Bear Lake
About Bear Lake
Bear Lake is a 100-acre lake near Barnum in Carlton County, Minnesota. It reaches 31 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 11 feet, and has roughly 2.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.1 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2015.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county. Bear Lake County Park Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 19, based on 10 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Bear Lake
- 100 acres, up to 31 feet deep, near Barnum
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 6.1 feet
- Camping close to the water at Bear Lake County Park Campground
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 100 acres
- Max depth
- 31 ft
- Average depth
- 11 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 70 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
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Camping: Bear Lake County Park Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 11
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2015
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 19
- Years of record
- 10
- Earliest
- March 24, 2012
- Latest
- May 4, 2014
- Most recent
- May 1, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Bear Lake County Park Campground is mapped on or near Bear Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Bear Lake
Compare Bear Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Bear Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Little Hanging Horn Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Barnum114 acres
1.1 miles away
Hanging Horn Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Barnum409 acres
1.6 miles away
Moose Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Moose Lake133 acres
4.8 miles away
Moosehead Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Moose Lake279 acres
5.2 miles away
Echo Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Moose Lake108 acres
5.6 miles away
Sand Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Barnum128 acres
6.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bear Lake?
Bear Lake is in Carlton County, Minnesota, near Barnum. It covers 100 acres and reaches 31 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bear Lake?
Bear Lake covers 100 acres with about 2.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 31 feet and its average depth is about 11 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bear Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Bear Lake?
Yes. Bear Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
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?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Bear Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Bear Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 19, from 10 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 24, 2012 and the latest is May 4, 2014.
Can you camp at Bear Lake?
Yes. Bear Lake County Park Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Bear Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Bear Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.