Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Bear Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
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We want to see what you've caught on Bear Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Bear Lake, MN
- How big is Bear Lake?
- How deep is Bear Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Bear Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Bear Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Bear Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Bear Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Bear Lake?
How big is Bear Lake?
How deep is Bear Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Bear Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Blacknose Shiner, Fathead Minnow, Golden Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Johnny Darter and White Sucker.
Are there places to stay in the Bear Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Bear Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Bear Lake?
Explore the Bear Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
Cozy Renovated Dutchmen Classic Camper Trailer : Kid & Pet Friendly
Frazee, MN
History & Status of the Fishery
Bear Lake is a 181-acre eutrophic (fertile) lake located in northeast Otter Tail County, approximately 12 miles northeast of Perham, MN. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth is 32 feet; however, 66% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth.
The majority of the shoreline of Bear Lake remains undeveloped. A state owned public water access is located on the north shoreline. Vast areas of emergent and submergent vegetation are prevalent throughout the lake. Emergent aquatic plants such as hardstem bulrush and common cattail provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms, and can actually absorb and break down polluting chemicals. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish such as Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish. They also serve as an important nursery area for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit.
A spring trapnetting assessment was conducted to analyze the Bluegill population. Bluegill abundance and size structure has historically fluctuated. In this survey, Bluegills were very abundant and 55% of the Bluegills measured 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills ranged in length from 3.5 to 8.5 inches with an average length of 6.8 inches. Bluegills attain an average length of 6.3 inches at five years of age.
Anglers can maintain the quality of fishing by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large size fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.
What is the average air temp for Bear Lake?
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Bear Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Unnamed Lake | 0.5 mi | 17 | |
Unnamed Lake | 0.6 mi | 15 | |
Edna Lake | 0.9 mi | 116 | |
Unnamed Lake | 1.5 mi | 1,072 | |
Mud Lake | 2.3 mi | 143 | |
Unnamed Lake | 3.5 mi | 10 | |
Unnamed Lake | 3.5 mi | 52 | |
Collett Lake | 4.2 mi | 72 | |
Mud Lake | 4.6 mi | 72 | |
Indian Lake | 5.2 mi | 25 |