ABSTRACT-Fish population data collected through the Northern States Power Company monitoring program near its plants at Monticello and Becker, Minnesota were analyzed to describe species diversity, changes in recreational fishing, fishing success, and the influence of stream discharge on smallmouth bass year-class success and abundance. The work is part of a more extensive effort to develop a model applicable in managing the upper Mississippi River to meet the growing needs of recreation, agriculture, communities, and industry. Analysis of these data shows 48 species to be present and that smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu~ is the most important game species in the growing recreational fishery. Comparison of smallmouth bass year-class strength estimates with stream discharge for the period 1973-1987, indicates strong year-classes develop during years characterized by low spring and summer discharge
