Fishing is a great way to connect with nature, the outdoors, family and friends. If you are new to the sport, we have several locations in Three Rivers where you can test the waters, no boat required! 

With the help of one of our Outdoor Recreation Specialists and experienced angler, Nick Sacco, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite spots to fish on land and what kind of fish you might catch while you’re there. 

Mississippi Gateway Regional Park

Where: Brooklyn Park

Type of fishing: Pier, shore and bridge

Why it’s unique: It’s on the Mississippi River! “You don’t know what you’re going to catch, and that’s kind of exciting!” said Nick.

Fishing spots: The park offers several locations for fishing. Accessible paved trails lead to the river and turf trails go along the river. Two bridges along the creek allow for fishing in a floodplain pond. There’s also an accessible platform by the dam that you can fish from.

What you might catch: catfish, bullhead, common carp, channel catfish, river redhorse, quillback, walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, dogfish

The Landing

Where: Shakopee

Type of fishing: Shore

Why it’s unique: “There are steep banks where you can fish deep water right from the edge and other sand flats and bars where you can cast a line and be in only 2 feet of water,” said Nick. When you need a break, take a walk through the historic village to learn about what life was like in the 1800s. 

Fishing spots: The Landing is located on the Minnesota River. A turf trail brings you to the shores of the river.

What you can catch: freshwater drum, freshwater shortnose gar, American shad, catfish, bullhead, common carp, channel catfish, river redhorse, quillback, walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, dogfish

Lake Rebecca Park Reserve

Where: Rockford

Type of fishing: Pier and shore

Why it’s unique: Fewer people fish the Crow River than the Minnesota or Mississippi, so chances are you’ll be alone. Just remember to reel your lines in as paddlers come upstream or downstream.

Fishing spots: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve offers two options for fishing: the canoe landing on the Crow River or the piers on Lake Rebecca. Lake Rebecca is also quiet and has two dedicated piers as well as a lagoon that’s good for early-season fishing.

What you can catch: According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 41 types of fish have been caught from the Crow River, including channel catfish, black bullhead, white sucker, river redhorse, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and walleye. From Lake Rebecca, you may reel in various crappie, bluegill and sunfish species as well as muskellunge.

Twin Lakes Boat Access

Where: Robbinsdale

Type of fishing: Pier

Why it’s unique: “The highlight of Twin Lakes Boat Access is the beautiful fishing pier,” said Nick. 

Fishing spots: The fishing pier is located a half mile north of the boat access on the bike trail. It has holders for your fishing rod and cut outs for people who use mobility devices.

What you can catch: perch, sunfish, bullhead, bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass

Silverwood Park

Where: St. Anthony

Type of fishing: Pier, shore and bridge 

Why it’s unique: “When you’re done fishing, you can get a coffee at Silverwood Café or check out some art in the visitor center,” says Nick. 

Fishing spots: Silverwood has several great options for fishing Silver Lake, including from a pier or an island. Especially when fishing from the bridge to the island, check to make sure no one is around you before casting.

What you can catch: sunfish, bluegill, crappie, perch, largemouth bass, carp and more

Fish From the Shore at a Three Rivers Park

Learn more about fishing in Three Rivers or check out upcoming programs to learn how to get started. 

Now that you know our favorite spots, throw in a line and see what you reel in! What will be your catch of the day?