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Bear Trap Lake

Polk County · warm-water, stained water

247Acres
25ftMax depth
17ftAverage depth
1Public launches
LowWater clarity
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Today on Bear Trap

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Best fishing times

All fish
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Best today…

Times by species available in Premium

Wind & weather

National Weather Service
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What Bear Trap is best for

DNR data
WalleyeCommon · stocked8.1
BluegillPanfish, common6.5
PerchPanfish, common6.5
CrappiePanfish, common6.5
LargemouthCommon6.5
MuskyPresent · stocked5.0
Northern pikePresent4.0
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, 25 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
Musky40" min · 1 a dayMay 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open waterOpen
Northern pikeNo size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
BassNo size limit · keep none 14–18" · 5 a dayMay 2, 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
Bottomsand 75% · gravel 15% · muck 10%
WaterEutrophic, low clarity
Lake groupWapogasset/Bear Impr Assn

Stocking

DNR records
2024
2,475 walleye large fingerling, 7.1"
2023
124 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.8"
2022
2,778 walleye large fingerling, 6.7"
2021
10,982 walleye small fingerling, 2"
121 muskellunge large fingerling, 14.4"
2020
3,711 walleye large fingerling, 6.9"

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

Banded Mystery Snail · Chinese Mystery Snail · Curly-Leaf Pondweed · Zebra Mussel

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

Reviews

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Near Bear Trap

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 Trap board

Catches & reports

Lakes near Bear Trap

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Wapogasset LakePolk1.61,18632 ft
South Twin LakePolk2749 ft
North Twin LakePolk213527 ft
Pike LakePolk215933 ft
Black Brook FlowagePolk3.49823 ft
Apple River FlowagePolk3.663918 ft
Horseshoe LakePolk4.91208 ft
Mud LakePolk6957 ft

Bear Trap questions

How deep is Bear Trap Lake?

Bear Trap Lake is 25 feet at its deepest, and 17 feet deep on average. It covers 247 acres.

What fish are in Bear Trap Lake?

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

Where is the boat launch on Bear Trap Lake?

There is 1 public launch: Access.

Do I need a trout stamp to fish Bear Trap Lake?

A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.

What is the walleye limit on Bear Trap Lake?

15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.

Is Bear Trap Lake stocked?

Yes. In 2024 the DNR and partners stocked 2,475 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.