I was surprised that small with eggs but lots of this pond stuff is new to me.
Perch can spawn eggs at very young age. Maybe even 2 years old or so. I have caught finger sized perch full of eggs.
Since I hatch my own yellow perch I can tell you the females will develop eggs as young as age 1. Not sure how fecund the eggs are at age 1 but if it has more to do with the size of the fish I have females in the 10 inch rage at age 1.
My water temps were 58 down to 52 from top to bottom today in my biggest pond. I haven't seen any egg ribbons but I haven't put out any structure as I plan on seining in the next few days when they are at peak in egg development. I get the best prices for the bulkiest and heaviest females for frozen fish sales to taxidermists. Only 14 plus inch perch will be sold.
