Today on Bear
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Bear is best for
DNR data
WalleyeCommon7.0
MuskyCommon6.4
BluegillPanfish, present3.9
PerchPanfish, present3.9
CrappiePanfish, present3.9
SmallmouthPresent3.9
Northern pikePresent3.9How we rate
Start from how common the DNR says the fish is (abundant 7.5, common 6, present 3.5). Add 1 if the DNR stocked it in the last 5 years, 0.6 for walleye in two-story or complex lakes, and up to 0.9 for lake size. The DNR counts bluegill, perch and crappie together as panfish, so they share a score.
Depth map
Wisconsin DNRTap a map to zoom. Pinch or scroll to zoom in, drag to move.
Not for navigation. Old survey; depths and weed lines change.
Rules on this lake
DNR · checked 2026-10-08| Walleye | 15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Musky | 40" min · 1 a dayMay 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | Open |
| Northern pike | No size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Bass | 14" min · 5 a dayJune 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Panfish | No size limit · 25 a dayOpen All Year | Open |
| Sturgeon | All sturgeon taken with hook and line must be tagged and registered. The minimum length is 60" and season limit is 1 fishSeptember 5, 2026 to September 30, 2026 | Open |
Launches & access
0 publicStocking
DNR records| 2016 | 3,683 walleye large fingerling, 7" |
The DNR has 14 fish surveys on file for this lake.
Before you go
DNRThis is health advice about eating fish, from the DNR. It is not how many you can catch or keep. Catch limits are in Rules.
Eat any amount Bluegill and Sunfish, Bullheads, Crappies, Inland Trout, Yellow Perch
Up to 1 meal a week Bass, Catfish, Pike, Walleye, All Other Species and Sizes
Up to 1 meal a month Muskies
Statewide advice; no lake-specific advisory. Stricter for women who may get pregnant and children under 15. DNR detailsIce on Bear
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Bear
Local dealsLocal bait shops, resorts and supper clubs can put a coupon here and on the printed sheet, free for a year. Add your business
Bear board
Catches & reportsLakes near Bear
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blaisdell LakeSawyer | 5 | 356 | 19 ft |
| Black LakeAshland | 6.1 | 129 | 17 ft |
| Fishtrap LakeSawyer | 7.5 | 216 | 11 ft |
| Black Dan LakeSawyer | 8.8 | 128 | 37 ft |
| Island LakeSawyer | 9.7 | 67 | 31 ft |
| Bass LakePrice | 10 | 84 | 46 ft |
| Hunter LakeSawyer | 10.4 | 126 | 17 ft |
| Barber LakeSawyer | 10.6 | 238 | 21 ft |
Bear questions
How deep is Bear Lake?
Bear Lake is 9 feet at its deepest, and 5 feet deep on average. It covers 184 acres.
What fish are in Bear Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists musky (common), walleye (common), panfish (present), smallmouth bass (present) and northern pike (present).
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Bear Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Bear Lake?
15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Bear Lake stocked?
Yes. In 2016 the DNR and partners stocked 3,683 walleye (large fingerling).
Fish it longer
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Sources: Wisconsin DNR (lake facts, species, rules, stocking, consumption advice, survey map), National Weather Service (forecast). Sun and moon computed for the lake's location. Best times are a model of light and moon, not a promise. Checked 2026-10-08.