Bear Head

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Bear Head Lake, was conducted on July 28-July 30, 2025, by Lake Biological Monitoring and Assessment Program (LBMA) staff. Nearshore sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing, mini-fyke nets, and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing and 1/8" mesh mini-fyke net were completed at 14 sampling stations. Additionally, a 50-foot seine was used to sample two stations and a 15-foot seine was used at seven stations . These seine stations were completed in non-standard locations to help with sampling efforts and ensure varied habitat types. Nearshore sampling captured nine species of fish. The nearshore data along with gill net and standard trap net data will be used to develop fish community models for Northeast Minnesota lakes, which will be used to measure lake health in this region. These models may function similarly to fish IBI models developed for lakes across much of the rest of the state. For additional information, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. You can help protect the fish community in Bear Head Lake by reducing runoff, maintaining natural shorelines, and preventing the spread of invasive species.

Bear Head is a 674 acre lake located nine miles west of Ely in Bear Head State Park. On 07/31/23 the lake was stratified with a surface temperature of 72.7 F and a bottom temperature of 42.0 F. Oxygen sufficient for fish was present to a depth of 15 feet where the water temperature was 62.6 F. Secchi visibility was 13 feet and maximum depth is 46 ft. Aquatic vegetation is abundant in the northwest and south bays, with the northeast arm characterized by steep drop-offs and rock structure. In this survey, fish were sampled with 9 gill nets and 12 trap nets. Night electrofishing targeting bass was not completed due to time limitations. Eight species of fish were sampled with walleye and bluegill dominating the gill net and trap net catches, respectively. Northern pike and black crappie were also prevalent in 2023. Walleye fry are currently stocked in odd years. Walleye were sampled at a rate of 11.4/net. This was above the long-term average in Bear Head and higher than average compared to similar Tower area lakes. Walleye lengths ranged from 7.5 to 24 inches with a mean of 12.5 inches. Ages ranged from 1 to 16 years with consistent recruitment to age 4. Walleye growth was slightly below average. Northern Pike were sampled at a rate of 7.0/net. This is the highest rate from Bear Head to date and above average to similar area lakes. Lengths ranged from 9 to almost 40 inches with a mean of 24 inches. The mean length was the second highest on record and maximum length was the highest to date from Bear Head. Fish greater than 30 inches represented 19% of the catch. Bluegill were sampled at a rate of 24.8/net which was above average for Bear Head and the Tower area. Lengths ranged from 3.5 to 9 inches with a mean length of 5.5 inches. Bluegill greater than 8 inches represented 3% of the catch. Ages ranged from 3 to 12 years. Recruitment past age-5 was somewhat erratic, with 2016, 2015, and 2012 prominent years. Bluegill growth was slow. Bluegills in Bear Head are specially regulated with a 5 fish daily bag limit. Black crappie were sampled at a rate of 3.4/net which was slightly above average. Lengths ranged from 5 to 12 inches with a mean length of about 8 inches. Black crappie greater than 10 inches represented 17% of the catch. Ages ranged from 1 to 8 years with no age-2 fish represented. Recruitment appears consistent, with a strong 2020 class making up about half of the catch. Growth was slower than average. Largemouth bass were present in both gill nets and trap nets, but sizes and numbers captured poorly represent the population present. The previous survey in 2018 included night electrofishing and captured above average numbers of largemouth for the lake. Fish up to 18.5 inches were sampled and 45% of the catch was greater than 12 inches in length.

Bear Head Lake is a 662 acre lake located 9 miles east of Tower and is contained entirely within Bear Head Lake State Park. To access the lake by vehicle, a MN State Parks permit is required. There is a public concrete ramp near the state park campground on the northwest bay. Aside from the campground area, the shoreline is completely undeveloped. Bear Head has a maximum depth of 46 feet and clear water. Bear Head Lake was identified as a candidate for bluegill regulation as part of the Quality Sunfish Initiative (QSI). A daily bag limit of 5 bluegill was implemented in the spring of 2021. This survey was conducted to gather additional data on the bluegill population prior to the regulation start date. The bluegill trapnet catch was 13.9 fish/net which was low compared to some of the recent surveys on Bear Head, however it was better than the average for Tower Area lakes and other similar lakes throughout the state. Sizes ranged from 4 to 9 inches with an average of 6 inches. Size structure was on the small side with 88% of the bluegill under 7.5 inches long. Ages ranged from 4 to 10 years old with strong representation from the 2012 year class. Growth was slow compared to other bluegill populations in the area. On average it takes 7 to 8 years for a bluegill in Bear Head to reach 6 inches. The intent of the bluegill regulation is to reduce angler harvest which should give more fish a chance to achieve larger sizes and moves the overall population structure toward bigger bluegill.

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

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Bear Head. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Bear Head has a maximum depth of 46 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Bear Head is from 2023.

No invasive species are on record for Bear Head in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.