Bear Island Lake

Any time spent out on Bear Island Lake fishing is time well spent. Every seasoned fisherman (or woman) knows that the "fishing is always good but sometimes the catching is not so great" but Bear Island has been yielding plenty of bass and trophy size walleyes and northerns!

Bear Island Lake is approximately 2,400 acres and is about four miles long and two miles wide. This lake is dotted with 20+ islands plus the 110 acre Bear Island and the water near the island is just over 70' deep.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune calls Bear Island Lake "one of the prettiest lakes in the North County." There are several island spots that are perfect for a shore lunch or picnic with the family!

There are NO motor size or fishing slot limits on Bear Island Lake.

Bear Island Lake contains good numbers of walleyes, northern, smallmouth bass and also its share of pan fish. Our clear water lake is a structure fisherman's dream.

The lake is full of bays and interesting shoreline opportunities to enhance your fishing and paddling experience as you seek out the walleyes, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, crappies and a variety of pan fish.

Take an afternoon or day and paddle and/or fish the Bear Island River--it's not accessible by boat!

Everyone needs to have a FRESH fish fry and take some home but we do encourage Catch & Release and Leave No Trace.

Sunset Fishing

Bear Island is Good for the Soul!

Water Craft Rates
16' Boat w/Motor (9.9hp or 15hp)
Includes Gas/Oil
$335/Week
$70/Day
16' Boat Only
$110/Week
$35/Day
22' Pontoon Boat (11 Passenger)
40hp Motor
Includes Gas
$750/Week
$175/Day
$115/Half Day
Kayaks
$50/Week
$10/Day
Canoes
$90/Week
$18/Day
Guest Boat Docking/Launch No Charge
All Rentals Include Complimentary Life Jackets
We Have A Variety of Sizes
Trolling Motor
$75/Rental
Fish Locator/Depth Finder $35/Rental
Dip Nets
$10/Rental
Minnow Buckets
$5/Rental
Fishing Poles and Tackle Box
 $10/Rental
Complimentary Lake Maps
Weekly Reservations Encouraged

 

A guided Fishing Excursion can be arranged. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged as there is limited availability. The half day (4 hours) rate is $50/person and includes bait. We prefer early morning or evening excursions on this clear water lake..

Fishing licenses AND bait may be purchased at any Ely bait store. Licenses by also be purchased online with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.