Lower Mission

Lower Mission Lake is a 732 acre lake, with a maximum depth of 27', located just east of the town of Ossipee, MN. Lower 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 27-28, 2022, with all 14 stations sampled by backpack electrofishing. The 50' 1/8th inch seine was used at 2 stations and the 15' 1/8th inch seine was used at 6 stations. Twenty species were sampled, including six species that are intolerant of habitat disturbance: Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Pugnose 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 6th, 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.

Northern pike was one of the most abundant species caught in Lower Mission at 16.2/gill net. They had an average length of 21.2" and 21% of the fish were 24" or larger. The largest fish measured 38.7", with 10 fish over 30". 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. Largemouth bass numbers were up (57.0/hr.) from the 2014 electrofishing catch and size was good, with an average length of 15.1" and 82% measuring 13" or larger. The largest bass measured was 19.3". Panfish results were mixed, with black crappie numbers being below average at 0.3/trap net and 0.8/gill net. Bluegill numbers were better at 25.3/trap net. Size was good, with an average length of 6.7" and 59% measuring 7" or larger. While walleyes are no longer stocked directly into Lower Mission, the catch rate was still average for this type of lake (1.4/net), although the population is dominated by older fish. All of the fish were over 16", with an average length of 21.6".

Nearshore IBI (Index of Biotic Integrity) sampling was conducted on Lower Mission Lake on August 14, 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, Brook Silverside, Brown Bullhead, Central Mudminnow, Pugnose Shiner, and Tadpole Madtom.

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

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

Lower Mission has a maximum depth of 27 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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