Bear Island

St. Louis County, Minnesota — DOW #69011500

174 Surveys

2,362.47

Acres

62 ft

Max Depth

0

13

Fish Species

33

Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

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

Northern Pike

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1980-08-25	Standard gill nets	2.7 (normal)	1.2 – 3.6	1.81 lb	8
2013-06-24	Standard gill nets	4.3 (above normal)	1.2 – 3.6	2.63 lb	52
2013-06-24	Standard trap nets	0.8	—	1.65 lb	12
1985-09-09	Standard gill nets	3.0 (normal)	1.2 – 3.6	2.73 lb	30
2008-06-30	Standard gill nets	3.4 (normal)	1.2 – 3.6	2.49 lb	51
2008-06-30	Standard trap nets	0.8	—	2.39 lb	12
1989-08-25	Standard gill nets	2.5 (normal)	1.2 – 3.6	2.75 lb	20
1998-06-15	Standard gill nets	4.0 (above normal)	1.2 – 3.6	2.35 lb	60
1998-06-15	Standard trap nets	1.3	—	2.53 lb	20
1991-08-29	Standard gill nets	2.0 (normal)	1.2 – 3.6	2.64 lb	16
1991-08-29	Standard trap nets	0.5	—	2.32 lb	5
2018-08-27	Standard gill nets	2.6 (normal)	1.2 – 3.6	2.92 lb	31
2018-08-27	Standard trap nets	0.9	—	1.99 lb	13
1983-09-07	Standard gill nets	2.9 (normal)	1.2 – 3.6	2.55 lb	26
2013-08-05	50-ft beach seine	0.5	—	—	2
2013-08-05	1/4-in trap nets	0.1	—	—	3

Rock Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1980-08-25	Standard gill nets	5.3 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.2	0.22 lb	16
2013-06-24	Standard gill nets	3.4 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.2	0.37 lb	41
2013-06-24	Standard trap nets	6.3 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.30 lb	95
1985-09-09	Standard gill nets	4.0 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.2	0.35 lb	40
2008-06-30	Standard gill nets	3.8 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.2	0.31 lb	57
2008-06-30	Standard trap nets	7.1 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.26 lb	106
1989-08-25	Standard gill nets	5.0 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.2	0.36 lb	40
1998-06-15	Standard gill nets	4.7 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.2	0.76 lb	71
1998-06-15	Standard trap nets	11.9 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.59 lb	179
1991-08-29	Standard gill nets	8.1 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.2	0.26 lb	65
1991-08-29	Standard trap nets	3.0 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.18 lb	30
2018-08-27	Standard gill nets	3.9 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.2	0.36 lb	47
2018-08-27	Standard trap nets	6.7 (above normal)	0.3 – 1.0	0.26 lb	100
1983-09-07	Standard gill nets	7.6 (above normal)	0.5 – 2.2	0.34 lb	68
2013-08-05	1/4-in trap nets	2.7	—	—	65
2013-08-05	Backpack electrofishing	7.1	—	—	26

Smallmouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1980-08-25	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 0.7	1.00 lb	1
2013-06-24	Standard gill nets	1.2 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.7	1.67 lb	14
2013-06-24	Standard trap nets	0.1 (normal)	0.1 – 0.4	0.93 lb	2
1985-09-09	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 0.7	0.30 lb	1
2008-06-30	Standard gill nets	1.8 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.7	1.10 lb	27
2008-06-30	Standard trap nets	0.1 (normal)	0.1 – 0.4	2.25 lb	2
1989-08-25	Standard gill nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 0.7	0.84 lb	5
1998-06-15	Standard electrofishing	1.2	—	0.31 lb	3
1998-06-15	Survey seining	0.1	—	—	1
1998-06-15	Standard gill nets	1.4 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.7	1.51 lb	21
1998-06-15	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.1 – 0.4	1.99 lb	1
1991-08-29	Standard gill nets	1.1 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.7	0.62 lb	9
1991-08-29	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.1 – 0.4	0.30 lb	4
2018-08-27	Standard gill nets	1.3 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.7	1.77 lb	16
2018-08-27	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.1 – 0.4	2.67 lb	1
1983-09-07	Standard gill nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 0.7	1.07 lb	4
2013-08-05	1/4-in trap nets	10.0	—	—	241
2013-08-05	Backpack electrofishing	32.4	—	—	119
2013-08-05	50-ft beach seine	10.5	—	—	42

Walleye

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1980-08-25	Standard gill nets	10.0 (above normal)	3.1 – 9.8	0.58 lb	30
2013-06-24	Standard gill nets	9.2 (normal)	3.1 – 9.8	0.97 lb	110
2013-06-24	Standard trap nets	1.1 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	1.57 lb	17
1985-09-09	Standard gill nets	3.0 (below normal)	3.1 – 9.8	1.33 lb	30
2008-06-30	Standard gill nets	5.7 (normal)	3.1 – 9.8	1.16 lb	86
2008-06-30	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	1.74 lb	8
1989-08-25	Standard gill nets	8.1 (normal)	3.1 – 9.8	0.85 lb	65
1998-06-15	Standard electrofishing	0.8	—	0.06 lb	2
1998-06-15	Standard gill nets	6.6 (normal)	3.1 – 9.8	1.59 lb	99
1998-06-15	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.94 lb	7
1991-08-29	Standard gill nets	7.5 (normal)	3.1 – 9.8	0.92 lb	60
1991-08-29	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.30 lb	4
2018-08-27	Standard gill nets	4.5 (normal)	3.1 – 9.8	0.91 lb	54
2018-08-27	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 1.3	0.99 lb	10
1983-09-07	Standard gill nets	5.0 (normal)	3.1 – 9.8	0.65 lb	45
2013-08-05	1/4-in trap nets	0.3	—	—	7
2013-08-05	50-ft beach seine	1.0	—	—	4

Yellow Perch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1980-08-25	Standard gill nets	2.3 (normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.07 lb	7
2013-06-24	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.4 – 1.9	0.13 lb	5
2013-06-24	Standard gill nets	2.0 (normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.12 lb	24
1985-09-09	Standard gill nets	1.3 (below normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.23 lb	13
2008-06-30	Standard trap nets	1.0 (normal)	0.4 – 1.9	0.21 lb	15
2008-06-30	Standard gill nets	1.9 (below normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.23 lb	28
1989-08-25	Standard gill nets	2.0 (normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.23 lb	16
1998-06-15	Standard trap nets	1.3 (normal)	0.4 – 1.9	0.11 lb	19
1998-06-15	Survey seining	6.9	—	—	62
1998-06-15	Standard gill nets	1.5 (below normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.19 lb	22
1991-08-29	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.4 – 1.9	0.25 lb	2
1991-08-29	Standard gill nets	1.9 (below normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.17 lb	15
2018-08-27	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.4 – 1.9	0.31 lb	1
2018-08-27	Standard gill nets	0.7 (below normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.17 lb	8
1983-09-07	Standard gill nets	1.7 (below normal)	1.9 – 7.1	0.16 lb	15
2013-08-05	50-ft beach seine	90.8	—	—	363
2013-08-05	1/4-in trap nets	520.3	—	—	12486
2013-08-05	Backpack electrofishing	56.1	—	—	206

White Sucker

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1980-08-25	Standard gill nets	2.7 (below normal)	2.8 – 6.7	1.25 lb	8
2013-06-24	Standard gill nets	2.6 (below normal)	2.8 – 6.7	2.40 lb	31
2013-06-24	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 3.0	3.18 lb	10
1985-09-09	Standard gill nets	3.6 (normal)	2.8 – 6.7	2.00 lb	36
2008-06-30	Standard gill nets	2.3 (below normal)	2.8 – 6.7	1.45 lb	35
2008-06-30	Standard trap nets	0.8 (normal)	0.3 – 3.0	2.57 lb	12
1989-08-25	Standard gill nets	3.8 (normal)	2.8 – 6.7	1.81 lb	30
1998-06-15	Standard gill nets	4.1 (normal)	2.8 – 6.7	3.57 lb	62
1998-06-15	Standard trap nets	1.7 (normal)	0.3 – 3.0	4.61 lb	25
1991-08-29	Standard gill nets	3.1 (normal)	2.8 – 6.7	1.15 lb	25
1991-08-29	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.3 – 3.0	2.16 lb	9
2018-08-27	Standard gill nets	1.1 (below normal)	2.8 – 6.7	1.84 lb	13
2018-08-27	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 3.0	3.43 lb	7
1983-09-07	Standard gill nets	2.7 (below normal)	2.8 – 6.7	1.71 lb	24
2013-08-05	1/4-in trap nets	0.4	—	—	10
2013-08-05	Backpack electrofishing	0.3	—	—	1
2013-08-05	50-ft beach seine	28.3	—	—	113

Tullibee (Cisco)

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1980-08-25	Standard gill nets	0.7 (below normal)	1.8 – 12.4	0.05 lb	2
2013-06-24	Standard gill nets	5.3 (normal)	1.8 – 12.4	0.08 lb	63
1985-09-09	Standard gill nets	0.7 (below normal)	1.8 – 12.4	0.10 lb	7
2008-06-30	Standard gill nets	4.9 (normal)	1.8 – 12.4	0.04 lb	73
1998-06-15	Standard gill nets	0.7 (below normal)	1.8 – 12.4	0.17 lb	11
1991-08-29	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	1.8 – 12.4	0.10 lb	1
1983-09-07	Standard gill nets	0.7 (below normal)	1.8 – 12.4	0.10 lb	6

Hybrid Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-06-24	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	0.30 lb	4
2008-06-30	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	0.36 lb	4

Bluegill

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-06-24	Standard gill nets	0.6	—	0.34 lb	7
2013-06-24	Standard trap nets	22.0 (above normal)	0.8 – 8.7	0.23 lb	330
2008-06-30	Standard gill nets	3.3	—	0.21 lb	50
2008-06-30	Standard trap nets	35.3 (above normal)	0.8 – 8.7	0.12 lb	529
1989-08-25	Standard gill nets	0.8	—	0.38 lb	6
1998-06-15	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.24 lb	1
1998-06-15	Standard trap nets	2.1 (normal)	0.8 – 8.7	0.18 lb	31
1991-08-29	Standard gill nets	0.1	—	0.40 lb	1
1991-08-29	Standard trap nets	1.2 (normal)	0.8 – 8.7	0.28 lb	12
2018-08-27	Standard gill nets	0.6	—	0.27 lb	7
2018-08-27	Standard trap nets	1.9 (normal)	0.8 – 8.7	0.26 lb	28
1983-09-07	Standard gill nets	0.3	—	0.43 lb	3
2013-08-05	1/4-in trap nets	3.5	—	—	85
2013-08-05	Backpack electrofishing	1.9	—	—	7
2013-08-05	50-ft beach seine	5.5	—	—	22

Largemouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-06-24	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.1 – 0.7	0.19 lb	1
2008-06-30	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.1 – 0.7	0.28 lb	8
1998-06-15	Standard electrofishing	2.5	—	0.03 lb	6
1998-06-15	Survey seining	0.1	—	—	1
1991-08-29	Standard trap nets	0.1 (normal)	0.1 – 0.7	2.00 lb	1
2018-08-27	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.1 – 0.7	3.15 lb	1
2013-08-05	50-ft beach seine	11.0	—	—	44
2013-08-05	1/4-in trap nets	23.8	—	—	571
2013-08-05	Backpack electrofishing	14.7	—	—	54

Pumpkinseed

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-06-24	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.4	0.21 lb	4
2008-06-30	Standard trap nets	1.5 (normal)	0.5 – 3.4	0.15 lb	22
1998-06-15	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.5 – 3.4	0.14 lb	9
2018-08-27	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.5 – 3.4	0.20 lb	9
2013-08-05	1/4-in trap nets	0.2	—	—	5

Black Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-06-24	Standard trap nets	1.5 (below normal)	1.6 – 3.3	0.28 lb	23
1985-09-09	Standard gill nets	0.2 (normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.25 lb	2
2008-06-30	Standard gill nets	0.2 (normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.41 lb	3
2008-06-30	Standard trap nets	1.0 (below normal)	1.6 – 3.3	0.20 lb	15
1989-08-25	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.10 lb	2
1998-06-15	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.26 lb	5
1998-06-15	Standard trap nets	2.1 (normal)	1.6 – 3.3	0.47 lb	31
1991-08-29	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.2 – 1.4	0.35 lb	2
1991-08-29	Standard trap nets	3.1 (normal)	1.6 – 3.3	0.49 lb	31
2018-08-27	Standard trap nets	0.9 (below normal)	1.6 – 3.3	0.50 lb	14
2013-08-05	1/4-in trap nets	0.7	—	—	16
2013-08-05	Backpack electrofishing	0.5	—	—	2
2013-08-05	50-ft beach seine	15.5	—	—	62

Golden Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2008-06-30	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	0.09 lb	2
2018-08-27	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	0.15 lb	1

Burbot

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2008-06-30	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.1 – 1.3	2.87 lb	1
2013-08-05	Backpack electrofishing	1.1	—	—	4

Logperch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
1998-06-15	Survey seining	0.3	—	3
2013-08-05	1/4-in trap nets	0.3	—	6
2013-08-05	Backpack electrofishing	0.8	—	3
2013-08-05	50-ft beach seine	0.8	—	3

Johnny Darter

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
1998-06-15	Survey seining	0.3	—	3
2013-08-05	50-ft beach seine	3.3	—	13
2013-08-05	Backpack electrofishing	8.2	—	30

CIS

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2018-08-27	Standard gill nets	2.5	—	0.08 lb	30

CRC

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2013-08-05	1/4-in trap nets	0.0	—	1

Mottled Sculpin

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2013-08-05	Backpack electrofishing	1.9	—	7

Iowa Darter

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2013-08-05	1/4-in trap nets	0.2	—	4
2013-08-05	Backpack electrofishing	18.5	—	68
2013-08-05	50-ft beach seine	1.5	—	6

Mimic Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2013-08-05	1/4-in trap nets	0.1	—	2

Bluntnose Minnow

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2013-08-05	1/4-in trap nets	0.0	—	1

Tadpole Madtom

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2013-08-05	Backpack electrofishing	1.6	—	6

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Nearby Marinas

Anderson's Canoe Outfitters

Crane Lake, MN

★ 4.9

Aronson Boat Works Inc

Tower, MN

★ 4.5

Arrowhead Lodge

Kabetogama, MN

★ 4.7

Bill's Boat Storage

Ely, MN

★ 5

Birch Point Marine

Tower, MN

★ 4.5

BP Marine Plus

Two Harbors, MN

★ 5

Resorts & Lodges Near Bear Island

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

Fishing Resort Hibbing

(952) 356-5234

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 Island. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black Crappie Bluegill Cisco Species Hybrid Sunfish Largemouth Bass Northern Pike Pumpkinseed Rock Bass Smallmouth Bass Tullibee (Cisco)Walleye White Sucker Yellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Bear Island

218 Sportfishing

(218) 409-4744

Angler Management Duluth Charters

(218) 390-7933

Basswood Trails Guide Service

(218) 349-5226

Catching Adventures

(651) 270-7155

Chamorrita Charters

(218) 393-7121

Chasin' Tail Charters MN

(320) 980-6667

View all 33 guides →

Other Lakes in St. Louis County

Aerie

Agassa

Agnes

Alden

Alruss

Angleworm

Plan Your Trip to Bear Island

Weather forecast for Bear Island — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
GPS: 47.7748°N, 91.9773°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.