Bear Lake
Aitkin County, Minnesota, near McGrath. DNR lake ID 01006400.
Bear Lake is a 123.6-acre lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near McGrath. Its deepest point reaches 60 ft, and about 75% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 3.1 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Bear Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 01006400 |
|---|---|
| County | Aitkin County, near McGrath |
| Surface area | 123.6 acres |
| Maximum depth | 60 ft |
| Mean depth | 10.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 75% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 3.1 ft through 2018 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 26.0 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 10.9 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2018: clarity 3.1 ft, phosphorus 26.0 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 10.9 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Bear Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on Bear Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2004 (22 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 1.83 | 3.5 to 8.9 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.33 | 1.0 to 10.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 3.33 | 1.0 to 3.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 4.0 | 0.8 to 4.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 20.0 | 9.5 to 57.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.17 | 0.4 to 1.6 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.5 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 2.22 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.11 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 32.0 in (2004), Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2004).
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Cedar Lake 2.3 mi, Aitkin County
- Twenty Lake 11.8 mi, Aitkin County
- Sugar Lake 13.1 mi, Aitkin County
- Mille Lacs Lake 13.3 mi, Mille Lacs County
- Pine Lake 14.3 mi, Aitkin County
- Clear Lake 14.5 mi, Aitkin County
- Swamp Lake 14.6 mi, Aitkin County
- Rabbit Lake 17.3 mi, Aitkin County
Questions about Bear Lake
How deep is Bear Lake?
Bear Lake reaches a maximum depth of 60 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 75% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Bear Lake?
Bear Lake covers about 123.6 acres in Aitkin County, Minnesota.
How clear is Bear Lake?
Summer water clarity on Bear Lake averages 3.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2018. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Bear Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Bear Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Are there lake homes for sale on Bear Lake?
Homes on Bear Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Bear Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Bear Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 75% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 3.1 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Bear Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Bear Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Bear Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Aitkin County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2004), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.