Bear Lake
About Bear Lake
Bear Lake is a 344-acre lake near Nashwauk in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 16 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.7 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
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. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Bear Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around April 20, based on 10 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Bear Lake
- 344 acres, up to 16 feet deep, near Nashwauk
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 3.7 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water at Bear Lake Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 344 acres
- Max depth
- 16 ft
- Shoreline
- 3 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 268 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 Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- 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
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 20
- Years of record
- 10
- Earliest
- March 24, 2012
- Latest
- May 10, 2013
- Most recent
- April 6, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Bear Lake 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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Nearby Lakes
Little Bear Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Togo131 acres
2.2 miles away
Otter Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Togo117 acres
4.3 miles away
Wasson Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Taconite438 acres
4.7 miles away
Walters Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Bigfork127 acres
4.8 miles away
Napoleon Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Togo138 acres
5.2 miles away
Owen Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Bigfork268 acres
5.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bear Lake?
Bear Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Nashwauk. It covers 344 acres and reaches 16 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bear Lake?
Bear Lake covers 344 acres with about 3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 16 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bear Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass 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 Minnesota DNR. 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.
Are there special fishing regulations on Bear Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Bear Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 20, from 10 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 24, 2012 and the latest is May 10, 2013.
Can you camp at Bear Lake?
Yes. Bear Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.