Fishing

Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and streams are home to over 158 species of freshwater fish, and Three Rivers offers fishing options at 18 parks in the Twin Cities area. Throw a line for your own catch of the day. You might reel in muskie, northern pike, sunfish, bass or even walleye. Launch your boat at a lake access site, rent a boat or stay on land as you fish from a pier or on shore.

Programs & Events

Upcoming fishing programs and events.

Watercraft Rentals

Want to fish from a boat? Rent a watercraft from a Three Rivers park. 

Watch a Video About Fishing in Three Rivers

Rules & Guidelines

Anglers aged 16 and older must have a valid Minnesota fishing license. Review the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website for fishing regulations, and visit the Boating page to learn about boating rules in Three Rivers parks.

Disposing of Fishing Line

Left-behind fishing line can be deadly to fish, birds and other animals that become entangled in it. The best way to discard fishing line is through a monofilament recycling program. If this is not an option, be sure to cut fishing line into very small pieces before throwing it away.

In Three Rivers, having fun doesn't have to cost a thing. From free parking to free activities to free programs and events, find your adventure!

Water Resources

Three Rivers Water Resources Management division carefully monitors and maintains the health of our water systems to maximize your fishing experience.

Ice Fishing

Drill a hole, drop a line and wait for a bite at one of the many lakes in Three Rivers parks. See ice fishing rules below. 

Baker

Lake Independence – 844 acres. Overnight fish houses permitted.
Spurzem Lake – 70 acres. Overnight fish houses permitted.
Half Moon Lake – 28 acres. No vehicles or overnight fish houses. No launch. Walk-in access.

Bryant

Bryant Lake – 177 acres. Overnight fish houses permitted.

Carver

Lake Zumbra – 162 acres. Overnight fish houses permitted.
Lake Auburn – 284 acres. Overnight fish houses permitted.
Stieger Lake – 158 acres. Overnight fish houses permitted.

Cedar Lake Farm

Cedar Lake – 780 acres. Overnight fish houses permitted. Walk-in access. Not managed by Three Rivers.

Cleary

Cleary Lake – 143 acres. No vehicles or overnight fish houses. Walk-in access.

Eagle

Eagle Lake – 291 acres. Overnight fish houses permitted. Walk-in access. Not managed by Three Rivers.
Pike Lake – 56 acres. Overnight fish houses permitted. Walk-in access. Not managed by Three Rivers.

Fish

Fish Lake – 223 acres. Overnight fish houses permitted.

French

Medicine Lake – 886 acres. Overnight fish houses permitted.

Gale Woods Farm

Whaletail Lake – 558 acres. Overnight fish houses permitted. Walk-in access. Not managed by Three Rivers.

Hyland

Hyland Lake – 84 acres. No vehicles or overnight fish houses.
Southwest Anderson Lake – 56 acres. No vehicles or overnight fish houses. No launch.

Lake Minnetonka

Lake Minnetonka – 14,100 acres. Overnight fish houses permitted.

Lake Rebecca

Lake Rebecca – 254 acres. No vehicles or overnight fish houses. Walk-in access. 

Murphy-Hanrehan

Murphy Lake – 70 acres. No vehicles or overnight fish houses. Walk-in access.

Silverwood Park

Silver Lake – 49 acres. Overnight fish houses permitted. Walk-in access. Not managed by Three Rivers.

Twin Lake Boat Access

Twin Lake – 84 acres. Overnight fish houses permitted.

News

  • December 05, 2022

    Aerations systems are operating in several lakes in and near Three Rivers parks to help fish receive sufficient oxygen during the winter. Operation of the aeration systems may result in unsafe ice conditions on portions of the lakes for the duration of the winter.

  • December 08, 2020

    Aerations systems will be installed in several lakes in and near Three Rivers parks. Operation of the aeration systems may result in unsafe ice conditions on portions of the lakes for the duration of the winter.

Other Things To Do

Boat Launch

Boating

two men fishing in a small motor boat.

Three Rivers offers plenty of boating opportunities with over 30 lakes, rivers and streams. With lake access points and trailer parking sites, it’s easy to get the family out on the water to enjoy the ultimate Minnesota pastime.

Campground

Camping

Camping tent and fire

Fall asleep to the sound of crickets and wake up with the sunrise. Camping is the stuff memories are made of and at Three Rivers, you’ll find all the fun of camping without the long car trip. Campgrounds are located at Baker, Carver and Cleary Lake

Paddling

Paddling

Three people kayaking on a lake.

Recreate on the water with canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Get exercise and fresh air while you explore the shorelines and bays where motorized boats can’t go. Need a boat? Three Rivers offers canoe, kayak, rowboat, paddleboat and stand-up paddleboard rentals at several parks.

Picnic Area

Picnic Areas

multi-generational family at a picnic table

Make new memories eating al fresco at a Three Rivers park picnic area in a beautiful, natural setting. All sites have picnic tables, and most sites have other basic amenities including water fountains and permanent grills. Look for a peaceful, serene location or set up just steps from a rip-roaring play area.

Swimming

Swimming

two girls swimming

Swimming beaches in Three Rivers are located near play areas, trails, visitor centers and campgrounds, so you can make a day of it. Or try the swim ponds at Lake Minnetonka Regional Park and Elm Creek Park Reserve for the perfect mix of pool and lake.

Nature Education

Nature Education

A naturalist shows a jar of pond water to a young boy.

If you want to get up close and personal or learn a little more, visit Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and Eastman, Lowry or Richardson nature centers. You can hike the trails, interact with seasonal exhibits, observe the unique characteristics of different wildlife species up close, conduct your own science experiment and meet a live animal.