Bear Lake
About Bear Lake
Bear Lake is a 124-acre lake near McGrath in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It reaches 60 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 10 feet, and has roughly 2.6 miles of shoreline.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2004.
No public water access is on record with the DNR, so getting on the water generally depends on a resort, private landing or permission from a shoreline owner. Ice typically goes out around April 11, based on 25 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Bear Lake
- 124 acres, up to 60 feet deep, near McGrath
- No public access on record — access is through resorts, private landings or shoreline owners
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
Access & Fees
- Public access
- No public access on record
- Launch fee
- —
Conditions
- Surface area
- 124 acres
- Max depth
- 60 ft
- Average depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.6 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 93 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 8
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2004
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 11
- Years of record
- 25
- Earliest
- March 14, 2024
- Latest
- May 7, 2013
- Most recent
- April 13, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Bear Lake
Compare Bear Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Cedar Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · McGrath249 acres
2.3 miles away
Five Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreKanabec · Giese44 acres
12.7 miles away
Sugar Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Glen416 acres
13.1 miles away
Mille Lacs Lake
81 out of 100 Lake ScoreMille Lacs · Garrison128,250 acres
13.3 miles away
Pine Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Finlayson378 acres
14.3 miles away
Clear Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Glen574 acres
14.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bear Lake?
Bear Lake is in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near McGrath. It covers 124 acres and reaches 60 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bear Lake?
Bear Lake covers 124 acres with about 2.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 60 feet and its average depth is about 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bear Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Bear Lake?
No. The DNR lists no public water access on Bear Lake.
Can you swim at Bear Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Bear Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Bear Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Bear Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Bear Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 11, from 25 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 14, 2024 and the latest is May 7, 2013.