Fishing
Throw a line for your own catch of the day! You might reel in muskie, northern pike, sunfish, bass or even walleye.
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.
You can launch your boat at a lake access site, rent a watercraft or stay on land as you fish from a pier or on shore.
Where To Go Fishing
Legend
Trails and Roads
Amenities
Recreation Areas
Natural Areas
Boundaries
Where To Go Fishing
- Baker Park Reserve
- Bryant Lake Regional Park
- Bush Lake
- Carver Park Reserve
- Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park
- Cleary Lake Regional Park
- Eagle Lake Regional Park
- Fish Lake Regional Park
- French Regional Park
- Gale Woods Farm
- Hyland Lake Park Reserve
- Lake Minnetonka Regional Park
- Lake Rebecca Park Reserve
- Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
- Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
- Normandale Lake
- North Mississippi Regional Park
- Silverwood Park
- Spring Lake Regional Park
- The Landing
- Twin Lakes Boat Access
Programs & Events
Pier and Shore Fishing Locations
Learn about the fishing areas near you or find an accessible fishing pier below.
- Acres of Water by Park
- Baker Park Reserve, 943 acres
- Bryant Lake Regional Park, 178 acres
- Carver Park Reserve, 846 acres
- Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park, 780 acres
- Cleary Lake Regional Park, 143 acres
- Eagle Lake Regional Park, 291 acres
- Fish Lake Regional Park, 223 acres
- French Regional Park, 886 acres
- Gale Woods Farm, 558 acres
- Hyland Lake Park Reserve, 88 acres
- Lake Minnetonka Regional Park, 14,101 acres
- Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, 254 acres
- Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, Mississippi River
- Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, 70 acres
- North Mississippi Regional Park, Mississippi River (fishing pier currently closed)
- Silverwood Park, 70 acres
- Spring Lake Regional Park, 590 acres
- The Landing, Minnesota River
- Accessible Fishing Piers
Accessible fishing piers are located near boat launches at:
Fishing Rod Loaner Program
Try fishing at select Park District locations with our fishing rod loaner program!
Each participating site offers free rentals that include fishing rods and a small tackle box. Bait is also available for purchase at select locations.
2026 Rental Season
Fishing rod loaners will be available from Memorial Day–Labor Day.
How to Borrow a Fishing Rod & Tackle Box
Fishing rods and tackle boxes are available to rent in two-hour time slots. You can either rent them in person at participating locations or reserve them online by park (see below) up to 7 days in advance.
Most loaner stations are located within boat rental buildings, where staff will assist with check-out and return of equipment.
- Baker Park Reserve
Rental Location
- Campground office and boat rental building
Make a Reservation
- Coming soon
- Bryant Lake Regional Park
Rental Location
- Boat rental building
Make a Reservation
- Coming soon
- Carver Park Reserve (Lake Auburn Campground)
Rental Location
- Campground office
Make a Reservation
- Coming soon
- Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park
Rental Location
- Boat rental building
Make a Reservation
- Coming soon
- Cleary Lake Regional Park
Rental Location
- Boat rental building
Make a Reservation
- Coming soon
- Fish Lake Regional Park
Rental Location
- Boat rental building
Make a Reservation
- Coming soon
- Hyland Lake Park Reserve
Rental Location
- Boat rental building
Make a Reservation
- Coming soon
- Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
Rental Location
- Visitor center (rental area)
Make a Reservation
- Coming soon
On-Site Bait Availability
Visitors can conveniently purchase bait (wax worms and angle worms) on-site at most participating locations*.
*Bait will not be available at Fish Lake.
Fishing Licenses
If you are 16 and older, please be sure to purchase your fishing license before you come to the park. Youth under age 16 do not need a license to fish. Learn more about Minnesota DNR fishing regulations and license information.
Watercraft Rentals
Want to fish from a boat? Rent a watercraft from a Three Rivers park.
Rental Equipment Policies
- Rental Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made at least 12 hours prior to rental time to receive 100% of the rental fee.
No refunds will be provided less than 12 hours prior to rental time.
- Late Return Fee
A $25 late fee is charged for all equipment that is returned late.
Ice Fishing
Drill a hole, drop a line and wait for a bite at one of the many lakes in Three Rivers parks.
Review ice safety information from the Minnesota DNR, find out which lakes have winter access and see our ice fishing rules.
Winter Access to Lakes
- Plowed Boat Launches
See which boat launches are plowed with areas for parking or view which boat launches are currently open.
Lake Plowed? Aerated? Baker, Lake Independence Yes No Baker, Spurzem Lake Yes No Bryant Lake Yes No Bush Lake Yes No Carver, Lake Zumbra Yes No Carver, Lake Auburn Yes No Carver, Steiger Lake Yes No Cleary Lake No Yes Fish Lake Yes No French, Medicine Lake Yes No Hyland Lake No Yes Lake Minnetonka Yes No Lake Rebecca No Yes Normandale Lake Yes No Murphy No Yes Twin Lakes Yes No
Ice Fishing Rules by Park
- 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.
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.
Watch a Video About Fishing in Three Rivers
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.
News
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Three Rivers Park District and Minnehaha Creek Watershed District will operate aeration systems in several lakes starting after Dec. 16, 2024. Learn more about these systems and how to stay safe on the lakes this winter.
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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.
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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
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.
Experience the joy of camping close to home with Three Rivers as you spend nights at our traditional campsites, group camping areas, a bike-in site, a horse camp or camper cabins, including ADA accessible options.
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.
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 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.
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.
