Bush

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Bush Lake was conducted on June 17th, 2024, by Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at 10 sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample 2 stations, and a 15-foot seine was used at 5 stations. Three stations were not seined due to deep muck and dense waterlilies. Nearshore sampling captured 8 species of fish; one that is tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Green Sunfish) but none that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Blackchin Shiner). A concurrent summer trap net survey was also conducted by IBI Program staff. Nine trap nets were set along the shoreline in locations that encompassed multiple habitat types, however one was not included in assessment as it was removed/vandalized . Trap net sampling captured 8 species of fish, including one considered tolerant of disturbance (Green Sunfish). Hybrid Sunfish and Pumpkinseed comprised a majority of the catch by number, whereas Brown Bullhead and Hybrid Sunfish comprised a majority by biomass. The trap net catch was largely dominated by Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed and Bluegill. The nearshore and trap net data were combined with gill net data from a June 2023 survey to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Green Sunfish and Common Carp). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Results from this survey provide evidence that the fish community in Bush Lake is adversely impacted by stressors, as indicated by an FIBI score below the general use impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. These results are similar to previous findings. The survey results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the Lower Minnesota River watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. You can help protect the fish community in Bush Lake by reducing runoff, maintaining natural shorelines, and preventing the spread of invasive species.

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.

A targeted survey of near shore fish species was conducted on June 30, 2015 by Lake IBI program staff. Sampling stations were evenly spaced around the lake and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all 10 stations with 3 sites sampled from the boat. A 50-foot seine was used to sample 2 stations, a 15-foot seine was used at 4 stations, and conditions prevented the use of seines at 4 sampling sites. Nearshore sampling captured 7 species of fish with most individuals from the centrarchid (sunfish) family. Data from this survey is combined with data from a standard game fish survey completed in 2013 to calculate a Fish-based Index of Biologic Integrity (IBI) that describes the overall health of the fish community. The Fish IBI score for Bush Lake indicates the fish community is not meeting expectations compared to similar lakes. However, trap net data from the game fish survey may not be representative of fish community composition due to timing of sample collection. Therefore there is insufficient information to make a determination about Bush Lake based on its Fish IBI score.

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

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Bush. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Bush has a maximum depth of 28 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Bush is from 2024.

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