Little Bear Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Togo. DNR lake ID 31015600.
Little Bear Lake is a 131.1-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Togo. Its deepest point reaches 35 ft, and about 74% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 9.1 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Little 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 | 31015600 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Togo |
| Surface area | 131.1 acres |
| Maximum depth | 35 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 74% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 9.1 ft through 2018 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 15.8 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 7.2 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2018: clarity 9.1 ft, phosphorus 15.8 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 7.2 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Little Bear Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Little Bear Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2011 (15 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 0.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 2.17 | 3.5 to 8.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.89 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.17 | 1.0 to 10.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.83 | 1.0 to 3.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.22 | 0.8 to 4.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.17 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 12.67 | 9.5 to 57.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.17 | 0.4 to 1.6 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.22 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.33 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 2.56 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.11 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 27.0 in (2011), Walleye 19.0 in (2011), Largemouth bass 10.0 in (2011).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish.
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
- Little Bear Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 3 trailer spaces. 15 mi S of Togo on Mn Hwy 65, then 3.5 mi W on Cnty Rd 52, then 1 mi S to SE shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Horsehead Lake 1.2 mi, Itasca County
- Bear Lake 2.2 mi, Itasca County
- Napoleon Lake 3.8 mi, Itasca County
- Wilson Lake 3.8 mi, Itasca County
- Otter Lake 4.2 mi, Itasca County
- Blind Pete Lake 4.2 mi, Itasca County
- Walters Lake 4.3 mi, Itasca County
- Wamp Lake 4.5 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Little Bear Lake
How deep is Little Bear Lake?
Little Bear Lake reaches a maximum depth of 35 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 74% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Little Bear Lake?
Little Bear Lake covers about 131.1 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Little Bear Lake?
Summer water clarity on Little Bear Lake averages 9.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2018. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Little Bear Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Little 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.
What fish are in Little Bear Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish in Little Bear Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2011.
Where is the public boat access on Little Bear Lake?
Little Bear Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Little Bear Lake.
How is the walleye population on Little Bear Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2001, walleye numbers on Little Bear Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Little Bear Lake?
Homes on Little 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 Little Bear Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Little Bear Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 74% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 9.1 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Bear Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Little Bear Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Little Bear Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2011), 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.