Why Spearfishing Yellow Perch is the Next Big Sport in the Great Lakes

When most people picture fishing in the Great Lakes, they think of boats trolling with rods bent over the gunwale, or bobbers dancing on the surface in front of grandpa’s dock. But there’s a pursuit quietly taking place below the surface of the Great Lakes that will soon become one of the most talked-about sports in our region: spearfishing yellow perch.

I first learned about spearfishing in Lake Michigan when I saw someone post about it on Instagram. My gut reaction was that it had to be illegal. After digging through the regulations, I was shocked to find that it was completely legal in my local area. From that moment on, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. The vision of rising from the water, a 13-inch perch gleaming at the tip of my spear beneath the late-summer sun, burned brighter than any Hemingway scene I’d ever read. 

Why Yellow Perch?

Perch are the fish you will never grow out of. They’re often the first species kids learn to target off a dock, and they remain just as exciting decades later. I still remember being taught how to jig for them a foot off bottom to outsmart the gobies. They fight hard, bite aggressively, and best of all, they’re one of the most delicious meals in the Great Lakes. You can bobber fish them like a kid, jig them through the ice, or even troll for them—but spearfishing brings the connection to a whole new level.

The Thrill of the Hunt

Fly fishing is often called “the bowhunting of fishing.” If that’s true, then spearfishing is more like still-hunting whitetail in peak rut on an endless track of land. You stalk through the water, silently, looking for a chance at a keeper fish. The adrenaline hits when you spot a large one, or better yet, a school. It’s an immersive experience where every sense is on edge. There is no going on your phone, no talking to your buddy, no reaching for a snack, no distractions—you’re 100% in the hunt. And in the process, you get to see fish and habitat up close in a way no overpriced screen could ever display.

I’ve watched muskies cruise past, dogfish stare me down, and even a giant pike rocket out of weeds to swallow a perch just a few feet away. That’s not something you’ll ever witness sitting in a boat.

Sport and Harvest

Spearfishing is very much a sport. Success depends on skill, accuracy, and determination. But the end goal for me isn’t a grip-and-grin photo—it’s food. Every shot counts, and you only target mature fish that are worth the effort. That makes the harvest deeply rewarding. One of the main frustrations when fishing hook and line for perch is catching so many undersized fish in the pursuit of keepers. This is not an issue when you’re spearing, as you can focus your efforts and aim only on keepers. After a successful dive, the pride you feel comes not just from the challenge but also from knowing you’ve earned one of the best meals the lake has to offer. Oh yeah, don't even get me started with the stories you'll have to share about every fish you found and shot. 

When should I go?

Right now is the time to go spearfishing. As I write this, I’m wondering how the water clarity is in some of my favorite spots and wishing I were gearing up to go. Late August into early October is prime time for chasing perch near my home base in Door County, Wisconsin. It's around this time of year that the water clarity gets better, and the perch come in shallower. They’re hunting too in and above the weedbeds. My favorite time to go is about two hours from sundown, and I hunt until I cannot see clearly anymore. 

Rooted in Great Lakes Tradition

The Great Lakes culture has always been about living with the lake and harvesting its resources. Spearfishing ties right into that history, but it does so in a sustainable way. Instead of mass harvests, spearfishing is selective. You choose the biggest, most mature perch and leave the smaller ones. You see the fish’s world firsthand—the schools, the predators, even the litter on the bottom—and that perspective creates empathy. 

Easy to Start, Hard to Master

You don’t need thousands of dollars of equipment to get started. My first dives were with a Walmart snorkel and mask, plus a cheap pole spear that I ordered with a buddy to split shipping. Add a wetsuit (buy a used one) to stay warm in late summer and early fall, and you’re ready to hunt. A barbed tip on your spear makes a huge difference. Compared to many outdoor pursuits, the barrier to entry is refreshingly low.

A New Season to Look Forward To

Outdoorsmen in Wisconsin and across the Great Lakes already live by the calendar—turkey season, deer rut, ice fishing. Spearfishing adds another chapter. Late August through early October becomes a season in itself, one you’ll look forward to just as much as your other pursuits.

Will It Stay Niche?

I don’t think so. Once more outdoorsmen learn that spearfishing is legal, deeply fun, and incredibly rewarding, I’m sure it will explode in popularity. If you love hunting and fishing, there’s simply nothing like it. 

One Last Word

If I had to convince a lifelong hunter or angler to try spearfishing, I’d tell them this: there’s a whole world beneath the surface that you’ve never seen. You won’t believe it until you’re down there, and once you experience it, you’ll understand what you’ve been missing. And when you bring home perch fillets from a hard-earned hunt, you’ll never shut up about how awesome spearfishing is, and you might even write your own blog on it.

Get out there. Good luck.