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The MN DNR conducts fisheries surveys about every five years. In addition to fish population analysis, these assessments have also included spring assessments aimed at evaluating the muskellunge populations. Fisheries evaluations of one kind or another have occurred in 1948, 1956-1959, 1961, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1992, 1994 and 1996. The results of the 1996 survey are summarized below. 1996 Fisheries Survey -Lake Owasso Species Numbers Size Black bullhead - N/- Black crappie N - Bluegill + - Carp - N Green sunfish N N Hybrid sunfish n/a n/a Largemouth bass - N/- Musellunge - N Northern pike N + Pumpkinseed sunfish N N Walleye N N White sucker N N/- Yellowbullhead N - Yellow perch -/+ N N within normal range for lakes with similar physical and chemical characteristics + greater than normal range for lakes with simil ar physical and chemical characteristics - less than normal range for lakes with similar physical and chemical characteristics n/a no available range According to the 1996 fisheries assessment: ^ Lake Owasso is managed mainly for muskellunge and walleye with largemouth bass and bluegill of secondary interest. ^ Between 1974 and 1994, both angling and recreational boating pressure have tripled. - 1994 angling pressure = 54 hours per acre (18,846 hours per year) - 1994 boating pressure = 63 hours per acre (21,987 hours per year) ^ Bluegill were flee most abundant fish sampled but they were small. Because the angling and recreational use surveys are conducted differently from lake-to-lake, at different times during the season, during different seasons and with imprecise methodology, it is difficult to draw conclusions or make comparisons with respect to how Lake Owasso compares to other lakes. At a minimum, it is safe to conclude that angling pressure and recreational use of Lake Owasso have increased from 1974 to 1994 and that these numbers are not substantially different compared to other nearby lakes during similar time periods. There is concern that Lake Owasso will winterkill from time to time. Indeed, low winter oxygen conditions have been noted during the winters of 1978/79, 1988/89, 1991/92, 1992/92 and 1996/97. As a result of these frequent potential winterkill situations, an aeration system has been made available for use in severe winters. Fish Stocking (Total # Stocked) -Lake Owasso Year Muskie Walleye N. Pike LM Bass Other