Little Bear Lake
About Little Bear Lake
Little Bear Lake is a 131-acre lake near Togo in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 35 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Little Bear Lake
- 131 acres, up to 35 feet deep, near Togo
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 8.3 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 131 acres
- Max depth
- 35 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 97 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 (gravel or earth)
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 7
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 Little Bear Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Bear Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Nashwauk344 acres
2.2 miles away
Napoleon Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Togo138 acres
3.8 miles away
Wilson Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Togo92 acres
3.8 miles away
Otter Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Togo117 acres
4.2 miles away
Walters Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Bigfork127 acres
4.3 miles away
Owen Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Bigfork268 acres
4.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Little Bear Lake?
Little Bear Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Togo. It covers 131 acres and reaches 35 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Little Bear Lake?
Little Bear Lake covers 131 acres with about 3.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 35 feet.
What fish can you catch at Little 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 Little Bear Lake?
Yes. Little Bear Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Little Bear Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Little 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 Little Bear Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Little Bear Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.