diff --git a/lib/6to5/transformation/transformers/es6-generators/emit/explode-statements.js b/lib/6to5/transformation/transformers/es6-generators/emit/explode-statements.js
index 9f73681883..896d461561 100644
--- a/lib/6to5/transformation/transformers/es6-generators/emit/explode-statements.js
+++ b/lib/6to5/transformation/transformers/es6-generators/emit/explode-statements.js
@@ -297,7 +297,8 @@ exports.TryStatement = function (path, stmt) {
 
       types.visit(bodyPath, {
         visitIdentifier: function (path) {
-          if (path.value.name === catchParamName &&
+          if (t.isReferenced(path.value, path.parentPath.node) &&
+              path.value.name === catchParamName &&
               path.scope.lookup(catchParamName) === catchScope) {
             return safeParam;
           }