East Bearskin Lake
About East Bearskin Lake
East Bearskin Lake is a 593-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 66 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 13.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.3 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the US Forest Service. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. East Bearskin Lake #2 and East Bearskin Lake #3 are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to East Bearskin Lake
- 593 acres, up to 66 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 10.3 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at East Bearskin Lake #2 and East Bearskin Lake #3
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 593 acres
- Max depth
- 66 ft
- Shoreline
- 13.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 146 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 (gravel or earth)
- Swim beach
- Camping: East Bearskin Lake #2, East Bearskin Lake #3, and East Bearskin Lake #1
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
East Bearskin Lake #2, East Bearskin Lake #3, East Bearskin Lake #1, and East Bearskin Lake Campground are mapped on or near East Bearskin 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 East Bearskin Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Flour Lake
83 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais330 acres
1.2 miles away
Crocodile Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais295 acres
1.7 miles away
Moon Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais148 acres
1.7 miles away
Aspen Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais141 acres
2.3 miles away
Caribou Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais462 acres
3.2 miles away
Alder Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais529 acres
3.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is East Bearskin Lake?
East Bearskin Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 593 acres and reaches 66 feet deep.
How big and how deep is East Bearskin Lake?
East Bearskin Lake covers 593 acres with about 13.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 66 feet.
What fish can you catch at East Bearskin Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Lake Trout and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on East Bearskin Lake?
Yes. East Bearskin Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at East Bearskin Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is East Bearskin Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for East Bearskin Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at East Bearskin Lake?
Yes. East Bearskin Lake #2, East Bearskin Lake #3, and East Bearskin Lake #1 are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.