Whether you live in Bloomington or are just visiting the area, if you enjoy fishing there some great spots to try your hand at making a catch. Let’s explore some of the best spots and what they have to offer. 
- Bush Lake
Bush Lake, part of the Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve, is a great place to fish any time of year. Amenities include a boat launch and landing plus two fishing piers. In winter, ice fishing is permitted on the lake. The lake is home to several species of fish including black bullhead, largemouth bass, and yellow perch. During the summer season, Bush Lake Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic after you’ve brought in your catch of the day.
- Penn Lake
If you prefer a canoe over a motorized boat for fishing, you should try your luck at Penn Lake. Species that call the lake home include bluegill, green sunfish, and common carp. With an area for picnicking, Penn Lake provides a relaxed and laid back setting.
- Smith Pond
While Smith Pond, located in the heart of Smith Park, might be smaller than some of the other spots mentioned here, it is still home to an abundance fish. At the pond, you’ll find hybrid sunfish, pumpkinseed, and brook stickleback among other species. There’s also a fishing pier for your enjoyment and convenience.
- Hyland Lake
Hyland Lake is a rural retreat right in the middle of Bloomington. Amenities include a boat launch and boat rental if you don’t own a boat. You can also fish off the beautiful pier. While at Hyland Lake, you can expect to catch walleye, yellow perch, and largemouth bass.
- Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge
At the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge, you can engage in all types of fishing depending on the season. Most refuge waters allow shore fishing and ice fishing, while boat fishing is permitted on the Minnesota River. If you want to get the kids involved, there’s a youth fishing pond stocked with bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. While fishing in the refuge you should keep an eye out for the other types of animals that call it home. This includes species such as wood ducks, river otters, and heron.
- Lake Harriet
Lake Harriet allows visitors to swim on shore for species such as muskies, bass and sunfish. Fall is a great time of year to fish for walleye. There are several grassy areas to fish from, as well as a good-sized pier. Fishing by boat is also permitted and canoes, kayaks, and boats are available to rent. If you own your own boat, you can apply for a permit to store it at the lake. During the summer, you can cool off with a refreshing dip in the lake’s swim beach. Lake Harriet is also a popular spot for sailing and best of all provides ample parking.
These are just some of the amazing fishing spots in the Bloomington area. Consider a visit to create special moments and memories.
Image via Flickr by Adib Wahab Photography used under CC By
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