Olson

Bluegills remain the most abundant species in Olson Lake. Their population is considered high when compared to similar lakes. Their size structure remains small. The average length sampled was 4.78 inches. Pumpkinseed, green and hybrid sunfish were all sampled during the survey. The northern pike population was sampled at the second highest level recorded for this lake. The average size sampled was 21.9 inches and 2.41 pounds. Black crappies numbers are moderate, but the size is small. Largemouth bass were sampled in average abundance. This lake continues to be popular with bass anglers. Two walleye were sampled during the survey despite having not been stocked since 2003 in Olson Lake and 2005 in Demontreville Lake, which is connected. Yellow bullhead and black bullhead were each sampled in Olson Lake. Black bullhead were found in low numbers but yellow bullhead were found in average abundance.

Bluegills remain the most abundant species in Olson Lake. Their population is considered high when compared to similar lakes. The size structure remains small. The average length sampled was 4.5 inches. Pumpkinseed, green and hybrid sunfish were all sampled during the survey. The northern pike population was sampled at the highest level recorded for this lake. The average size was 20.8 inches and 1.89 pounds. Black crappie numbers are moderate, but the size is small. Largemouth bass were found in moderate abundance. Individuals exceeding 19 inches were found. A special regulation that requires the immediate release of all largemouth bass is inplace on Olson Lake. Walleye were sampled in average abundance for this type of lake. The average size sampled in the gill nets was 18.97 inches in length. All three species of bullhead native to Minnesota were sampled during the survey. Yellow and brown bullhead were each sampled in high abundance in the gill nets. The average weight for each species was approximately 3/4 of a pound. Yellow perch and white suckers were each found in low abundance.

Bluegills are the most abundant species in Olson Lake. The catch is down from previous years, and is considered high when compared to similar lakes. The size structure is still small, with the average length being 4.6 inches. Pumpkinseed sunfish are also abundant. They are also small, averaging only 5.0 inches. Although, some fish up to 7.5 inches were sampled. Northern pike are currently at one of their highest population levels recorded for this lake, with nearly 28% exceeding 25 inches. Black crappie numbers are moderate, but the size is small. Only one crappie over 10 inches was sampled. Largemouth bass were found in average abundance. Three species of bullhead were sampled in Olson Lake, black, brown, and yellow. Each was caught in average abundance. Two walleyes were sampled during this survey. This species was not stocked prior to 2001, but was occasionally sampled. In 2001 the Mn DNR began stocking Olson lake with walleye. It will be stocked every other odd numbered year with walleye fry. Periodic assessments may be done to determine whether fingerlings should be stocked in place of the fry. Yellow perch, white suckers, hybrid sunfish, and green sunfish were also sampled.

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

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

Olson has a maximum depth of 15 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Olson is from 2011. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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