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Bear Lake

Oneida County · cool-water, stained water

295Acres
20ftMax depth
8ftAverage depth
1Public launches
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Today on Bear

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Best fishing times

All fish
GoodFairSlow
Best today…

Times by species available in Premium

Wind & weather

National Weather Service
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What Bear is best for

DNR data
BluegillPanfish, abundant8.0
PerchPanfish, abundant8.0
CrappiePanfish, abundant8.0
LargemouthCommon6.5
Northern pikeCommon6.5
WalleyePresent · stocked5.6
SmallmouthPresent4.0
How 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 DNR

Tap a map to zoom. Pinch or scroll to zoom in, drag to move.

✕ Deepest spot, 20 ftDNR survey map (PDF)

Not for navigation. Old survey; depths and weed lines change.

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-08
Walleye15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
Northern pikeNo size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
Bass14" min · 5 a dayJune 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
PanfishNo size limit · 25 a dayOpen All YearOpen
SturgeonNo fishingClosed
LicenseWisconsin fishing license. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here. How to buy one →
Full rules from the DNR

Launches & access

1 public
  • Access at NE Side Of Lake at End Of S Fork RdDirections
Bottomsand 50% · muck 25% · rock 15% · gravel 10%
WaterMesotrophic
Lake groupBear Lake Property Owners Association Bear Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District

Stocking

DNR records
2025
1,500 walleye large fingerling, 7.4"
2024
1,275 walleye large fingerling, 8.3"
2023
1,850 walleye large fingerling, 8.3"
2021
2,142 walleye yearling, 7"
2020
1,493 walleye yearling, 7.1"

The DNR has 16 fish surveys on file for this lake.

Before you go

DNR
How often it's safe to eat

This 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 details
Invasive species here

Chinese Mystery Snail · Purple Loosestrife · Rusty Crayfish · Yellow Iris

Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.

Reviews

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Near Bear

Local deals

Local 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 & reports

Lakes near Bear

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Lake SeventeenOneida217233 ft
Garth LakeOneida2.411422 ft
Skunk LakeOneida2.51307 ft
McCormick LakeOneida2.61188 ft
Hughitt LakeOneida3.1819 ft
Upper Kaubashine LakeOneida3.419056 ft
Yawkey LakeOneida3.89771 ft
Lower Kaubashine LakeOneida418736 ft

Bear questions

How deep is Bear Lake?

Bear Lake is 20 feet at its deepest, and 8 feet deep on average. It covers 295 acres.

What fish are in Bear Lake?

The Wisconsin DNR lists panfish (abundant), largemouth bass (common), northern pike (common), smallmouth bass (present) and walleye (present).

Where is the boat launch on Bear Lake?

There is 1 public launch: Access at NE Side Of Lake at End Of S Fork Rd.

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 2025 the DNR and partners stocked 1,500 walleye (large fingerling).

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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.