Bear Head Lake

How big is Bear Head Lake?

How deep is Bear Head Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Bear Head Lake?

What are the closest cities to Bear Head Lake?

Are there boat launches on Bear Head Lake?

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Are there places to eat and drink near Bear Head Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Bear Head Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Bear Head Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

Bear Head is a 674 acre lake located nine miles west of Ely in Bear Head State Park. On 07/31/23 the lake was stratified with a surface temperature of 72.7 F and a bottom temperature of 42.0 F. Oxygen sufficient for fish was present to a depth of 15 feet where the water temperature was 62.6 F. Secchi visibility was 13 feet and maximum depth is 46 ft. Aquatic vegetation is abundant in the northwest and south bays, with the northeast arm characterized by steep drop-offs and rock structure.

In this survey, fish were sampled with 9 gill nets and 12 trap nets. Night electrofishing targeting bass was not completed due to time limitations. Eight species of fish were sampled with walleye and bluegill dominating the gill net and trap net catches, respectively. Northern pike and black crappie were also prevalent in 2023. Walleye fry are currently stocked in odd years.

Walleye were sampled at a rate of 11.4/net. This was above the long-term average in Bear Head and higher than average compared to similar Tower area lakes. Walleye lengths ranged from 7.5 to 24 inches with a mean of 12.5 inches. Ages ranged from 1 to 16 years with consistent recruitment to age 4. Walleye growth was slightly below average.

Northern Pike were sampled at a rate of 7.0/net. This is the highest rate from Bear Head to date and above average to similar area lakes. Lengths ranged from 9 to almost 40 inches with a mean of 24 inches. The mean length was the second highest on record and maximum length was the highest to date from Bear Head. Fish greater than 30 inches represented 19% of the catch.

Bluegill were sampled at a rate of 24.8/net which was above average for Bear Head and the Tower area. Lengths ranged from 3.5 to 9 inches with a mean length of 5.5 inches. Bluegill greater than 8 inches represented 3% of the catch. Ages ranged from 3 to 12 years. Recruitment past age-5 was somewhat erratic, with 2016, 2015, and 2012 prominent years. Bluegill growth was slow. Bluegills in Bear Head are specially regulated with a 5 fish daily bag limit.

Black crappie were sampled at a rate of 3.4/net which was slightly above average. Lengths ranged from 5 to 12 inches with a mean length of about 8 inches. Black crappie greater than 10 inches represented 17% of the catch. Ages ranged from 1 to 8 years with no age-2 fish represented. Recruitment appears consistent, with a strong 2020 class making up about half of the catch. Growth was slower than average.

Largemouth bass were present in both gill nets and trap nets, but sizes and numbers captured poorly represent the population present. The previous survey in 2018 included night electrofishing and captured above average numbers of largemouth for the lake. Fish up to 18.5 inches were sampled and 45% of the catch was greater than 12 inches in length.

What is the average air temp for Bear Head Lake?

Are there any state parks near Bear Head Lake?