The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Bear Island Lake
St. Louis County, Minnesota · about 2,130 acres (3.3 sq mi)
39°F water, calm this morning.
About Bear Island Lake
In St. Louis County, Minnesota, Bear Island Lake covers about 2,130 acres.
It stretches about 3.9 miles end to end with roughly 20 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 1,420 ft above sea level. Babbitt lies about 3.5 miles to the south. Duluth, the nearest city, is about 67 miles south.
- Size
- About 2,130 acres (3.3 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 20 miles
- End to end
- About 3.9 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,420 ft
- County
- St. Louis County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 0 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
For a lake of this size in Minnesota, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 39°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- FairWalleye
Cold. Slow jigs on deep structure.
- FairNorthern pike
Cold. Slow baits near weed edges and drop-offs.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- SlowSmallmouth bass
Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.
- FairYellow perch
Cold. Deep schools; small jigs or minnows.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:11 am · sunset 4:32 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Bear Island Lake
- Babbittabout 3.5 mi south
- Elyabout 8.4 mi northeast
- Hoyt Lakesabout 18 mi southwest
- Auroraabout 19 mi southwest
- Duluthnearest city, about 67 mi south
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Questions about Bear Island Lake
What fish are in Bear Island Lake?
Lakes like Bear Island Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Bear Island Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Bear Island Lake?
About 2,130 acres, with about 20 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Bear Island Lake?
Babbitt is about 3.5 miles south; Ely is about 8.4 miles northeast.
What is the water temperature at Bear Island Lake today?
The surface was about 39°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Bear Island Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
