Upper Mission

Upper Mission Lake is an 882 acre lake, with a maximum depth of 36', located just northeast of the town of Ossipee, MN. Upper Mission is in the Mississippi River-Brainerd Watershed. A nearshore survey was conducted to assess the populations of both game and non-game fish species. Fourteen 100' long sampling stations were evenly spaced around the lakeshore. Each station was then sampled by backpack electrofishing, and if conditions allowed with a 15' or 50' 1/8th inch seine. The survey took place July 27, 2022, with all 14 stations sampled by backpack electrofishing. The 50' 1/8th inch seine was used at 7 stations and the 15' 1/8th inch seine was used at 1 station. Sixteen species were sampled, including four species that are intolerant of habitat disturbance: Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, Banded Killifish, and Rock Bass. This nearshore survey will be used along with the gill net and trap net survey conducted the week of June 13th, 2022, to calculate a Fish-Based Index of Biotic Integrity (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health by the types of fish species present and comparing it to what is expected for this type of lake.

Walleye fingerlings have been stocked on a regular basis into Upper Mission since 1999. The current plan calls for 256 pounds in odd numbered years. The 2022 gill net catch was average for this type of lake (3.3/gill net). Average length was 19.4" and 97% of the fish were 12" or larger. The northern pike catch was the highest to date at 15.8/gill net, although our goal is to get this below 5/gill net. Average length was 22.2" and 19% of the fish were 24" or larger. A special regulation on Upper and Lower Mission requires all northern pike from 24-36" to be immediately released. One over 36" is allowed in possession. Black crappie numbers were relatively low at 0.3/trap net and 0.5/gill net with 67% measuring 8" or larger. Bluegill numbers were good at 24.5/trap net, with an average length of 5.8" and 27% measuring 7" or larger.

Nearshore IBI (Index of Biotic Integrity) sampling was conducted on Lower Mission Lake on August 13, 2014. IBI sampling included backpack electrofishing and seining at 14 sites around the lake to more broadly sample the general fish community and develop a fish-based index of overall lake health. Species captured during this survey that were not captured with gill nets and trap nets included: Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Banded Killifish, Black Bullhead, Blackchin Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Stickleback, Golden Shiner, Spottail Shiner, and Tadpole Madtom.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Rock Bass in Upper Mission. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Upper Mission. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Upper Mission has a maximum depth of 36 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Upper Mission is from 2022.

Yes — Upper Mission has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.