Fishing

Sections

Bush Lake

Area: 186 acres

Fishing Amenities: Boat launch/landing (6 h.p. maximum*), three fishing piers (1 near Bush Lake Beach, 2 at West Bush Lake Park)

NOTE: On October 3, 2022, the south fishing pier near the boat launch at West Bush Lake Park was removed due to a failing floatation assembly, and is slated for replacement. There is no current anticipated date for its return, as it is dependent upon supply chain and materials availability. Updates will be provided as the situation evolves. The pier further north along the path from the boat launch and the pier on the east side of the lake near Bush Lake Beach remain available for fishing. Questions? Contact Park Maintenance at maintenance@bloomingtonmn.gov or 952-563-8760.

Fish Species: black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, tiger muskellunge, walleye, yellow bullhead, yellow perch, white sucker

Special Fishing Regulations: This lake has special fishing regulations that differ from statewide or border water regulations for those species identified below and take precedence.

Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge: Minimum size limit 40”. Possession limit one.

Ice Fishing: Ice fishing is permitted on Bush Lake. All DNR policies regarding fish houses should be adhered to. Please see their website for more details. Use of snowmobiles, ATVs and other motorized recreational vehicles are not allowed on City-owned property.

Special notes regarding this lake:

Please note there are a number of private properties around Bush Lake and public access is only allowed on park property. No trespassing allowed on private property.
Parking is free in the East Bush Lake parking lot June 1 – August 31. There are no fees for the use of West Bush Lake parking lots.

Normandale Lake

Penn Lake

Smith Park Pond

More information regarding fishing

Invasive species laws

When boating in Minnesota, protect our waters by following state aquatic invasive species laws. Minnesota law requires that you MUST:

CLEAN all visible aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other prohibited invasive species from watercraft, trailers, and water-related equipment before leaving any water access or shoreland.
DRAIN water-related equipment (boat, ballast tanks, portable bait containers, motor) and drain bilge, livewell and baitwell by removing drain plugs before leaving a water access or shoreline property. Keep drain plugs out and water-draining devices open while transporting watercraft.
DISPOSE of unwanted bait, including minnows, leeches, and worms, in the trash. It is illegal to release bait into a waterbody or release aquatic animals from one waterbody to another. If you want to keep your bait, you must refill the bait container with bottled or tap water.

For more information about Minnesota invasive species laws check out the DNR’s website at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/preventspread_watercraft.html

Ice fishing

For information on safe, legal ice fishing, please visit the Minnesota DNR Ice Fishing page.

Other fishing in Bloomington

Hyland Lake (Three Rivers Park District)

Minnesota National Wildlife Refuge

For more information regarding fishing in Minnesota check out the DNR's wesbite.

US Fish and Wildlife fishing information