Bush Lake

How big is Bush Lake?

How deep is Bush Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Bush Lake?

What are the closest cities to Bush Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Bush Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Bush Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Bush Lake

Are there boat launches on Bush Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Bush Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Bush Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Bush Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Bush Lake?

Bush Lake is a 171-acre lake with a maximum depth of 28 feet. The lake is in the city of Bloomington in southern Hennepin County. Bush is actively managed for Largemouth Bass, with secondary emphasis on Bluegill. Bush also supports catchable populations of Northern Pike and Black Crappie. Public water access is provided by the City of Bloomington on the southwest side of the lake off West Bush Lake Road (up to 10 vehicle/trailer parking spaces). Surface use restrictions allow up to 6-horsepower motors.

A standard survey (9 trap nets/6 gill nets) was completed on Bush Lake during the week of 6/12/2023 to monitor water quality and fish populations. Water color was clear, with good water clarity, measured at 11.0 feet during the time of this survey. Dissolved oxygen was 3.8 parts per million (ppm) at a bottom depth of 22 feet, meaning fish would be unable to use water depths greater than 22 feet during mid-summer.

Moderate numbers of Largemouth Bass were sampled during spring 2023 with nighttime boat electrofishing (36 fish/hour). A total of 54 bass were sampled, with an average length of 13.6 inches and the largest measured at 18.9 inches. The current population appears well balanced (a middle ground between high numbers of small fish and few numbers of large fish). Bush Lake boasts a quality Largemouth Bass population with over 40% of fish sampled measuring greater than 15 inches, providing excellent angling opportunity.

Moderate numbers of Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (38.8/net) near the expected catch rate of similar metro lakes. There were 349 Bluegill sampled in trap nets during the 2023 survey, with an average length of 4.4 inches, and the largest measured at 7.9 inches. Less than 1% of the total Bluegill sampled were greater than 7 inches. Although Bluegill are fairly abundant, very few large fish can be found.

High numbers of Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets (14.5/net), well above the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 87 Northern Pike sampled in gill nets during the 2023 survey. Average size of Northern Pike in the 2023 survey was 21.7 inches with the largest measured at 26.9 inches. Despite high numbers and small sizes, Bush Lake provides exceptional harvest opportunity with a possession limit of 10 and greater than 56% of sampled fish falling outside of the protected slot (22 to 26 inches).

Low numbers of Black Crappie were sampled with gill nets (3.2/net) and trap nets (0.4/net), below the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 22 Black Crappie sampled during the 2023 survey, with an average length of 7.5 inches, and the largest measured at 14.3 inches. Although crappie numbers are low, the chance at landing some really memorable (14"+) fish exists in Bush Lake.

Other fish species sampled in low abundance were Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.

Eurasian Watermilfoil, a submersed invasive aquatic plant has been found in Bush Lake and remains present. Eurasian watermilfoil can limit recreational activities on water bodies by forming mats on the water surface and alter aquatic ecosystems by displacing native plants. The most important action that you can take to limit the spread of milfoil and other aquatic invasive plants is to remove all vegetation from your watercraft before you move it from one body of water to another.

What is the average air temp for Bush Lake?