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 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Bear Lake
Manistee County, Michigan · about 1,800 acres (2.8 sq mi)
46°F water, calm tomorrow morning.
About Bear Lake
Bear Lake spreads over about 1,800 acres in Manistee County, Michigan.
It stretches about 2.4 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 7.5 miles. At about 770 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Beulah lies about 13 miles to the north.
- Size
- About 1,800 acres (2.8 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 7.5 miles
- End to end
- About 2.4 miles
- Elevation
- About 770 ft
- County
- Manistee County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise
- 3:45 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Saturday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 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
Expect the usual Michigan mix for a lake this size: 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. With the surface at 46°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- 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
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 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 7:38 am · sunset 5:18 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Bear Lake
- Beulahabout 13 mi north
- Frankfortabout 13 mi north
- Manisteeabout 14 mi southwest
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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 1,800 acres, with about 7.5 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Bear Lake?
Beulah is about 13 miles north; Frankfort is about 13 miles north.
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.
