What You'll Find at Bay Point Park
Bay Point Park sits on the Minnesota River in Mendota Heights, just south of the Twin Cities metro area. The park's main fishing water is a backwater slough that connects to the main river channel — shallow, weedy habitat that holds walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish year-round. The backwater is roughly 4 to 6 feet deep in most spots, with scattered vegetation and fallen timber that concentrate fish, especially in spring and fall.
This is a managed urban fishery, meaning the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources stocks walleye regularly and monitors the population. The result is a reliable destination for anglers who want to fish without driving hours into remote country. The park itself is small and day-use only — no camping — but it has a paved parking lot, a boat launch, and restroom facilities.
Key Takeaways
- Bay Point Park's backwater slough holds walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish in shallow, weedy water that fishes best in spring and fall.
- The park has a public boat launch and paved parking, making it accessible for anglers with small boats, canoes, or kayaks.
- Walleye bite best at dawn and dusk, especially on live bait or jigs; pike respond to larger presentations and can be caught throughout the day.
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for all anglers age 16 and older, and current regulations on species limits and size restrictions apply.
- The backwater can be crowded on weekends during peak season, so weekday mornings often offer better conditions and less boat traffic.
Seasons and What to Expect
Spring (April through May) is the strongest season at Bay Point. Walleye move into the shallower backwater to spawn, and pike follow to feed on spawning fish. Water temperatures in the 45 to 55 degree range trigger aggressive feeding, and live bait — shiners, chubs, or crawfish — produces consistent results. Jigs tipped with minnows also work well, especially in the early morning and late evening.
Summer (June through August) slows down considerably. Walleye retreat to deeper, cooler water in the main river channel, and the backwater becomes dominated by panfish and bass. If you're targeting walleye in summer, focus on the deeper edges where the backwater meets the main river. Early morning and late evening remain your best windows. Panfish — bluegill, crappie, and sunfish — bite throughout the day in the shallower weedy areas.
Fall (September through October) brings a second strong bite. Water temperatures drop back into the 50s, walleye return to the backwater to feed heavily before winter, and pike are active. This is an excellent time for both species, and the weather is often more comfortable than spring.
Winter (November through March) is possible but challenging. The backwater can freeze solid, and access depends on ice thickness and park conditions. Check with the Mendota Heights Parks Department before planning a winter trip. Some anglers fish through the ice for panfish, but walleye and pike are less predictable under ice in this shallow water.
How to Access the Park and Launch Your Boat
Bay Point Park is located at 1900 Pilot Knob Road in Mendota Heights. From the Twin Cities, take Highway 13 south toward Mendota Heights and follow signs to the park. The parking lot is paved and holds roughly 20 to 30 vehicles. There is no fee to park or launch.
The boat launch is a single-lane concrete ramp suitable for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. Trailers are manageable, but the lot can fill on weekends during spring and fall. If you arrive after 9 a.m. on a Saturday or Sunday in May or September, expect to wait or return another time. Weekday mornings are far less crowded.
The park has vault toilets but no water, fuel, or food service. Bring everything you need for the day. The park is day-use only and closes at dusk, so plan your trip accordingly.
Walleye Tactics and Best Practices
Walleye at Bay Point respond best to live bait presentations in the backwater. Use a simple slip-sinker rig with a live shiner or chub on a size 2 or 4 hook, and cast along the weed edges and fallen timber. Let the bait sit or move it slowly — walleye in this shallow water are easily spooked by aggressive retrieves.
Jigs are equally effective, especially 1/8 to 1/4 ounce jigs tipped with a minnow or leech. Cast toward structure and work the jig slowly along the bottom. The key is patience and a light touch; this is not a place for fast, aggressive fishing.
Timing matters enormously. Walleye bite hardest in the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. Midday fishing is possible but slower. If you're fishing during the day, focus on the deepest water available — the transition zone where the backwater meets the main river channel.
Northern Pike and Bass Fishing
Northern pike in the backwater are aggressive and less time-sensitive than walleye. They bite throughout the day, especially on larger presentations. Use 4 to 6 inch live shiners, or cast larger lures — spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics in the 3 to 5 inch range. Pike often hold in the thickest weed cover, so don't be afraid to fish right into the vegetation.
Largemouth bass are present but secondary to walleye and pike. They respond to the same soft plastics and crankbaits as pike, and they concentrate in shallow weedy areas. Early morning and late evening are best, but bass will bite during the day if you fish heavy cover.
Regulations and Licensing Requirements
All anglers age 16 and older must carry a valid Minnesota fishing license. You can purchase a license online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website, at any sporting goods retailer, or at some convenience stores. Licenses are available as one-day, three-day, or annual options.
Current walleye regulations on the Minnesota River include a daily limit and minimum size restriction; check the DNR website or the current Minnesota fishing regulations guide before you fish, as these can change year to year. Northern pike have their own limits and size restrictions. Panfish — bluegill, crappie, and sunfish — typically have higher daily limits and no size restriction, but confirm current rules before you go.
The Minnesota River is a shared resource, and regulations are enforced. Carry your license and know the current limits for the species you're targeting.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
Bring a fishing license, your rod and reel, tackle appropriate to the species you're targeting, and live bait if you plan to use it. A small cooler with ice keeps bait fresh and stores any fish you keep. Sunscreen, a hat, and water are essential — the backwater offers little shade, and the sun reflects off the water.
If you're launching a boat, arrive early on weekends. If you're fishing from shore, the park has limited bank access; most anglers fish from boats or kayaks. A kayak or canoe is an excellent option for Bay Point — the backwater is shallow and protected, and you can reach weed edges and structure that shore anglers cannot.
Check the weather before you go. The Minnesota River can rise quickly after heavy rain, and wind can make the backwater choppy and difficult to fish. Spring and fall weather can change rapidly, so dress in layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish Bay Point Park?
A boat makes fishing easier and more productive, but it's not required. You can fish from shore in limited areas, or launch a kayak or canoe to reach more water. The backwater is shallow and protected, making it ideal for small watercraft.
What's the best time of day to fish for walleye?
The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset are most productive. Walleye in shallow backwater are light-sensitive and feed most actively during low-light periods. Midday fishing is slower but still possible if you focus on deeper water.
Can I fish Bay Point in winter?
Winter fishing is possible but depends on ice thickness and park access. The backwater can freeze solid, and panfish are more reliable than walleye under ice. Contact the Mendota Heights Parks Department to confirm conditions before planning a winter trip.
What size fish can I keep?
Size limits vary by species and change annually. Check the current Minnesota fishing regulations guide or the DNR website before you fish. Walleye and pike have minimum size restrictions, while panfish typically do not.
Is there a launch fee at Bay Point Park?
No, there is no fee to park or launch at Bay Point Park. The facility is free and open to the public during daylight hours.