Bear Head

St. Louis County, Minnesota — DOW #69025400

102 Surveys

Special Regulations for Bear Head

This lake has regulations that differ from statewide defaults. Always check before fishing.

Daily limit five.

661.98

Acres

46 ft

Max Depth

Fish Species

Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Bear Head. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.

Burbot

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-08-22	Standard gill nets	0.2 (normal)	0.1 – 1.3	0.60 lb	1
2010-05-24	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	5.07 lb	1
1995-06-14	Standard gill nets	0.1 (normal)	0.1 – 1.3	2.87 lb	1
1989-08-24	Standard gill nets	0.2 (normal)	0.1 – 1.3	2.20 lb	1

Hybrid Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-08-22	Standard gill nets	0.6	—	0.27 lb	3
2011-06-06	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	0.19 lb	4
2018-08-20	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.47 lb	1
2018-08-20	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	0.14 lb	4
2010-05-24	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	0.04 lb	1
1995-06-14	Standard gill nets	0.9	—	0.35 lb	7
1995-06-14	Standard trap nets	2.4	—	0.26 lb	29
1989-08-24	Standard gill nets	1.4	—	0.27 lb	7

Northern Pike

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-08-22	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	1.2 – 3.6	4.20 lb	1
2011-06-06	Standard trap nets	2.8	—	2.67 lb	33
2018-08-20	Standard gill nets	5.1 (above normal)	1.2 – 3.6	2.64 lb	46
2018-08-20	Standard trap nets	1.4	—	1.97 lb	17
1980-08-18	Standard gill nets	1.3 (normal)	1.2 – 3.6	1.00 lb	4
1986-08-27	Standard gill nets	2.0 (normal)	1.2 – 3.6	1.39 lb	10
2010-05-24	Standard trap nets	1.4	—	2.57 lb	17
2004-06-07	Standard gill nets	3.3 (normal)	1.2 – 3.6	2.06 lb	39
2004-06-07	Standard trap nets	2.3	—	2.27 lb	27
1983-09-06	Standard gill nets	1.5 (normal)	1.2 – 3.6	2.61 lb	9
1983-09-06	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	2.65 lb	2
1995-06-14	Standard gill nets	1.4 (normal)	1.2 – 3.6	0.90 lb	11
1995-06-14	Standard trap nets	1.5	—	1.72 lb	18
1989-08-24	Standard gill nets	1.0 (below normal)	1.2 – 3.6	1.24 lb	5

Black Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-08-22	Standard gill nets	1.0 (normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.54 lb	5
2011-06-06	Standard trap nets	2.8 (normal)	1.6 – 3.3	0.50 lb	33
2018-08-20	Standard gill nets	1.4 (above normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.27 lb	13
2018-08-20	Standard trap nets	1.8 (normal)	1.6 – 3.3	0.33 lb	22
2010-05-24	Standard trap nets	0.8 (below normal)	1.6 – 3.3	0.51 lb	9
2004-06-07	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.29 lb	9
2004-06-07	Standard trap nets	2.3 (normal)	1.6 – 3.3	0.52 lb	27
1995-06-14	Standard gill nets	0.9 (normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.55 lb	7
1995-06-14	Standard trap nets	14.2 (above normal)	1.6 – 3.3	0.40 lb	170
1989-08-24	Standard gill nets	1.0 (normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.30 lb	5

Walleye

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-08-22	Standard gill nets	8.8 (normal)	3.1 – 9.8	1.25 lb	44
2011-06-06	Standard trap nets	1.0 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	3.02 lb	12
2018-08-20	Standard gill nets	8.7 (normal)	3.1 – 9.8	1.20 lb	78
2018-08-20	Standard trap nets	1.5 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.3	2.51 lb	18
1980-08-18	Standard gill nets	14.7 (above normal)	3.1 – 9.8	0.73 lb	44
1986-08-27	Standard gill nets	12.0 (above normal)	3.1 – 9.8	1.48 lb	60
2010-05-24	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	4.07 lb	11
2004-06-07	Standard gill nets	4.8 (normal)	3.1 – 9.8	1.80 lb	58
2004-06-07	Standard trap nets	1.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	3.62 lb	15
1983-09-06	Standard gill nets	6.2 (normal)	3.1 – 9.8	1.30 lb	37
1983-09-06	Standard trap nets	1.2 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	1.40 lb	7
1995-06-14	Standard gill nets	7.0 (normal)	3.1 – 9.8	1.43 lb	56
1995-06-14	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	1.29 lb	11
1989-08-24	Standard gill nets	6.8 (normal)	3.1 – 9.8	1.17 lb	34

Yellow Perch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-08-22	Standard gill nets	8.8 (above normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.16 lb	44
2018-08-20	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.4 – 1.9	0.13 lb	3
2018-08-20	Standard gill nets	0.7 (below normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.13 lb	6
1980-08-18	Standard gill nets	19.0 (above normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.11 lb	57
1986-08-27	Standard gill nets	8.4 (above normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.11 lb	42
2004-06-07	Standard gill nets	4.0 (normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.11 lb	48
1983-09-06	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.15 lb	2
1995-06-14	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.4 – 1.9	0.15 lb	7
1995-06-14	Standard gill nets	11.8 (above normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.11 lb	94
1989-08-24	Standard gill nets	2.4 (normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.22 lb	12

White Sucker

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-08-22	Standard gill nets	10.4 (above normal)	2.8 – 6.7	1.48 lb	52
2011-06-06	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 3.0	2.69 lb	4
2018-08-20	Standard gill nets	3.0 (normal)	2.8 – 6.7	2.31 lb	27
2018-08-20	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 3.0	2.24 lb	4
1980-08-18	Standard gill nets	14.3 (above normal)	2.8 – 6.7	1.28 lb	43
1986-08-27	Standard gill nets	6.4 (normal)	2.8 – 6.7	1.94 lb	32
2004-06-07	Standard gill nets	5.3 (normal)	2.8 – 6.7	2.19 lb	64
2004-06-07	Standard trap nets	1.9 (normal)	0.3 – 3.0	2.88 lb	23
1983-09-06	Standard gill nets	8.5 (above normal)	2.8 – 6.7	1.97 lb	51
1983-09-06	Standard trap nets	3.8 (above normal)	0.3 – 3.0	2.09 lb	23
1995-06-14	Standard gill nets	6.9 (above normal)	2.8 – 6.7	2.95 lb	55
1995-06-14	Standard trap nets	4.6 (above normal)	0.3 – 3.0	4.19 lb	55
1989-08-24	Standard gill nets	5.6 (normal)	2.8 – 6.7	1.66 lb	28

Bluegill

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1991-08-22	Standard gill nets	0.6	—	0.23 lb	3
2011-06-06	Standard trap nets	26.3 (above normal)	0.8 – 8.7	0.11 lb	316
2018-08-20	Standard gill nets	6.2	—	0.16 lb	56
2018-08-20	Standard trap nets	20.6 (above normal)	0.8 – 8.7	0.13 lb	247
2010-05-24	Standard trap nets	18.1 (above normal)	0.8 – 8.7	0.17 lb	217
2004-06-07	Standard trap nets	11.6 (above normal)	0.8 – 8.7	0.18 lb	139
2004-06-07	Standard gill nets	1.5	—	0.12 lb	18
1995-06-14	Standard gill nets	1.6	—	0.25 lb	13
1995-06-14	Standard trap nets	16.4 (above normal)	0.8 – 8.7	0.18 lb	197

Golden Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2018-08-20	Standard gill nets	0.8 (above normal)	0.1 – 0.2	0.12 lb	7

Largemouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2018-08-20	Standard electrofishing	63.4	—	1.00 lb	74
2018-08-20	Standard gill nets	0.7 (normal)	0.2 – 0.8	1.52 lb	6
2018-08-20	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.1 – 0.7	0.10 lb	1
1986-08-27	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.2 – 0.8	1.00 lb	4
2010-05-24	Standard electrofishing	28.4	—	1.14 lb	42
2004-06-07	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.1 – 0.7	0.73 lb	3
2004-06-07	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.2 – 0.8	1.55 lb	3
1983-09-06	Standard trap nets	0.2 (normal)	0.1 – 0.7	0.10 lb	1
1983-09-06	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.8	1.50 lb	1
1995-06-14	Standard electrofishing	12.1	—	0.69 lb	17
1995-06-14	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.1 – 0.7	0.08 lb	1
1989-08-24	Standard gill nets	0.4 (normal)	0.2 – 0.8	1.00 lb	2

Green Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1980-08-18	Standard gill nets	1.7 (normal)	0.1 – 1.7	0.16 lb	5
1986-08-27	Standard gill nets	2.4 (above normal)	0.1 – 1.7	0.20 lb	12
2010-05-24	Standard trap nets	0.2	—	0.21 lb	2

Pumpkinseed

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2010-05-24	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.4	0.34 lb	1
1983-09-06	Standard gill nets	0.5	—	0.13 lb	3
1983-09-06	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.4	0.15 lb	2
1995-06-14	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.4	0.10 lb	1

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Nearby Marinas

Anderson's Canoe Outfitters

Crane Lake, MN

(218) 780-6430

★ 4.9

Aronson Boat Works Inc

Tower, MN

(218) 753-4190

★ 4.5

Arrowhead Lodge

Kabetogama, MN

(218) 875-2141

★ 4.7

Bill's Boat Storage

Ely, MN

(218) 235-9824

★ 5

Birch Point Marine

Tower, MN

(218) 753-4404

★ 4.5

BP Marine Plus

Two Harbors, MN

(218) 830-2216

★ 5

Resorts & Lodges Near Bear Head

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Bear Head.

C&B Rentals

Fishing Resort Hibbing

(952) 356-5234

Espland's

Fishing Resort Ely

(218) 365-5282

Lake Vermilion Ice Fishing

Fishing Resort Tower

(218) 290-2435

Piney Woods Retreat in Ely, Minnesota - Vacation Cabin Rental

Fishing Resort Ely

(218) 235-1212

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

Species known to inhabit Bear Head. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black Crappie Bluegill Green Sunfish Hybrid Sunfish Largemouth Bass Northern Pike Walleye White Sucker Yellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Bear Head

218 Sportfishing

Fishing Guide

(218) 409-4744

Angler Management Duluth Charters

Fishing Guide

(218) 390-7933

Basswood Trails Guide Service

(218) 349-5226

(651) 270-7155

(218) 393-7121

Chasin' Tail Charters MN

Fishing Guide

(320) 980-6667

View all 33 guides →

Other Lakes in St. Louis County

Plan Your Trip to Bear Head

Weather forecast for Bear Head — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
GPS: 47.7818°N, 92.0816°W — Get Directions
View on MN DNR LakeFinder for the latest survey data and lake info
Review Minnesota fishing regulations for season dates and limits
A Minnesota fishing license is required for ages 16+ — buy online at dnr.state.mn.us

Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.

Bear Head

Special Regulations for Bear Head

DNR Fish Surveys

Burbot

Hybrid Sunfish

Northern Pike

Black Crappie

Walleye

Yellow Perch

White Sucker

Bluegill

Golden Shiner

Largemouth Bass

Green Sunfish

Pumpkinseed

Depth Maps & Lake Info

Map & Directions

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Arrowhead Outdoors

Bass Pro Shops

Benders

Brimson Sportsman Corner

Canadian Waters Inc

Canoe Country Outfitters

Cenex

Cliff Wold's Outfitting Co.

Nearby Marinas

Anderson's Canoe Outfitters

Aronson Boat Works Inc

Arrowhead Lodge

Bill's Boat Storage

Birch Point Marine

BP Marine Plus

Resorts & Lodges Near Bear Head

Fish Species

Fishing Guides Near Bear Head

Other Lakes in St. Louis County

Aerie

Agassa

Agnes

Alden

Alruss

Angleworm

Plan Your Trip to Bear Head