Lake Trout fishing at Bear Lake

In spring, lake trout run shallow here, mostly 10 to 40 ft. By summer they slide out to 35 to 118 ft, and by winter most fish are in 20 to 80 ft. Deep basin is the standout, a deep basin at roughly 100 ft, rated prime for summer lake trout. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning. Tie on a white tube jig (deep) or a magnum spoon on downrigger and you're in the game.

Lake Whitefish fishing at Bear Lake

Spring lake whitefish on Bear Lake hold shallow, usually 15 to 45 ft. By summer they slide out to 40 to 90 ft, and by winter most fish are in 25 to 70 ft. Break off the point is the standout, a drop-off at roughly 53 ft, rated prime for summer lake whitefish. Plan around early morning in the warm months. A blade bait vertical or a small jigging spoon covers the summer program.

Yellow Perch fishing at Bear Lake

In spring, yellow perch run shallow here, mostly 3 to 12 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 10 to 30 ft, and winter fish settle into 15 to 35 ft. The spot to know is Shallow bay flat, a weed flat in about 6 ft of water that rates prime for yellow perch in spring. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning. Tie on a drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm and you're in the game.

Smallmouth Bass fishing at Bear Lake

Spring smallmouth bass on Bear Lake hold shallow, usually 3 to 12 ft. They move out to 10 to 30 ft in summer and finish the year down in 20 to 45 ft. The spot to know is Main-lake point, a point in about 30 ft of water that rates prime for smallmouth bass in summer. Plan around early morning and the evening in the warm months. Summer baits: a drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig gets it done.

Brown Bullhead fishing at Bear Lake

In spring, brown bullhead run shallow here, mostly 2 to 8 ft. By summer they slide out to 3 to 12 ft, and by winter most fish are in 10 to 25 ft. The spot to know is Shallow bay flat, a weed flat in about 6 ft of water that rates prime for brown bullhead in spring. Best bite is after dark and the evening.

Burbot fishing at Bear Lake

In spring, burbot run shallow here, mostly 25 to 70 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 35 to 118 ft, and winter fish settle into 15 to 60 ft. Deep basin is the standout, a deep basin at roughly 100 ft, rated prime for summer burbot. Best bite is after dark and midday. Tie on a heavy jig + cut bait and you're in the game.

How deep is Bear Lake?

Bear Lake is about 118 ft at its deepest point. The contours here are modeled from the water's real shape and maximum depth, so treat them as a rough guide.

What fish are in Bear Lake?

Anglers target smallmouth bass, yellow perch, lake trout, lake whitefish, burbot, brown bullhead on Bear Lake.

Where is the best fishing spot on Bear Lake?

Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 100 ft of water that rates prime for lake trout in summer. Open the map above to see every rated spot for each species and season.

When is the best time to fish Bear Lake?

For lake trout, the summer bite is best in early morning. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.