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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

White Bear Lake

Washington County, Minnesota · 2,430 acres (3.8 sq mi)

46°F water, calm this morning.

Water46°F
Level—no gauge
Wind today5 mphN
Best bite3:00 pmto 4:45 pm

About White Bear Lake

In Washington County, Minnesota, White Bear Lake covers 2,430 acres; it is a natural lake. Mark Twain described White Bear Lake as a premier summer resort in his 1883 book Life on the Mississippi.

It stretches about 2.9 miles end to end with roughly 12.5 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 920 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 83 ft. Birchwood is right by the lake. Woodbury, the nearest city, is about 9 miles south.

Size
2,430 acres (3.8 sq mi)
Deepest
About 83 ft
Shoreline
About 12.5 miles
End to end
About 2.9 miles
Elevation
About 920 ft
Type
Natural lake
County
Washington County

The lake from above

1 1 mile N
Spot 1 is open for everyone; grey dots are the PRO spots.

Best fishing times

Friday Good

  • 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
  • 3:00 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph

Saturday Good

  • 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
  • 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 0 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 Minnesota 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. At 46°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.

  • Good
    Walleye

    Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.

  • Good
    Northern pike

    Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.

  • Slow
    Largemouth bass

    Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.

  • Good
    Yellow perch

    Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.

  • Slow
    Bluegill 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

  1. 1
    Back of a cove

    Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.

  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 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

46°F

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

Friday 38° / —° 5 mph N Sunny · 2% rain
Saturday 42° / 21° 5 mph S Sunny · 1% rain
Sunday 45° / 23° 5 mph S Sunny

Sunrise 7:07 am · sunset 4:44 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).

Towns and places to stay near White Bear Lake

  • Birchwoodon the shore
  • Dellwoodon the shore
  • White Bear Lakeon the shore
  • Mahtomedion the shore
  • Woodburynearest city, about 9 mi south

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Questions about White Bear Lake

What fish are in White Bear Lake?

Lakes like White 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 White Bear Lake?

About 83 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.

How big is White Bear Lake?

2,430 acres, with about 12.5 miles of shoreline.

What town is near White Bear Lake?

Birchwood is on the shore.

What is the water temperature at White Bear Lake today?

The surface was about 46°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.

White Bear Lake on your phone

The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.

Get it on Google Play

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