Practically all fish will develop stunted numbers if their populations are not balanced or managed. From my experiences working with them for the last 15 years, I don't think yellow perch will develop a stunted population much faster than most of the sunfishes. Predation pressure is always very important for obtaining proper growth when dealing with reproducing fishes. Yellow perch can be a good alternative to bluegills or hybrid bluegills in the northern pond. Raising fish is all about proper management. Proper management is knowing what to do and when to do it. All us members try and provide that information here at the Pond Boss forum.
If you closely follow my advice you can easily grow 13" to 14" yellow perch in your 0.25 acre Michigan pond.
