Bear Creek Reservoir
About Bear Creek Reservoir
Bear Creek Reservoir is a 104-acre reservoir near Chester in Olmsted County, Minnesota. It reaches 37 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 16 feet, and has roughly 5.2 miles of shoreline.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. Special fishing regulations apply to largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and sunfish, black and white crappie, yellow perch, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (asphalt surface) managed by the county. OpenStreetMap shows Chester Woods Beach on or beside the lake. Chester Woods County Park Campground and Mallard Point Remote non-electric canoe-in only campsite are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Bear Creek Reservoir
- 104 acres, up to 37 feet deep, near Chester
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Chester Woods Beach)
- Camping close to the water at Chester Woods County Park Campground and Mallard Point Remote non-electric canoe-in only campsite
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 104 acres
- Max depth
- 37 ft
- Average depth
- 16 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.2 mi
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 (asphalt)
- Swim beach: Chester Woods Beach
- Camping: Chester Woods County Park Campground, Mallard Point Remote non-electric canoe-in only campsite, and Beaver Point Remote non-electric canoe-in only campsite
- Picnic area
Best For
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 4
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Combined possession limit one. The daily and possession limits for these species apply to the waters listed as a whole, that is, only one daily and possession limit may be taken from the group of waters that comprise the Rochester-Olmsted County Area Lakes
- Northern Pike: Possession limit one. The daily and possession limit of one for northern pike apply to the waters listed as a whole, that is, only one daily and possession limit may be taken from the group of waters that comprise the Rochester-Olmsted County Area Lakes
- Sunfish, Black and White Crappie, Yellow Perch: Combined possession limit ten, of which only five may be black or white crappie. The daily and possession limit for these species apply to the waters listed as a whole, that is, only one daily and possession limit may be taken from the group of waters that comprise the Rochester-Olmsted County Area Lakes.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Chester Woods County Park Campground, Mallard Point Remote non-electric canoe-in only campsite, Beaver Point Remote non-electric canoe-in only campsite, and Chester Woods Campground are mapped on or near Bear Creek Reservoir. 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 Creek Reservoir
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Nearby Lakes
Silver Creek Reservoir
22 out of 100 Lake ScoreOlmsted · Chester107 acres
4.2 miles away
Silver Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreOlmsted · Rochester50 acres
7.8 miles away
Lake Zumbro
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreOlmsted · Oronoco715 acres
15.4 miles away
Shady Lake
34 out of 100 Lake ScoreOlmsted · Oronoco144 acres
16.7 miles away
Goodview Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreWinona · Winona77 acres
29.8 miles away
Lake Winona
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreWinona · Winona308 acres
33.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bear Creek Reservoir?
Bear Creek Reservoir is in Olmsted County, Minnesota, near Chester. It covers 104 acres and reaches 37 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bear Creek Reservoir?
Bear Creek Reservoir covers 104 acres with about 5.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 37 feet and its average depth is about 16 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bear Creek Reservoir?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Bluegill. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Bear Creek Reservoir?
Yes. Bear Creek Reservoir has 1 public boat launch (asphalt), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Bear Creek Reservoir?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Chester Woods Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Bear Creek Reservoir stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Bear Creek Reservoir; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Bear Creek Reservoir?
Yes. Combined possession limit one. The daily and possession limits for these species apply to the waters listed as a whole, that is, only one daily and possession limit may be taken from the group of waters that comprise the Rochester-Olmsted County Area Lakes Possession limit one. The daily and possession limit of one for northern pike apply to the waters listed as a whole, that is, only one daily and possession limit may be taken from the group of waters that comprise the Rochester-Olmsted County Area Lakes Additional lake-specific rules apply; check the DNR regulations before you fish.
Can you camp at Bear Creek Reservoir?
Yes. Chester Woods County Park Campground, Mallard Point Remote non-electric canoe-in only campsite, and Beaver Point Remote non-electric canoe-in only campsite are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.