Bear Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Perham. DNR lake ID 56006900.
Bear Lake is a 197.6-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Perham. Its deepest point reaches 32 ft, and about 61% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 9.2 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. DNR surveys document bluegill.
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 | 56006900 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Perham |
| Surface area | 197.6 acres |
| Maximum depth | 32 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 61% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 9.2 ft through 2018 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 31.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 9.1 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| 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 9.2 ft, phosphorus 31.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 9.1 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 1989 (37 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 | 0.5 | 2.3 to 9.2 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 11.0 | 3.7 to 28.4 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 3.33 | 0.5 to 3.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 47.5 | 0.8 to 8.4 |
| Black crappie | trap | 26.33 | 0.9 to 8.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 62.0 | 5.9 to 43.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 3.0 | 0.3 to 1.5 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 3.33 | 0.3 to 1.0 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 50.0 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 143.67 | 1.5 to 9.1 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.67 | n/a |
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Bluegill.
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
- Bear Lake: 1 gravel launch ramp, 1 dock, 10 trailer spaces. 11 mi NE of Perham to NW shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Edna Lake 0.9 mi, Otter Tail County
- Big Pine Lake 6.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Nitche Lake 6.5 mi, Otter Tail County
- Dead Lake 7.6 mi, Becker County
- Little Pine Lake 8.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Wolf Lake 9.5 mi, Becker County
- Mud Lake 9.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Schuster Lake 11.4 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Bear Lake
How deep is Bear Lake?
Bear Lake reaches a maximum depth of 32 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 61% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Bear Lake?
Bear Lake covers about 197.6 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Bear Lake?
Summer water clarity on Bear Lake averages 9.2 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.
What fish are in Bear Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document bluegill in Bear Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 1989.
Where is the public boat access on Bear Lake?
Bear Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Bear Lake.
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 61% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 9.2 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 Otter Tail County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 1989), 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.