Growth Rate Studies of Saugers, Stizostedion Canadense Canadense (Smith) and Yellow Perch, Perca Flavescens (Mitchill) from Lake of the Woods, Minnesota

Abstract
The scale method of growth analysis is applicable to the Lake of the Woods saugers and the body‐scale relationship was described by a third degree poly‐nominal. Saugers up to Age Class X were studied and the most rapid growth in length occurred during the first year of life. Leeˈs phenomenon was pronounced and was apparently due to the selective removal of the faster growing fish. Weight increased approximately as the 3,058 power of the standard length and the average “K” was 1.27. Females were more abundant than males. The number of eggs per female varied from 43,400–48,500. There appeared to be a correlation between the abundance of saugers in various year classes and the June rainfall and cooler summer temperatures during the year of hatching. The yellow perch body‐scale relationship was also curvilinear and was corrected for in the calculation of growth. Female perch grew more rapidly than the males and were longer‐lived. Leeˈs phenomenon appeared to be due largely to selective sampling. No growth compensation was shown. The weight increased approximately as the 3,244 power of the standard length and the average “K” was 2.12. Females were more abundant than males in all except the 0‐age class. For the period 1932–41, 72 percent of the commercial catch of saugers and perch was taken in gill nets. The destruction of undersized saugers in these nets was about equal to the number of salable fish taken. Recruitment to the commercial fishery by both perch and saugers starts in the fourth year of life and continues into the sixth year for perch and the seventh for the sauger.

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