New Lake Phalen Fishing Pier in the Works

The fishing pier has been removed and will be replaced with a new pier that extends
20 feet into the lake with an octagon platform.
 

Thanks to Bill Bartodziej, the Watershed District Natural Resources Specialist, for instigating a process that will result in the installation of a new public fishing dock on the west side of Lake Phalen this spring. The old one, heavily used by the public, fell into disrepair and was removed from the lake in 2013. Bill rallied the DNR and St. Paul Parks and Recreation and came up with a plan for how to get it funded and installed.

 

RWMWD is providing funding for the decking and railings, the DNR is paying $5,000 for lumber and parts and St. Paul Parks and Recreation is contributing the labor to build the dock and install it. The new dock will extend about 20 feet from the shore with a large octagon-shaped platform with a railing at the end.

The pier should be in place by the end of May, in time for the annual Lake Phalen WaterFest held on May 30 from 11 am - 4 pm at Lake Phalen Park. Both the DNR’s program, Fishing-in-the-Neighborhood and Hmong Outdoor Enthusiasts will be on hand near the new pier to help people who want to fish by providing poles, bait and friendly advice on how to fish. There will be a fishing contest from noon to 3 pm. Thank you to both these organizations for their support each year at WaterFest.

Happy fishing this summer! You can look forward to catching sunfish, crappies and an occasional bass, bullhead or perch if the catching is good!