Bear
A 50-acre lake near Atkinson in Carlton County — best known for panfish. Last surveyed 1993.
Fish Species (4)
Above-normal numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1993
Last surveyed 1993 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 193.0 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 21, 1993 | 12.00 | 5.9" | 0.12 lbs |
| Jun 21, 1993 | 72.44 | 5.9" | 0.06 lbs |
| Jun 21, 1993 | 193.00 | 5.9" | 0.03 lbs |
Above-normal numbers · small fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1993
Last surveyed 1993 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 42.7 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 21, 1993 | 7.00 | 7.0" | 0.15 lbs |
| Jun 21, 1993 | 34.50 | 7.0" | 0.08 lbs |
| Jun 21, 1993 | 42.67 | 7.0" | 0.14 lbs |
Above-normal numbers · small fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1993
Last surveyed 1993 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 9.8 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 21, 1993 | 3.50 | 4.7" | 0.22 lbs |
| Jun 21, 1993 | 9.78 | 4.7" | 0.24 lbs |
Other species in this lake (1)
Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.
Above-normal numbers
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1993
Last surveyed 1993 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 11.0 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 21, 1993 | 11.00 | 14.4" | 2.35 lbs |
| Jun 21, 1993 | 1.00 | 14.4" | 2.42 lbs |
| Jun 21, 1993 | 1.67 | 14.4" | 2.75 lbs |
Fishing Regulations
Statewide limits
Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.
Crappie
10 combined total
Sunfish
20 combined total
Perch
20 daily and 40 in possession
More statewide rules (spearing, rough fish)
Bowfin, buffalo, carp, carpsuckers, freshwater drum, goldeneye, redhorse, and suckers
no limit
Biologist Notes
June 21, 1993Bear Lake has an abundant population of small black crappie, yellow perch and pumpkinseed. One other species, white sucker, was also present.
Bear Lake has an abundant population of small black crappie, yellow perch and pumpkinseed. One other species, white sucker, was also present.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Bear?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, and Pumpkinseed in Bear. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Bear?
We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Bear. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.
How deep is Bear?
Bear has a maximum depth of 28 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Bear last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Bear is from 1993. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does Bear have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Bear in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
Are there special fishing regulations on Bear?
No — Bear has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide perch limit is: 20 daily and 40 in possession. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.
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Lake Details
- Surface Area
- 50.36 acres
- Max Depth
- 28 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.59 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed