Minnesota Fishing Guide

Bear

Itasca County, Minnesota — DOW #31015700

190 Surveys

Special Regulations for Bear

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

344.26
Acres
16 ft
Max Depth
0
11
Fish Species
9
Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

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

Black Crappie

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2005-06-27 Standard gill nets 3.9 (normal) 1.0 – 7.3 0.32 lb 35
2005-06-27 Standard trap nets 0.4 (below normal) 0.8 – 6.5 0.68 lb 3
2025-06-09 Standard gill nets 4.7 (normal) 1.0 – 7.3 0.14 lb 42
2025-06-09 Standard trap nets 5.9 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 0.42 lb 53
1969-08-05 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.0 – 7.3 0.70 lb 2
1991-07-08 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 1.0 – 7.3 0.60 lb 8
1991-07-08 Standard trap nets 0.5 (below normal) 0.8 – 6.5 0.57 lb 3
1976-07-07 Standard gill nets 2.3 (normal) 1.0 – 7.3 0.08 lb 14
1976-07-07 Standard trap nets 1.9 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 0.96 lb 13
2018-07-17 Backpack electrofishing 0.8 — — 1
2018-07-17 15-ft beach seine 11.7 — — 35
2018-07-17 50-ft beach seine 20.9 — — 146
2012-06-25 Standard gill nets 3.6 (normal) 1.0 – 7.3 0.17 lb 32
2012-06-25 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 0.71 lb 9
2012-06-25 15-ft beach seine 0.4 — — 3
2012-06-25 Special electrofishing 190.3 — — 12
1986-06-30 Standard gill nets 4.2 (normal) 1.0 – 7.3 0.21 lb 25
1986-06-30 Standard trap nets 3.3 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 0.36 lb 20
1997-07-07 Survey seining 2.0 — — 6
1997-07-07 Standard gill nets 0.8 (below normal) 1.0 – 7.3 0.42 lb 7
1997-07-07 Standard trap nets 6.0 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 0.45 lb 54

Northern Pike

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2005-06-27 Standard gill nets 6.3 (normal) 4.6 – 11.6 2.33 lb 57
2005-06-27 Standard trap nets 1.1 — 1.75 lb 9
2025-06-09 Standard gill nets 6.4 (normal) 4.6 – 11.6 2.07 lb 58
2025-06-09 Standard trap nets 1.0 — 1.11 lb 9
1951-08-27 Standard gill nets 1.0 (below normal) 4.6 – 11.6 0.74 lb 8
1951-08-27 Standard trap nets 0.5 — 0.30 lb 1
1969-08-05 Standard gill nets 1.8 (below normal) 4.6 – 11.6 1.25 lb 21
1991-07-08 Standard gill nets 4.2 (below normal) 4.6 – 11.6 2.64 lb 25
1991-07-08 Standard trap nets 1.2 — 1.27 lb 7
1976-07-07 Standard gill nets 3.7 (below normal) 4.6 – 11.6 1.02 lb 22
1976-07-07 Standard trap nets 2.6 — 0.60 lb 18
2018-07-17 50-ft beach seine 0.7 — — 5
2012-06-25 50-ft beach seine 1.0 — — 2
2012-06-25 Special electrofishing 111.0 — — 7
2012-06-25 Standard gill nets 1.0 (below normal) 4.6 – 11.6 1.83 lb 9
2012-06-25 Backpack electrofishing 1.3 — — 1
2012-06-25 Standard trap nets 1.6 — 2.62 lb 14
1986-06-30 Standard gill nets 4.8 (normal) 4.6 – 11.6 3.13 lb 29
1986-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.5 — 1.13 lb 3
1997-07-07 Standard gill nets 4.1 (below normal) 4.6 – 11.6 1.62 lb 37
1997-07-07 Standard trap nets 0.9 — 0.91 lb 8
1997-07-07 Survey seining 1.3 — — 4

White Sucker

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2005-06-27 Standard gill nets 1.6 (normal) 1.0 – 5.5 2.02 lb 14
2005-06-27 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.4 – 1.5 2.59 lb 5
2025-06-09 Standard gill nets 2.2 (normal) 1.0 – 5.5 2.28 lb 20
2025-06-09 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.4 – 1.5 2.43 lb 1
1951-08-27 Standard gill nets 4.8 (normal) 1.0 – 5.5 1.45 lb 38
1951-08-27 Standard trap nets 4.0 (above normal) 0.4 – 1.5 2.93 lb 8
1969-08-05 Standard gill nets 1.4 (normal) 1.0 – 5.5 1.76 lb 17
1991-07-08 Standard gill nets 3.3 (normal) 1.0 – 5.5 1.53 lb 20
1991-07-08 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.4 – 1.5 2.40 lb 2
1976-07-07 Standard gill nets 9.8 (above normal) 1.0 – 5.5 1.53 lb 59
1976-07-07 Standard trap nets 2.7 (above normal) 0.4 – 1.5 1.89 lb 19
2012-06-25 Special electrofishing 31.7 — — 2
2012-06-25 Standard gill nets 1.6 (normal) 1.0 – 5.5 1.79 lb 14
1986-06-30 Standard gill nets 2.0 (normal) 1.0 – 5.5 1.59 lb 12
1986-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.4 – 1.5 2.80 lb 2
1997-07-07 Survey seining 1.0 — — 3
1997-07-07 Standard gill nets 9.6 (above normal) 1.0 – 5.5 1.60 lb 86
1997-07-07 Standard trap nets 1.6 (above normal) 0.4 – 1.5 2.87 lb 14

Bluegill

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2005-06-27 Standard trap nets 5.5 (normal) 2.5 – 25.0 0.19 lb 44
2005-06-27 Standard gill nets 1.7 — 0.20 lb 15
2025-06-09 Standard trap nets 10.9 (normal) 2.5 – 25.0 0.36 lb 98
2025-06-09 Standard gill nets 0.1 — 0.07 lb 1
1951-08-27 Standard trap nets 1.0 (below normal) 2.5 – 25.0 0.72 lb 2
1991-07-08 Standard trap nets 8.2 (normal) 2.5 – 25.0 0.23 lb 49
1991-07-08 Standard gill nets 1.2 — 0.39 lb 7
1976-07-07 Standard trap nets 0.6 (below normal) 2.5 – 25.0 0.62 lb 4
2018-07-17 Backpack electrofishing 12.9 — — 17
2018-07-17 15-ft beach seine 2.3 — — 7
2018-07-17 50-ft beach seine 9.7 — — 68
2012-06-25 Standard gill nets 0.1 — 0.24 lb 1
2012-06-25 Backpack electrofishing 13.0 — — 10
2012-06-25 Standard trap nets 6.0 (normal) 2.5 – 25.0 0.26 lb 54
2012-06-25 Special electrofishing 158.6 — — 10
2012-06-25 15-ft beach seine 5.8 — — 46
1986-06-30 Standard trap nets 8.2 (normal) 2.5 – 25.0 0.14 lb 49
1997-07-07 Survey seining 1.3 — — 4
1997-07-07 Standard trap nets 6.8 (normal) 2.5 – 25.0 0.42 lb 61

Yellow Perch

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2005-06-27 Standard trap nets 0.8 (below normal) 0.8 – 4.5 0.08 lb 6
2005-06-27 Standard gill nets 18.8 (normal) 8.0 – 40.3 0.11 lb 169
2025-06-09 Standard trap nets 0.9 (normal) 0.8 – 4.5 0.09 lb 8
2025-06-09 Standard gill nets 1.2 (below normal) 8.0 – 40.3 0.11 lb 11
1951-08-27 Standard trap nets 3.0 (normal) 0.8 – 4.5 0.30 lb 6
1951-08-27 Standard gill nets 15.3 (normal) 8.0 – 40.3 0.37 lb 122
1969-08-05 Standard gill nets 12.8 (normal) 8.0 – 40.3 0.19 lb 154
1991-07-08 Standard trap nets 3.7 (normal) 0.8 – 4.5 0.12 lb 22
1991-07-08 Standard gill nets 32.2 (normal) 8.0 – 40.3 0.12 lb 193
1976-07-07 Standard trap nets 5.1 (above normal) 0.8 – 4.5 0.29 lb 36
1976-07-07 Standard gill nets 66.2 (above normal) 8.0 – 40.3 0.26 lb 397
2018-07-17 Backpack electrofishing 6.8 — — 9
2018-07-17 15-ft beach seine 3.0 — — 9
2018-07-17 50-ft beach seine 24.3 — — 170
2012-06-25 50-ft beach seine 13.0 — — 26
2012-06-25 Special electrofishing 5630.0 — — 355
2012-06-25 15-ft beach seine 5.4 — — 43
2012-06-25 Standard gill nets 10.8 (normal) 8.0 – 40.3 0.20 lb 97
2012-06-25 Backpack electrofishing 29.8 — — 23
2012-06-25 Standard trap nets 0.6 (below normal) 0.8 – 4.5 0.24 lb 5
1986-06-30 Standard trap nets 1.3 (normal) 0.8 – 4.5 0.12 lb 8
1986-06-30 Standard gill nets 39.3 (normal) 8.0 – 40.3 0.12 lb 236
1997-07-07 Standard trap nets 1.3 (normal) 0.8 – 4.5 0.24 lb 12
1997-07-07 Survey seining 77.7 — — 233
1997-07-07 Standard gill nets 12.3 (normal) 8.0 – 40.3 0.25 lb 111

Rock Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2005-06-27 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 1.4 0.48 lb 3
2005-06-27 Standard gill nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 1.8 0.22 lb 4
2025-06-09 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.8 0.57 lb 1
1969-08-05 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.8 0.60 lb 1
1991-07-08 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 1.4 0.10 lb 2
1976-07-07 Standard trap nets 1.9 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.4 0.29 lb 13
1976-07-07 Standard gill nets 0.8 (normal) 0.3 – 1.8 0.51 lb 5
2018-07-17 50-ft beach seine 0.1 — — 1
2018-07-17 Backpack electrofishing 0.8 — — 1
2012-06-25 50-ft beach seine 1.5 — — 3
2012-06-25 Special electrofishing 15.9 — — 1
2012-06-25 Backpack electrofishing 2.6 — — 2
1997-07-07 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.3 – 1.4 0.36 lb 9

Walleye

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2005-06-27 Standard gill nets 2.8 (normal) 1.5 – 5.8 1.64 lb 25
2005-06-27 Standard trap nets 1.1 (above normal) 0.3 – 0.8 3.31 lb 9
2025-06-09 Standard gill nets 1.9 (normal) 1.5 – 5.8 3.43 lb 17
2025-06-09 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.8 3.53 lb 1
1951-08-27 Standard gill nets 13.3 (above normal) 1.5 – 5.8 0.71 lb 106
1951-08-27 Standard trap nets 1.0 (above normal) 0.3 – 0.8 1.10 lb 2
1969-08-05 Standard gill nets 3.3 (normal) 1.5 – 5.8 0.96 lb 40
1991-07-08 Standard gill nets 6.3 (above normal) 1.5 – 5.8 1.11 lb 38
1991-07-08 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.8 2.30 lb 1
1976-07-07 Standard gill nets 17.8 (above normal) 1.5 – 5.8 0.73 lb 107
1976-07-07 Standard trap nets 1.0 (above normal) 0.3 – 0.8 1.00 lb 7
2012-06-25 Standard gill nets 2.6 (normal) 1.5 – 5.8 1.42 lb 23
2012-06-25 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.8 3.31 lb 2
1986-06-30 Standard gill nets 1.7 (normal) 1.5 – 5.8 1.81 lb 10
1986-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.5 (normal) 0.3 – 0.8 4.10 lb 3
1997-07-07 Standard gill nets 7.0 (above normal) 1.5 – 5.8 0.81 lb 63
1997-07-07 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.3 – 0.8 1.29 lb 6

Pumpkinseed

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2005-06-27 Standard trap nets 1.1 (below normal) 1.4 – 8.6 0.22 lb 9
2025-06-09 Standard trap nets 0.6 (below normal) 1.4 – 8.6 0.40 lb 5
1991-07-08 Standard trap nets 0.7 (below normal) 1.4 – 8.6 0.17 lb 4
1976-07-07 Standard trap nets 1.7 (normal) 1.4 – 8.6 0.25 lb 12
2018-07-17 Backpack electrofishing 1.5 — — 2
2018-07-17 50-ft beach seine 0.6 — — 4
2012-06-25 Standard gill nets 0.2 — 0.28 lb 2
2012-06-25 Backpack electrofishing 5.2 — — 4
2012-06-25 Standard trap nets 1.1 (below normal) 1.4 – 8.6 0.29 lb 10
2012-06-25 50-ft beach seine 0.5 — — 1
2012-06-25 Special electrofishing 15.9 — — 1
2012-06-25 15-ft beach seine 0.1 — — 1
1986-06-30 Standard trap nets 1.2 (below normal) 1.4 – 8.6 0.16 lb 7
1997-07-07 Standard trap nets 1.1 (below normal) 1.4 – 8.6 0.08 lb 10

Golden Shiner

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2005-06-27 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.7 0.09 lb 1
2025-06-09 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.3 0.10 lb 1
2025-06-09 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 0.05 lb 3
2018-07-17 50-ft beach seine 0.6 — — 4
2012-06-25 Special electrofishing 396.5 — — 25
2012-06-25 15-ft beach seine 0.1 — — 1
2012-06-25 Backpack electrofishing 1.3 — — 1
1997-07-07 Survey seining 6.0 — — 18
1997-07-07 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.3 0.09 lb 1
1997-07-07 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.7 0.04 lb 1

Brown Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1951-08-27 Standard trap nets 0.5 (below normal) 1.5 – 9.8 1.05 lb 1
1976-07-07 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.5 – 9.9 1.00 lb 1
1976-07-07 Standard trap nets 1.7 (normal) 1.5 – 9.8 0.81 lb 12

Shorthead Redhorse

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1951-08-27 Standard trap nets 0.5 (normal) 0.3 – 1.8 2.45 lb 1

Black Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1991-07-08 Standard gill nets 0.7 (below normal) 1.9 – 57.5 0.25 lb 4
1997-07-07 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.1 – 17.4 0.16 lb 2
1997-07-07 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 1.9 – 57.5 0.12 lb 1

Largemouth Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2018-07-17 Backpack electrofishing 2.3 — 3
2018-07-17 15-ft beach seine 3.0 — 9
2018-07-17 50-ft beach seine 6.4 — 45
2012-06-25 50-ft beach seine 6.5 — 13
2012-06-25 Special electrofishing 222.0 — 14
2012-06-25 15-ft beach seine 0.6 — 5
2012-06-25 Backpack electrofishing 3.9 — 3
1997-07-07 Survey seining 11.3 — 34

CNM

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2018-07-17 Backpack electrofishing 2.3 — 3

Johnny Darter

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2018-07-17 Backpack electrofishing 3.0 — 4
2018-07-17 50-ft beach seine 0.1 — 1
2012-06-25 50-ft beach seine 6.0 — 12
2012-06-25 15-ft beach seine 1.4 — 11
2012-06-25 Backpack electrofishing 19.4 — 15
1997-07-07 Survey seining 1.0 — 3

Tadpole Madtom

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2018-07-17 Backpack electrofishing 0.8 — — 1
2018-07-17 50-ft beach seine 0.1 — — 1
1997-07-07 Standard trap nets 0.1 — 0.02 lb 1

Bluntnose Minnow

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2018-07-17 50-ft beach seine 0.1 — 1
1997-07-07 Survey seining 0.3 — 1

Iowa Darter

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2012-06-25 15-ft beach seine 0.5 — 4
2012-06-25 Backpack electrofishing 1.3 — 1
1997-07-07 Survey seining 1.3 — 4

Hybrid Sunfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1997-07-07 Standard trap nets 0.1 — 0.26 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

Best Bet Waxworm Wholesale Bait & Breeder Kits

Deer River, MN

(218) 246-2222

★ 5

Bite Me Waxworms Wholesale Bait Shop

Deer River, MN

(218) 246-2222

★ 3.7

Diamond Custom Rods

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 244-4108

★ 5

Fred's Live Bait & Tackle

Deer River, MN

(218) 246-8710

★ 4.8

Frontier Sports

Marcell, MN

(218) 832-3901

★ 4.6

Glen's Army & Navy Store

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 326-1201

★ 4.3

God's Country Outfitters

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 326-9866

★ 4.4

Hollywood Bait

Coleraine, MN

(218) 245-1660

★ 4.5

Nearby Marinas

Bass Lake public Water Access - Whispering Pines

Grand Rapids, MN

★ 3

Grand Rapids Marine

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 326-0351

★ 4.3

Grand Rapids Marine

Grand Rapids, MN

Marine Clinic

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 244-4281

★ 4.9

Mishawaka Outdoors LLC

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 812-8888

NorthStar Barge

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 269-0566

★ 5

Resorts & Lodges Near Bear

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Bear.

Anchor Inn Resort
Fishing Resort Spring Lake

(218) 659-2718
Birch Haven Resort Closed
Fishing Resort Bovey

(218) 910-9707
Bowen Lodge
Fishing Resort Deer River

(218) 246-8707
Loon Point Resort
Fishing Resort Bigfork

(218) 245-1470

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

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

Black BullheadBlack CrappieBluegillHybrid SunfishLargemouth BassNorthern PikePumpkinseedRock BassWalleyeWhite SuckerYellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Bear

Bro's Guide Service
Fishing Guide

(218) 340-6051
Early Bird Fishing Guide Jeff Sundin
Fishing Guide

(218) 245-9858
Grand Rapids Guide Service
Fishing Guide

(218) 259-7140
Minnesota Fishing Connections
Fishing Guide

(218) 259-2628
MN Fishing Pros
Fishing Guide

(218) 244-2517
Moo Moo's Guide Service
Fishing Guide

(218) 398-7593

View all 9 guides →

Other Lakes in Itasca County

Alice

40.62 acres

Allen

57.22 acres

Amen

214.65 acres

Anderson

294.52 acres

Ann

95.53 acres

Antler

233.99 acres

Plan Your Trip to Bear

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