing 3 pounds, 2 ounces. This record-breaking catch occurred during the Mayor’s Fishing Derby in Hammond on April 21, 2024, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

This impressive perch surpasses the previous record of 2 pounds, 8 ounces set by Roy W. Burkel Jr. in 1981. Not only does this achievement highlight the thriving fishery in Lake Michigan, but it also marks the second long-standing fishing record broken in Indiana this year.

The remarkable size of Lara’s perch is a testament to the growing number of jumbo perch in Lake Michigan. Over the past few years, perch in the lake have experienced accelerated growth rates, with many reaching trophy sizes of 14 to 17 inches.

Yellow perch, native to Lake Michigan, are highly sought after by anglers for their abundance and exceptional quality as table fare. Despite a decline in overall population, Indiana’s perch fishery continues to flourish, providing anglers with exciting opportunities to land trophy-sized fish.

Lara’s record-setting catch is not just a personal triumph but also a thrilling highlight for Indiana’s fishing community, signaling that Lake Michigan remains a premier destination for anglers pursuing giant perch.