Bear Lake
Carlton County, Minnesota
(1)Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be moderately active with peak fishing times around 2-4 PM. SEE MORE
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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?
- What are the closest cities to 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?
- Are there any state parks near 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 Blackchin Shiner, Cisco (Tullibee), Common Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Johnny Darter and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Bear Lake?
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?
What aquatic invasive species are found in Bear Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
A standard survey was conducted on Bear Lake during the summer of 2015 to update information about fish populations. Walleye is the primary management species for Bear Lake and fingerlings are stocked during even numbered years. Walleye abundance of 1.0 per gillnet lift was average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Walleye average length was large at 20.1 inches. Two year-classes were represented, and both corresponded to stocked year-classes.
Angling opportunities for Largemouth Bass are notable in Bear Lake with fish up to 20.6 inches sampled. The Largemouth Bass electrofishing catch rate was 29.0 fish per hour, which is average compared to other Duluth Area Largemouth Bass populations. Mean length of sampled bass was good at 14.6 inches.
Panfish population density was average compared to other similar Minnesota lakes. Black Crappie average length was 6.8 inches but only 10% exceeded eight inches. Bluegill averaged 6.3 inches with some quality fish available up to 8.5 inches. Yellow Perch were scarce and small.
Northern Pike abundance of 7.0 per gillnet lift was above average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Mean length was 22.8 inches and over 50% of the fish captured exceeded 24 inches long.
Eurasion water milfoil was identified in Bear Lake during this survey. The infestation was well established and was very thick in the immediate vicinity of the public access, among other areas. The lake has been designated as infested waters and signs were posted to notify those using the public water access. Designation of the lake as an infested water prohibits the transport of water and harvest of bait. Extreme care must be exercised by thoroughly cleaning boats and trailers when leaving the lake to avoid spreading the aquatic invasive species to other waterbodies.
What is the average air temp for Bear Lake?
Are there any state parks near Bear Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
Bear Lake Reviews
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More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Bear Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Bear Lake | 0.0 mi | 91 | 31 ft |
| Cub Lake | 0.5 mi | 106 | |
| Little Hanging Horn Lake | 1.1 mi | 114 | 70 ft |
| Hanging Horn Lake | 1.6 mi | 409 | 80 ft |
| Eddy Lake | 2.3 mi | 24 | 37 ft |
| Lake Twentynine | 2.4 mi | 52 | 25 ft |
| Crystal Lake | 3.7 mi | 42 | |
| Benfield Lake | 4.6 mi | 25 | |
| Moose Lake | 4.8 mi | 133 | 67 ft |
| Moosehead Lake | 5.2 mi | 279 | 18 ft |
