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.
Where To Go Fishing
- Baker Park Reserve
- Bryant Lake Regional Park
- 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
- North Mississippi Regional Park
- Silverwood Park
- The Landing
- Twin Lakes Boat Access
Programs & Events
Upcoming fishing programs and events.
Hyland Lake fishing pier closed for construction
Improvements to the boat ramp access road, boat ramp, fishing pier and adjacent trail at Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington are being made this summer and fall. The access road, boat ramp and trail are being rebuilt to provide improved surfaces and greater accessibility for park guests. The project requires the fishing pier, boat ramp and access road, boat rental building and beach to be closed from August 5, 2024, through November 2024.
Pier/Shore Fishing
Acres of water
Baker Park Reserve, 943
Bryant Lake Regional Park, 178
Carver Park Reserve, 846
Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park, 780
Cleary Lake Regional Park, 143
Eagle Lake Regional Park, 291
Fish Lake Regional Park, 223
French Regional Park, 886
Gale Woods Farm, 558
Hyland Lake Park Reserve, 88
Lake Minnetonka Regional Park, 14,101
Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, 254
Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, Mississippi River
Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, 70
North Mississippi Regional Park, Mississippi River (fishing pier currently closed)
Silverwood Park, 70
The Landing, Minnesota River
Accessibility
Accessible fishing piers are located near boat launches at Bryant Lake, Lake Auburn, Cleary Lake, Fish Lake, Medicine Lake, Gale Woods Farm, Lake Minnetonka, Twin Lakes, Steiger Lake and Lake Independence.
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
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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
Boating
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.
Camping
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
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 Areas
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 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
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.
