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Bear Lake
Enhanced dataInteractive depth contours
Bear LakeBarron County, WI
Contours load with map Access
Interactive depth contours10-foot typical interval · Sonar-derived depth (C-MAP Genesis) · Gaps interpolated · Not for navigation
Source: C-MAP Genesis community sonar (derived)high confidence · QA passed · Select a contour to inspect its mapped depthDepths decoded from C-MAP Genesis Social Map community sonar recordings (used with permission), covering 37% of the lake. Small gaps between recordings are smoothly connected; larger unrecorded areas follow the lake's depth model calibrated to the DNR-documented 87-ft maximum depth. More accurate than a pure model, but still an estimate. Not for navigation.LakeList assistant
Plan your lake day
Fishing spots, food, lodging, marinas, and rentals around Bear Lake.
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Fishing forecast
Best windows for Bear Lake
Weather-based planning built from the National Weather Service hourly forecast near this lake.
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Checking wind, precipitation, and near-term weather windows.
Water temperature
Bear Lake water temperature today
Modeled surface-temperature estimate built from seasonal climate, lake depth, and live National Weather Service air temperatures near this lake.
71°FWarm
Seasonal estimate. Checking current National Weather Service air temperatures…
Comfortable summer pattern. Bass and panfish are active; early and late hours beat the midday heat.
Estimates are modeled, not measured. Actual temperatures vary with depth, wind mixing, and recent weather — verify conditions before swimming, boating, or heading onto ice.
DNR water check
Water quality quick take
From Wisconsin DNR / Citizen Lake Monitoring readings at Bear Lake - Deep Hole.
Sampled Jun 2026Volunteer monitoring since 1986
Somewhat hazy water — summer clarity of 6.4 ft is lower than most monitored Wisconsin lakes.
Based on July–August 2025 averages across 11 volunteer readings.54Eutrophic5-yr summer TSI
Nutrient-rich, greener water — more algae and plant growth, common in shallower lakes.
Water claritySecchi disk depth
6.4 ftJul–Aug 2025 avg (4 readings)
Slight hazeStable since 2017
Clearer than 30% of 596 monitored Wisconsin lakes with current readings.
AlgaeChlorophyll-a
9.5 µg/LJul–Aug 2025 avg (4 readings)
ModerateStable since 2018
NutrientsTotal phosphorus — fuels plant & algae growth
13.7 µg/LJul–Aug 2025 avg (3 readings)
Low2018–2025
Low phosphorus means light plant/algae growth pressure.
All readings by year · station details · methodology
Summer averages (July/August)
July/August means; counts in parentheses show how many samples went into each average.
| Year | Secchi | Chlorophyll-a | Total phosphorus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6.4 ft (4) | 9.5 µg/L (4) | 13.7 µg/L (3) |
| 2024 | 5.3 ft (3) | 16.0 µg/L (2) | — |
| 2023 | 8.0 ft (5) | 8.3 µg/L (3) | 19.0 µg/L (1) |
| 2022 | — | 10.0 µg/L (1) | — |
| 2021 | 6.5 ft (1) | 10.0 µg/L (2) | — |
| 2020 | 7.0 ft (2) | 11.0 µg/L (2) | — |
| 2019 | 5.9 ft (3) | 19.0 µg/L (2) | — |
| 2018 | 7.0 ft (6) | 10.5 µg/L (2) | 21.0 µg/L (1) |
| 2017 | 9.3 ft (1) | — | — |
| 2016 | 8.0 ft (2) | 8.5 µg/L (2) | — |
Latest individual samples: Secchi 6 ft (2025-08-30), chlorophyll-a 8 µg/L (2026-06-21), and total phosphorus 12 µg/L (2025-08-29).
Secchi clarity is how deep a black-and-white disk stays visible from the surface — more feet means clearer water.
Chlorophyll-a is an algae pigment; higher values signal more algae in the water column.
Total phosphorus is a nutrient that feeds algae and aquatic plants. It is not a weed survey — depth, bottom type, water movement, and management change the actual lake experience.
Bear Lake - Deep HoleStation 033139 · TSI based on chlorophyll
Modeled from DNR/CLMN monitoring — not a safety or swim-condition report. Verify current conditions locally. LakeList verified 2026-07-12.Official Wisconsin information
Plan with DNR sources
LakeList links to the authoritative record so you can verify maps, rules, and current notices before leaving.
Historical DNR depth maps3 converted map sheetsView DNR depth mapHistorical map · not for navigationFishing regulationsVerify current seasons, limits, and restrictionsOfficial DNR lake pageFacts, advisories, boating, and water qualityWater quality reportsMonitoring stations, clarity, and DNR reportsInvasive speciesVerified, observed, and historical AIS recordsBoating ordinancesLocal slow-no-wake and water-use restrictionsFish consumption advisoriesStatewide and waterbody-specific health guidance
Historical depth maps are not for navigation. Verify regulations and access at the official source before your trip.
Historical Wisconsin DNR maps
Bear Lake depth maps
3 converted map sheets. These historical surveys are not for navigation.
Navigable depth map
Bear Lake · sheet 1
Pan, zoom, and inspect the converted Wisconsin DNR historical map image in the browser. Historical survey — not for navigation.
Source: Wisconsin DNR · WBIC 2105100 · image navigation only; spatial alignment pending · Historical lake maps are not for navigation.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Converted for browser access with source URLs, checksums, and retrieval dates retained. Historical lake maps are not for navigation.
Wisconsin DNR fisheries survey
Fish population survey
Structured LakeList extraction from the 2022 DNR fisheries survey. Population estimates, density, and catch-rate indices use different units, methods, and scopes, so each value is presented in its original form rather than normalized against a different measure.
Survey indicatorsValues keep their source unit and method; unlike measures are not scaled or compared.
Management contextThe report is specific to Bear Lake and combines distinct SN1, SE1, SE2 and fall electrofishing surveys. Each metric retains its species-specific gear and sample scope; absolute walleye density is from mark-recapture while other CPUE values are relative abundance indices.
The 2022 comprehensive survey found low adult walleye density, high northern pike abundance with poor size and condition, a moderate-density largemouth bass population with good size and growth, and moderate bluegill abundance with good size structure.
- DNR recommends reducing alternate-year large-fingerling walleye stocking to 5-10 fish per acre and evaluating alternate stocking methods; stocking should be reconsidered if efficacy remains low.
- DNR recommends considering a 25-35-inch protected-slot regulation to increase harvest of small northern pike while protecting large fish.
- The next comprehensive survey was scheduled for 2028, subject to sampling plans.
Bluegill
212 fishBluegill captured · p. 17109 fish/mileBluegill CPUE · p. 1765 fish/mileCPUE for bluegill at least 6 inches · p. 174 fish/mileCPUE for bluegill at least 8 inches · p. 17
Largemouth bass
80 fishLargemouth bass captured · p. 1510 fish/mileLargemouth bass CPUE · p. 155.5 fish/mileCPUE for largemouth bass at least 14 inches · p. 156.5 inchesMinimum length · p. 15
Northern pike
347 fishNorthern pike captured · p. 116.4 fish/net-nightNorthern pike CPUE · p. 1111.4 inchesMinimum length · p. 1131.1 inchesMaximum length · p. 11
Walleye
0.6 adult fish/acreEstimated adult walleye density · p. 6208 fishWalleye collected during SN1 and SE1 · p. 63 fish/net-nightWalleye SN1 CPUE · p. 610.2 inchesMinimum length · p. 6
Bear Lake fisheries survey, 2022Matched by exact lakelist id name county state wbic · WBICs 2105100 · verified 2026-07-19Wisconsin DNR fisheries survey report; LakeList operator documented permission to leverage this report with source attribution.
Fishbrain community activity
Recent catch activity
Aggregated public catch activity matched to Bear Lake. Exact catch locations and angler details are not shown.
Most reported species in this extract
Largemouth bass41Northern pike36Bluegill32Rock bass21Yellow perch6Pumpkinseed5Black crappie5Eyetail bowfin2 reports
Catch analytics
Seasonal fish catch patterns
Pick a species to see when anglers reported it, compare against all fish by month, then scan year-by-year catch volume.
Largemouth bass by monthMonthly reports tagged as Largemouth bass.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
8Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
All fish by monthTotal public catch reports across every listed species.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
45Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Yearly catch view2026 had the most reported catch activity.
20268 Largemouth bass45 all fish
Recent catch detailsLatest authorized records; measurements appear only when reported.
- Rock bassCommunity report · Jun 20, 2026
- BluegillCommunity report · Jun 20, 2026
- BluegillCommunity report · Jun 20, 2026
- BluegillCommunity report · Jun 20, 2026
- Rock bassCommunity report · Jun 20, 2026
- Rock bassCommunity report · Jun 20, 2026
- Largemouth bassCommunity report · Jun 20, 2026
- BluegillCommunity report · Jun 20, 2026
- BluegillCommunity report · Jun 20, 2026
- BluegillCommunity report · Jun 20, 2026
Catch counts are community reports, not a population survey or a guarantee of current fishing conditions.
View source on Fishbrain1,348surface acres
87max depth feet
4public access points
45.6301, -91.8187latitude, longitude
Access
Public access points
Boat launchAccess at E Side Lake near End Of 18th St45.62143, -91.78616Managed by Wisconsin DNR
DNR verifiedDirections
Boat launchAccess at NW Side Of Lk Bear Lake Landing Rd45.64510, -91.84349Managed by Wisconsin DNR
DNR verifiedDirections
Boat launchBear Lake - Access off 28 3/4 Ave45.61873, -91.80430Managed by Wisconsin DNR
DNR verifiedDirections
Boat launchBear Lake - Access off 29 1/4 Avenue45.62847, -91.81214Managed by Wisconsin DNR
DNR verifiedDirections
Nearby
Trip-planning places
No nearby trip-planning places yet
Fishery
Notable species
Largemouth BassNorthern PikePanfishWalleyeSmallmouth Bass
Wisconsin DNR stocking
Fish stocking history
The latest published year is 2022, when 26,955 fish were recorded across 2 entries.
2022
WalleyeMississippi Headwaters · Large Fingerling
3,5526.9 in average
2022
WalleyeMississippi Headwaters · Large Fingerling
23,4036.5 in average
2020
WalleyeMississippi Headwaters · Large Fingerling
21,0197.3 in average
2020
WalleyeMississippi Headwaters · Large Fingerling
7,3927.2 in average
2018
WalleyeMississippi Headwaters · Large Fingerling
27,3766.4 in average
2016
WalleyeMississippi Headwaters · Large Fingerling
26,9507.3 in average
2014
WalleyeMississippi Headwaters · Large Fingerling
26,9536.4 in average
2013
WalleyeMississippi Headwaters · Small Fingerling
26,3661.7 in average
2013
WalleyeMississippi Headwaters · Small Fingerling
26,3661.7 in average
2012
WalleyeMississippi Headwaters · Large Fingerling
10,2377.5 in average
2012
WalleyeMississippi Headwaters · Small Fingerling
23,6912.0 in average
2010
WalleyeMississippi Headwaters · Large Fingerling
11,5267.3 in average
Depth FAQ
How deep is Bear Lake?
Bear Lake is 87 feet deep at its deepest point and averages about 20 feet, according to Wisconsin DNR records.
Is there a free depth map of Bear Lake?
Yes. LakeList publishes a free interactive depth contour map of Bear Lake at a typical 10-foot interval, with an optional 3D underwater view, derived from C-MAP Genesis community sonar (derived) survey data.
Where does the Bear Lake depth map come from?
The interactive depth contours are derived from C-MAP Genesis community sonar (derived). Each contour set passes a visual QA review against the source document before it is published. The depths are derived from community sonar recordings (C-MAP Genesis Social Map, used with permission), with gaps between recordings interpolated; not for navigation.
Trust and freshness
Where this lake data comes from
Wisconsin DNR Lake Mapsname, coordinates, county, source identifiers
LakeList record updated 2026-07-12
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