I have seen viable YP eggs in 1 yr old female northern perch usually in females that are 7"-8" long. I have also seen spawn season eggs in a YP that was 3.75" long (I have the picture) which I assume was a 1 yr old female.
Something sticks in my memory (from a long time ago) that is basically what you are saying.
The 3-4 year maturity deal I recently read didn't sound right.
