Bear Lake
About Bear Lake
Bear Lake is a 198-acre lake near Perham in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 32 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.1 miles of shoreline.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 2 fish species here, including largemouth bass and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2016.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Bear Lake
- 198 acres, up to 32 feet deep, near Perham
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: largemouth bass and bluegill
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 198 acres
- Max depth
- 32 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.1 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 120 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
- 2
- Game fish
- 2
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2016
- 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 Bear Lake
Compare Bear Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Big Pine Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Perham4,728 acres
6.4 miles away
Dead Lake
10 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Evergreen270 acres
7.6 miles away
Little Pine Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Perham2,080 acres
8.1 miles away
Wolf Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Wolf Lake1,460 acres
9.5 miles away
Murphy Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Frazee317 acres
12.2 miles away
Silver Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Frazee239 acres
12.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bear Lake?
Bear Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Perham. It covers 198 acres and reaches 32 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bear Lake?
Bear Lake covers 198 acres with about 4.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 32 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bear Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Largemouth Bass and Bluegill. 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 (gravel or earth), 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?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Bear Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.