Bear

A standard survey was conducted on Bear Lake during the summer of 2015 to update information about fish populations. Walleye is the primary management species for Bear Lake and fingerlings are stocked during even numbered years. Walleye abundance of 1.0 per gillnet lift was average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Walleye average length was large at 20.1 inches. Two year-classes were represented, and both corresponded to stocked year-classes. Angling opportunities for Largemouth Bass are notable in Bear Lake with fish up to 20.6 inches sampled. The Largemouth Bass electrofishing catch rate was 29.0 fish per hour, which is average compared to other Duluth Area Largemouth Bass populations. Mean length of sampled bass was good at 14.6 inches. Panfish population density was average compared to other similar Minnesota lakes. Black Crappie average length was 6.8 inches but only 10% exceeded eight inches. Bluegill averaged 6.3 inches with some quality fish available up to 8.5 inches. Yellow Perch were scarce and small. Northern Pike abundance of 7.0 per gillnet lift was above average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Mean length was 22.8 inches and over 50% of the fish captured exceeded 24 inches long. Eurasion water milfoil was identified in Bear Lake during this survey. The infestation was well established and was very thick in the immediate vicinity of the public access, among other areas. The lake has been designated as infested waters and signs were posted to notify those using the public water access. Designation of the lake as an infested water prohibits the transport of water and harvest of bait. Extreme care must be exercised by thoroughly cleaning boats and trailers when leaving the lake to avoid spreading the aquatic invasive species to other waterbodies.

Bear is a 91 acre lake with 70 acres (77%) of littoral area and a maximum depth of 31 feet. The southwest bay of Bear Lake is known as Cub Lake. Cub is an 18 acre basin with 100% littoral area. These two basins began to be managed as one lake beginning in 1997, with additional nets set in Cub Lake at the time of a Bear Lake survey. The lake is located outside of the town of Barnum, MN. There is a county administered, concrete back-in access located off a frontage road on the east side of Interstate 35 at the Barnum exit. Bear was surveyed during the summer of 2007 to update information about fish populations. Currently, walleye fingerlings are stocked into Bear at a rate of 1 pound per littoral acre (70 pounds) every third year. Walleye abundance of 2.0 per gillnet lift was up from 1997 and was average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Walleye mean length was good at 18.0 inches but not enough individuals were sampled to evaluate growth. Three year-classes were represented, and 50% of the sample corresponded to stocked year-classes. Northern pike abundance of 7.5 per gillnet lift was down from 1997 (9.5) and was above average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Mean length was 20.7 inches and growth was average when compared to other Duluth Area lakes. All year-classes from 2003 through 2005 were represented. Black crappie abundance of 3.6 per trapnet lift was up from 1997 (2.3) and was average when compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Black crappie mean length was 7.8 inches and growth was slow when compared to other Duluth Area lakes. All year-classes from 1999 through 2005 were represented, except 2004. Bluegill abundance of 18.5 per trapnet lift was up from 1997 (10.3) and above average when compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Bluegill abundance continues to vary greatly over the past five investigations in Bear ranging from 1.0 in 1974 to 24.2 in 1967. Average length of sampled bluegills was 6.6 inches and growth was slow when compared to other Duluth Area lakes. All year-classes from 1998 to 2003 were represented. A total of 39 largemouth bass were sampled with electrofishing. The largemouth bass catch rate was 52.1 fish per hour, which was up from 1997 (27.0). Mean length of sampled bass was 11.9 inches, and growth was average when compared to other Duluth Area lakes. All year-classes from 1998 to 2005 were represented. Other fish species sampled include black bullhead, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead, pumpkinseed sunfish, hybrid sunfish and white sucker.

Bear is a small, moderately hardwater lake located outside the town of Barnum, Minnesota. A good public access, close proximity to town and the interstate, and a county owned campground put additional recreational use on this lightly developed lake. Bluegill, black crappie, northern pike and largemouth bass represent most of the fish community. Bluegill and black crappie numbers in the 1997 survey were about average when compared to lakes similar to Bear Lake. Average lengths were 6.0 and 8.1 inches respectively. Northen pike numbers were high although most pike were small and slow growing. Average pike length was 18.8 inches with a range from 15.5 to 24.1 inches. Largemouth bass were sampled in the spring of 1997. Several fish were sampled although the catch rate was lower than anticipated. Average length was a respectable 13.6 inches with a range from 9.6 to 19.1 inches. Growth rate was good and late summer seining showed another good year class in 1997. Other species of fish seen in low to average numbers in 1997 included: pumpkinseed, yellow perch, white sucker and walleye.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Bluegill, and Black Crappie in Bear. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Bear. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Bear has a maximum depth of 31 feet and a mean depth of 11 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Bear is from 2015. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Yes — Bear has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.