White Bear Lake
About White Bear Lake
White Bear Lake is a 2,428-acre lake near White Bear Lake in Washington County, Minnesota. It reaches 83 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 20 feet, and has roughly 13.6 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 2 among the 18 Washington County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the county and city. OpenStreetMap shows Bellaire Beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 12, based on 172 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to White Bear Lake
- 2,428 acres, up to 83 feet deep, near White Bear Lake
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the county and city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Average water clarity around 12.5 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Bellaire Beach)
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county, city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,428 acres
- Max depth
- 83 ft
- Average depth
- 20 ft
- Shoreline
- 13.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,314 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach: Bellaire Beach
- Marina
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 18
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 12
- Years of record
- 172
- Earliest
- March 8, 2024
- Latest
- May 4, 2018
- Most recent
- March 31, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to White Bear Lake
Compare White Bear Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how White Bear Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how White Bear Lake ranks among swimming lakes nearby.
See how White Bear Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how White Bear Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how White Bear Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Goose Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · Lake Shore Park115 acres
1.5 miles away
Bald Eagle Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · White Bear Lake1,049 acres
3.1 miles away
Silver Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreRamsey · North Saint Paul76 acres
3.4 miles away
Otter Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreAnoka · Bald Eagle302 acres
4.1 miles away
DeMontreville Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Lake Elmo157 acres
4.4 miles away
Sunset Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · White Bear Lake133 acres
4.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is White Bear Lake?
White Bear Lake is in Washington County, Minnesota, near White Bear Lake. It covers 2,428 acres and reaches 83 feet deep.
How big and how deep is White Bear Lake?
White Bear Lake covers 2,428 acres with about 13.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 83 feet and its average depth is about 20 feet.
What fish can you catch at White Bear Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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 White Bear Lake?
Yes. White Bear Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the county and city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at White Bear Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Bellaire Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is White Bear Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for White Bear Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on White Bear Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 12, from 172 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 8, 2024 and the latest is May 4, 2018.
Does White Bear Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists White Bear Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.