East Bearskin

Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in East Bearskin Lake on August 6th, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Trout, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. During the summer, Lake Trout require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth 65.6 feet), the water temperature decreased below 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) at 59.0 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 57.2 feet at the time of sampling. Therefore, the water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen for Lake Trout. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 8.9 degrees C (48.0 degrees F). TDO3 values warmer than 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for Lake Trout at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 9 years, between 1956-2023, indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in most years when surveyed, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2024. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Trout are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in East Bearskin Lake on August 6th, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Trout, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. During the summer, Lake Trout require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth 65.6 feet), the water temperature decreased below 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) at 59.0 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 57.2 feet at the time of sampling. Therefore, the water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen for Lake Trout. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 8.9 degrees C (48.0 degrees F). TDO3 values warmer than 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for Lake Trout at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 9 years, between 1956-2023, indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in most years when surveyed, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2024. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Trout are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in East Bearskin Lake on August 6th, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Trout, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. During the summer, Lake Trout require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth 65.6 feet), the water temperature decreased below 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) at 59.0 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 57.2 feet at the time of sampling. Therefore, the water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen for Lake Trout. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 8.9 degrees C (48.0 degrees F). TDO3 values warmer than 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for Lake Trout at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 9 years, between 1956-2023, indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in most years when surveyed, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2024. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Trout are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

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

Minnesota DNR records list public access for East Bearskin. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

East Bearskin has a maximum depth of 66 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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

No — East Bearskin has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide walleye and sauger limit is: 6 combined, not more than one walleye over 20". Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.