Bryant

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Bryant Lake was conducted on August 21-22, 2023, 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 ten sampling stations, but two stations were sampled from the boat due soft sediments and steep drop offs. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample six stations, a 15-foot seine was used at two stations. Nearshore sampling captured six species of fish including one that is tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Green Sunfish) and no species classified as intolerant of disturbance. 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. Trap net sampling captured five species of fish. Bluegill comprised a majority of the catch by number and biomass. The nearshore and trap net data were combined with gill net data from a July 2022 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, Least Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead and Green Sunfish). 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 indicate that the fish community in Bryant Lake is adversely impacted by watershed and/or shoreline stressors as indicated by an FIBI score that is below the impairment threshold determined for similar lakes. These 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.

Bryant is a 180-acre (64 littoral acres) lake with a maximum depth of 45 feet. Bryant Lake is located in the northeast corner of Eden Prairie, in southwest Hennepin County. Bryant is primarily managed for Walleye and Largemouth Bass. Walleye are fingerling-stocked at 2 pounds per littoral acre (128 pounds) in even-numbered years. In addition to the primarily managed Walleye and Largemouth Bass, Bryant also supports catchable populations of Northern Pike, Bluegill, and Black Crappie. Public water access is provided by Three Rivers Parks on the northeast side of the lake within the regional park (up to 20 vehicle/trailer parking spaces). A Standard Survey (9 trap nets/6 gill nets) was conducted on Bryant Lake during the week of 7/18/2022 to assess the fishery. Bryant Lake had moderate water clarity, measured at 9 feet during the time of this survey. Dissolved oxygen was 0 parts per million (ppm) below 20 feet during the survey period. Eurasian Watermilfoil, zebra mussels, and brittleleaf naiad have all been found in Bryant Lake and remain present. Walleye were captured at moderate numbers (4.5/net), compared to similar lakes in the metro. However, the 2022 survey marked the highest catch rate of Walleye in Bryant Lake in the previous 25 years. There were 27 Walleye sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 19.7 inches and the largest measured at 26.2 inches. Walleye numbers and sizes describe a balanced population (an intermediate between high numbers of small fish and few numbers of large fish). Growth rates were fast compared to the statewide average, with an average length of 19.7 inches by age 5. While not naturally occurring, stocked Walleye in Bryant Lake have created a healthy, robust fishery. Largemouth Bass are present in Bryant Lake, although targeted boat-electrofishing did not occur during the 2022 survey. Incidental capture with trap and gill nets caught 4 Largemouth Bass, with an average length of 9.0 inches and the largest measured at 17.2 inches. Future surveys will include a targeted spring boat-electrofishing component. Moderate numbers of Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets (6.2/net), near the expected catch rate of similar lakes across the metro. There were 37 Northern Pike sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 23.6 inches and the largest measured at 32.7 inches. While Northern Pike are typically not the primary draw to Bryant Lake, anglers still have the opportunity to catch some nice sized (32"+) individuals. High numbers of Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (101.8/net). There were 916 Bluegill sampled in trap nets during the 2022 survey, with an average length of 5.4 inches and the largest measured at 6.7 inches. High numbers of Bluegill are likely increasing competition amongst other Bluegill decreasing growth rates and keeping sizes small. Moderate numbers of Black Crappie were sampled with gill nets (10.7/net) and trap nets (3.0/net), near the expected catch rate of similar metro lakes. There were 91 Black Crappie sampled during the 2022 survey, with an average length of 6.9 inches and the largest measured at 11.8 inches. The majority of Black Crappie sampled were small, with the exception of 1 large individual. Despite a small average size, the potential for desirable sizes (10"+) exists on Bryant Lake. Other fish species sampled in low abundances were Green Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Tiger Muskellunge, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch. With multiple invasive species found in Bryant Lake, anglers can help stop the spread by following three steps every time they leave a lake or river - whether or not it's infested: Clean all aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other invasive species from boats, trailers, and water-related equipment. Drain water from your boat, ballast tanks, motor, live well and bait container. Remove drain plugs and keep drain plugs out while transporting equipment. Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash. To keep live bait, drain the water and refill the bait container with bottled or tap water.

Bryant Lake is a 161-acre lake located in Eden Prairie. It is part of the Three Rivers Parks system, and they maintain a concrete ramp on the northeast shore within the park. Bryant Lake offers a diverse sport fish community composed of Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Tiger Muskellunge, and panfish. Tiger Muskellunge stocking began in 1985, and are stocked in odd-numbered years. Walleye were stocked for the first time in 2004; stocking is planned for even-numbered years. Spring electrofishing and summer gill netting and trap netting were conducted in 2017 to monitor the game fish populations. Northern Pike were sampled at a rate of 5.3 fish per net in 2017, which was above average for similar lake types. The fish averaged 24.1 inches and 3.36 pounds, with the largest fish measuring 32.6 inches. Eighty-one percent of the catch exceeded 21 inches, and 25% of the catch exceeded 26 inches. Largemouth Bass averaged 10.6 inches and 0.84 pounds during springtime sampling. Fourteen percent of the sample exceeded 15 inches, and the largest fish was 19.5 inches long. The Largemouth Bass population is healthy, with many year classes of fish. Although Walleye are not highly abundant, the fish are of good size. Average size of Walleye in 2017 was 17.0 inches and 1.81 pounds, with the largest fish measuring 21.7 inches. Sixty-seven percent of the Walleye exceeded 15 inches in length, and 20% exceeded 20 inches. The Walleye population in Bryant is maintained through stocking and not supported by natural reproduction. Although Standard Survey methods do not effectively sample Tiger Muskellunge, five of the fish were incidentally sampled during the summer survey of 2017. Their lengths ranged between 17.4 and 34.3 inches. Black Crappie were very abundant and of small size. Only 12% of the sampled fish exceeded 8 inches, and 1.8% of the catch exceeded 10 inches. Average size was 6.1 inches and 0.13 pounds. Bluegill were caught in average abundance, however, the population is mostly composed of smaller individuals. Fish ranged between 3.2 and 7.6 inches, and the average size of Bluegill in 2017 was 4.8 inches and 0.09 pounds. Other species sampled in low abundance during this survey include Pumpkinseed, Yellow Bullhead, Green Sunfish, hybrid sunfish, and Yellow Perch.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Hybrid Sunfish, and Black Crappie in Bryant. 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 Bryant. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Bryant has a maximum depth of 45 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Bryant is from 2023.

Yes — Bryant has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil, brittle naiad, and zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.