Bear Head Lake
About Bear Head Lake
Bear Head Lake is a 662-acre lake near Tower in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 46 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 12.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.2 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 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. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Bear Head Lake State Park Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around April 27, based on 25 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Bear Head Lake
- 662 acres, up to 46 feet deep, near Tower
- 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 12.2 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Bear Head Lake State Park Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 662 acres
- Max depth
- 46 ft
- Shoreline
- 12.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 371 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
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Bear Head Lake State Park Campground
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
- 10
- Game fish
- 7
- 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 27
- Years of record
- 25
- Earliest
- March 24, 2012
- Latest
- May 13, 2013
- Most recent
- April 24, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Bear Head Lake State Park Campground is mapped on or near Bear Head 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 Head Lake
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Eagles Nest #2 Lake
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Eagles Nest No. Four Lake
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Eagles Nest #1 Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bear Head Lake?
Bear Head Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Tower. It covers 662 acres and reaches 46 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bear Head Lake?
Bear Head Lake covers 662 acres with about 12.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 46 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bear Head Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Bear Head Lake?
Yes. Bear Head 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 Head 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 Bear Head Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Bear Head Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Bear Head Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Bear Head Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 27, from 25 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 24, 2012 and the latest is May 13, 2013.
Can you camp at Bear Head Lake?
Yes. Bear Head Lake State Park Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.