Bush Lake
About Bush Lake
Bush Lake is a 171-acre lake near Bloomington in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It reaches 28 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. Special fishing regulations apply to muskellunge and tiger muskellunge, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows Bush Lake Beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 8, based on 9 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Bush Lake
- 171 acres, up to 28 feet deep, near Bloomington
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 11.5 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Bush Lake Beach)
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 171 acres
- Max depth
- 28 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 110 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Swim beach: Bush Lake Beach
Best For
- Swimming and beach days
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 12
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge: Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 8
- Years of record
- 9
- Earliest
- March 25, 2021
- Latest
- April 30, 2018
- Most recent
- April 13, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Bush Lake
Compare Bush Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Hyland Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Bloomington84 acres
1.2 miles away
Staring Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Chanhassen167 acres
3.5 miles away
Bryant Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Eden Prairie180 acres
3.7 miles away
Penn Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Bloomington44 acres
3.9 miles away
Red Rock Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Eden Prairie97 acres
4.6 miles away
Mitchell Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Eden Prairie114 acres
5.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bush Lake?
Bush Lake is in Hennepin County, Minnesota, near Bloomington. It covers 171 acres and reaches 28 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bush Lake?
Bush Lake covers 171 acres with about 3.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 28 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bush Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Bush Lake?
Yes. Bush Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Bush Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Bush Lake Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Bush Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Bush Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Bush Lake?
Yes. Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
When does the ice go out on Bush Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 8, from 9 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 25, 2021 and the latest is April 30, 2018.
Does Bush Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Bush Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.