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
WalleyeCommon · stocked8.3
BluegillPanfish, common6.7
PerchPanfish, common6.7
CrappiePanfish, common6.7
LargemouthCommon6.7
Northern pikeCommon6.7
SmallmouthPresent4.2How 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 DNRSheets 3 to 3
The DNR drew Bear on 3 sheets.
Tap 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 2026-10-07| Walleye | 18" min · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Northern pike | No size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Bass | No size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Panfish | No size limit · 25 a dayOpen All Year | Open |
| Sturgeon | No fishing | Closed |
Launches & access
4 public- Access at NW Side Of Lk Bear Lake Landing RdDirections
- Access off 29 1/4 AvenueDirections
- Access off 28 3/4 AveDirections
- Access at E Side Lake near End Of 18th StDirections
Stocking
DNR records| 2022 | 3,552 walleye large fingerling, 6.9" 23,403 walleye large fingerling, 6.47" |
| 2020 | 21,019 walleye large fingerling, 7.3" 7,392 walleye large fingerling, 7.15" |
| 2018 | 27,376 walleye large fingerling, 6.36" |
| 2016 | 26,950 walleye large fingerling, 7.28" |
| 2014 | 26,953 walleye large fingerling, 6.42" |
The DNR has 53 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 detailsBanded Mystery Snail · Chinese Mystery Snail · Curly-Leaf Pondweed · Purple Loosestrife
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday LakeWashburn | 2.5 | 89 | 25 ft |
| Upper Devils LakeBarron | 2.7 | 86 | 10 ft |
| Lower Devils LakeBarron | 2.9 | 162 | 26 ft |
| Butternut LakeBarron | 4 | 141 | 15 ft |
| Shallow LakeWashburn | 4.4 | 137 | 10 ft |
| Yechout LakeWashburn | 4.9 | 56 | 25 ft |
| McCune LakeWashburn | 4.9 | 62 | 37 ft |
| Lake ThirtyBarron | 5.1 | 73 | 27 ft |
Bear questions
How deep is Bear Lake?
Bear Lake is 87 feet at its deepest, and 20 feet deep on average. It covers 1,348 acres.
What fish are in Bear Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists panfish (common), largemouth bass (common), northern pike (common), walleye (common) and smallmouth bass (present).
Where is the boat launch on Bear Lake?
There are 4 public launches: Access at NW Side Of Lk Bear Lake Landing Rd, Access off 29 1/4 Avenue, Access off 28 3/4 Ave and Access at E Side Lake near End Of 18th St.
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?
18" min · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Bear Lake stocked?
Yes. In 2022 the DNR and partners stocked 3,552 walleye (large fingerling) and 23,403 walleye (large fingerling).
Fish it longer
Today's sheet is always free. Planning ahead takes a report or Premium.Lake Sheet
- Today's best fishing times, all fish
- Wind, weather, sun and moon
- Depth map with depths labeled
- Rules, license and species ratings
- The printable two-page sheet
Lake Report
- Your trip, up to 14 days
- Pick your species
- What to use, where, when and how, every day
- Times by species on the bite clocks
Premium
- Every lake, every day: times by species
- Up to 25 full Lake Reports a season; more at $9 each or 25 for $49
- Tomorrow and the week ahead on any lake
- Stocking alerts for your lakes
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 2026-10-07.