The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Bear Lake
Freeborn County, Minnesota · about 1,370 acres (2.1 sq mi)
46°F water, calm this morning.
About Bear Lake
Bear Lake spreads over about 1,370 acres in Freeborn County, Minnesota.
From end to end it runs about 2.1 miles with roughly 7.6 miles of shoreline. At about 1,240 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. The nearest town, Lake Mills, is about 7.9 miles south. The closest city is Rochester, about 60 miles away.
- Size
- About 1,370 acres (2.1 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 7.6 miles
- End to end
- About 2.1 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,240 ft
- County
- Freeborn County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
- 3:15 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:30 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
Lakes like Bear Lake in Minnesota usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 46°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 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 7:05 am · sunset 4:50 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Bear Lake
- Lake Millsabout 7.9 mi south
- Albert Leaabout 8.7 mi northeast
- Northwoodabout 15 mi southeast
- Wellsabout 17 mi northwest
- Rochesternearest city, about 60 mi northeast
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Questions about Bear Lake
What fish are in Bear Lake?
Lakes like Bear Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Bear 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 Lake?
About 1,370 acres, with about 7.6 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Bear Lake?
Lake Mills is about 7.9 miles south; Albert Lea is about 8.7 miles northeast.
What is the water temperature at Bear Lake today?
The surface was about 46°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Bear Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
