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.
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
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.
- 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
- 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 7:07 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
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
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.