Oliver

A targeted survey of the nearshore fish community in Oliver Lake (both basins combined) was conducted on July 6, 2017 by Ortonville Area Fisheries staff. Sampling stations were evenly spaced around the lake and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all 14 sites. A 50-foot seine was used to sample two stations and a 15-foot seine was used at twelve stations. At times submerged and emergent trees made sampling difficult, particularly on the south shore of the lake. Nearshore sampling captured 15 native species of fish including two species that are intolerant of habitat disturbance in Iowa Darter and Smallmouth Bass. Data from this targeted nearshore survey was combined with data from a standard gill and trap net survey in June 2016 to calculate a Fish-based Index of Biologic Integrity (FIBI) score that describes the overall health of the lake. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. The FIBI score for Oliver Lake, based on this survey, is below the impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Pomme de Terre Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website.

Oliver Lake is located in western Swift County, approximately nine miles north of Appleton. The lake is split into an east basin (455 acres) and west basin (211 acres) by Swift County Road 5. Although a culvert exists under the highway, limited fish movement appears to occur as the basins typically have substantially different fish populations Both basins are routinely stocked with Walleyes and at times provide very good Walleye fishing. During recent years, the Walleyes have primarily been from the 2007-2009 year classes. These fish averaged around 22 inches in 2016. Smallmouth Bass have become well established in the east basin. They were first noted to be present in 2010 and likely resulted from an illegal stocking. Smallmouth Bass have developed an abundant naturally reproducing population. Anglers frequently report catching numerous bass of all sizes up to 19 inches. Several Smallmouth Bass were observed during special sampling on the west basin during 2016 and they will likely increase in abundance there also. Yellow Perch were present in moderate numbers in both basins with fish measuring up to 12 inches. Lower numbers of Bluegills have typically been present. They grow fast and can exceed seven inches after three summers. Black Crappies were moderately abundant in the East Basin and most of them were smaller than desired by anglers.

Oliver Lake is located in western Swift County, approximately nine miles north of the city of Appleton. The lake is split into an east basin (455 acres) and west basin (211 acres) by Swift County Road 5. Although a culvert exists under the highway, limited fish migration appears to occur as the basins typically have substantially different fish populations. Accesses to each basin lie on the north side of each basin off of Highway 5. Typically anglers fishing the east basin target walleye and yellow perch. Abundances of both species were high in 2013. Most walleye measured 15 - 20 inches and most perch 8 - 10 inches. Black crappie and bluegill abundances were higher than the previous assessment in 2010. Most crappie measured 8 - 9 inches and bluegill 5 - 7 inches. With average growth many crappie should measure 9 - 11 inch crappie and bluegill 6 - 8 inch bluegill in 2014. Smallmouth bass were first documented on the east basin in 2010. The 2013 assessment indicated the population had grown substantially with a good number of 14 - 15 inch fish sampled. Black crappie, walleye and yellow perch were moderately abundant on the west basin. Crappie mostly measured 8 - 9 inches, walleye 15 - 20 inches, and perch 8 - 10 inches. Bluegill were more abundant on the west basin and a good number of them measured more than 7 inches. Anglers wishing to pursue bullheads will find good number of 9 - 11 inch black and yellow bullheads in either basin.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Black Crappie in Oliver. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Oliver has a maximum depth of 18 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Oliver is from 2016. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

No invasive species are on record for Oliver in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.