East Bearskin Lake

How big is East Bearskin Lake?

How deep is East Bearskin Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in East Bearskin Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available East Bearskin Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of East Bearskin Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

East Bearskin Lake (East)

East Bearskin Lake (West)

Are there boat launches on East Bearskin Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near East Bearskin Lake?

East Bearskin is a 593-acre lake approximately 30 miles north of Grand Marais with a public boat landing located on the western bay of the lake. Primary management species in East Bearskin have historically been lake trout, walleye,and smallmouth bass. The 2023 standard survey was conducted to evaluate the lake trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass populations in East Bearskin. It was also the second of three scheduled surveys in the 2014 management plan to determine whether a reproducing lake trout population has become established and determine whether goals for the walleye population can be met with supplemental stocking.

Lake trout were re-introduced into East Bearskin Lake in 1993 and have been stocked as yearlings in odd-numbered years since 1997 until stocking ended in 2022. Lake trout abundance has been declining since 2001, with no lake trout captured in the 2023 survey. Surveys indicated that stocking events in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021 resulted in poor survival and were not successful in establishing a population. Thermal habitat may be a limiting factor for lake trout in East Bearskin. A temperature-oxygen profile completed in late-July found cold, well-oxygenated water from 24-51 ft deep. Although conditions probably deteriorated further as the summer progressed, a sufficient volume of suitable habitat may have persisted until fall turnover.

Walleye catch rates were similar to historic values but are below average for similar Minnesota lakes and fell below the current management goal. Walleye ranged from 7.5 to 28.6 inches with a mean of 14.8 inches. Aging results showed 9 year classes present with the oldest fish being 18 years old. Most year classes align with historic walleye fry stockings. However, naturally reproduced year classes seem to be present in the population from 2016 and 2020. Walleye growth rates were good with individuals averaging 15.6 inches at year 4.

Smallmouth bass catch rates were relatively low, but similar to previous surveys. Smallmouth bass ranged between 3.6 and 13.5 inches with the majority of fish being small. Future creel surveys and targeted smallmouth bass surveys are planned.

Northern pike catch rates were low and fell below average for similar area lakes. Although not very numerous, there were good sized northern pike captured in the survey up to 36 inches. Anglers targeting northern pike in East Bearskin have the potential to encounter some larger individuals.

Yellow perch abundance was similar to past catches in this lake and not very large in size. Low numbers of bluegill, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, green sunfish and largemouth bass were also sampled in trap nets during 2023. Largemouth Bass have been sampled occasionally in East Bearskin Lake. Their abundance in this lake also appears low and no individuals collected were larger than 7 inches.

Are there any state parks near East Bearskin Lake?