Hogback Ridge

Location: Bloomington, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, East Old Shakopee Road and East 86th Street

Species: Bluegill, Black crappie, White crappie, Largemouth bass, Northern pike, Channel catfish

Depth: 9 feet

Wheelchair access: Poor

MTC bus: Route 538 and 539. The Mall of America Station is nearby and has multiple routes run through.

Park entrance fee: No

Restrooms: No

Parking: Good

Picnic: No

Grills: No

Playground: No

Other activities: Walking path, nature viewing

Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(952) 854-5900

Fishing pier: No

Recent fish stocking

Comments: Hogback Ridge is located in the wildlife refuge. Parking is located three-quarters of a mile from the pond. The entire shoreline is accessible for fishing.

2006 Lake Survey Results: Hogback Ridge is a 4.6-acre lake located in the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington, Minnesota. This lake is part of the Bass Ponds that are utilized for angling and aquatic education. Hogback Ridge has been stocked with adult bluegill sunfish since 1993 for the Take A Kid Fishing Day. It has been managed as a FiN (Fishing in the Neighborhood program) since 2006 and is stocked annually, or as needed with adult northern pike, bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, and channel catfish.

A population assessment was conducted in 2006 to collect information about the fish community and water quality. The most abundant species sampled was black crappie with an above average abundance. Black crappies ranged in length from 3.3 to 10.2 inches and average 8.2 inches in length. Bluegill sunfish contribute to the popular fish at Hogback Ridge Lake. The bluegill abundance was below average for his lake type however their size was above average. Bluegill sunfish sampled averaged 6.25 inches in length. Even thought channel catfish and northern pike were captured in low abundance they were above average in size. Channel catfish averaged 22.3 inches in length and 4.1 pounds while northern pike averaged 26.6 inches and 4.0 pounds in weight. Largemouth bass was sampled at above average abundance for this lake type and averaged 11 inches in length. Largemouth bass should provide good fishing for the anglers at Hogback Ridge Lake.

Other species of interest that can make for an interesting fish trip to Hogback Ridge Lake include black bullhead, yellow bullhead, green and pumpkinseed sunfish, white crappie, white sucker, and common carp.