Sunset Pond

Sunset Lake is a shallow lake located in Burnsville. City parkland surrounds the lake and shorefishing spots are available from a paved walking path. Two water control structures and a lakeside gazebo also offer places to fish. Because the lake is very shallow, vegetation can make shorefishing difficult, especially by mid-summer. The shallow, heavily vegetated nature of the lake also makes it subject to winterkill. The lake is re-stocked after severe winterkills, and fish also re-colonize from upstream lakes. No motors, including electric, are allowed on the lake, and no boating is allowed in the south half of the lake to protect waterfowl. Bluegill were sampled in moderate to high numbers during this assessment. Average bluegill length was just under 6 inches. Black crappies were found in low numbers and were less than 8 inches. Northern pike were moderately abundant. Northern pike lengths ranged from 14 to 27 inches, with a 23-inch average. Largemouth bass were sampled in low numbers and were small: up to 10 inches. Bullheads are also present in moderate numbers.

Sunset Pond is a 55 acre lake located in the City of Burnsville, MN. Sunset park encompases the entire lake and has amenities such as a playground, picnic shelters, and a walking path around the entire lake. The south end of the basin is quite shallow, although fishing in front of the storm culverts is common. The north end of the lake reaches a depth of 11 feet. Bluegill were the most common species sampled in 2002. The majority of bluegill sampled were between 5.0 and 6.0 inches. Northern pike (NOP) were sampled in higher than average numbers. Sizes of NOP ranged from 16.6 inches to 25.7 inches, with approximately 50% between 20 and 24 inches. Largemouth bass were present, but small. Average size for largemouth bass sampled was 6.5 inches. Other fish sampled included hybrid sunfish, green sunfish and black crappie. The Fishing in the Neighborhood Program has proposed to stock Sunset Pond with bluegill and crappie in the spring of 2003.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, and Bluegill in Sunset Pond. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Sunset Pond. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Sunset Pond has a maximum depth of 10.5 feet and a mean depth of 3 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Sunset Pond is from 2009. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Yes — Sunset Pond has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.