Bearskin Lake
About Bearskin Lake
Bearskin Lake is a 509-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 78 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 31 feet, and has roughly 8.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 19.4 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and lake trout. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Bearskin Lake
- 509 acres, up to 78 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and lake trout
- Average water clarity around 19.4 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 509 acres
- Max depth
- 78 ft
- Average depth
- 31 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 19.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 94 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
- A trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- 1 carry-in access
Best For
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 9
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Bearskin Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Hungry Jack Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais474 acres
0.8 miles away
Daniels Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais509 acres
1.2 miles away
Aspen Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais141 acres
1.8 miles away
Flour Lake
83 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais330 acres
2.1 miles away
Duncan Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais477 acres
2.1 miles away
Leo Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais102 acres
2.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bearskin Lake?
Bearskin Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 509 acres and reaches 78 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bearskin Lake?
Bearskin Lake covers 509 acres with about 8.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 78 feet and its average depth is about 31 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bearskin Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Lake Trout. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Bearskin Lake?
Yes. Bearskin Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Bearskin Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Bearskin 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 Bearskin Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Bearskin Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.