Middle Raccoon River IA 04-RAC-1191

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on surveys by the DNR Fisheries Bureau.

Basis for Assessment

Used information from the assessment of support of the Class B(WW) aquatic life uses developed for the 1996 report (see above), in combination with information from the DNR Fisheries Bureau, to continue to assess support of the Class B(WW) uses as FST.   Recent surveys by the DNR Fisheries Bureau in the upper portion of this reach show good populations of the expected game fish species (e.g., channel catfish), but unexpectedly low populations of the other important game fish, smallmouth bass.   Although follow-up surveys are needed, DNR biologists believe that the prolonged high river flows during floods in the early 1990s widened the river's channel and thus led to a reduction in the quality of the aquatic habitats at more normal river stages.   Results of additional surveys will help determine the most appropriate means of improving habitat quality.   No information is available for developing an assessment of support of either the Class A primary contact recreation uses or the Class C drinking water uses.