About Bear Lake, FL

Bear Lake is located in Monroe County in Florida. Spanning 107 acres in size, it is an artificial impoundment that is part of Bear Creek and the Blackwater River State Forest. Bear Lake has a maximum depth of 23 feet and an average depth of 8 feet. Built in 1959, it opened to the public for fishing in 1961. Anglers planning to visit the lake should note that it is situated approximately 2.5 miles east of Munson from Highway 4.

Beak Lake is a popular recreational playground that caters to people of all ages. It is an excellent spot for various activities such as hiking, camping, biking, boating, wildlife viewing, and fishing. It features numerous campsites, both with and without electricity, as well as some hiking trails. One of the trails is the 1.3-mile long Sweetwater Trail, which links the lake Krul Recreation Area. It also features the Bear Lake Loop Trail that runs around the lake for approximately 4 miles. 

All About Fishing in Bear Lake, FL

Bear Lake offers rich fishing opportunities. Its waters are stocked with a diverse range of species such as bluegill, largemouth bass, redear sunfish, channel catfish, black crappie, and striped bass. It is also an excellent spot to explore various fishing methods such as fly fishing, baitcasting, and spinning, so that both seasoned anglers and novices can have a great time fishing its waters.

Largemouth bass are best caught using dark plastic worms and floated-diver lures. Many experienced bass anglers also advise using Rat-L-Traps. When targeting bluegill and redear sunfish, most anglers would recommend using live baits such as wigglers, red worms, and crickets.

The lake can be accessed by a boat. There’s a dual-launch concrete boat ramp in the Bear Lake Campground. Within the campground, you can also find good parking, a fishing pier, an informational kiosk, bathroom and restroom facilities, and camping and picnic spots. A $2.00/car fee is charged to anyone entering the campground. From Hurricane Lake Rd., you can find two boat landings. There are limited boat and canoe rentals in the area. Bear Lake has rules and regulations concerning its fish management. For instance, visitors are allowed to use electric trolling motors when exploring the lake, but gasoline boat motors are prohibited. To learn more about the regulations, you may obtain a copy of the Florida Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations.

Fishing Seasonality

Anglers can prepare for excellent fishing in Bear Lake all year round. However, in each season, you can expect different challenges and opportunities. Largemouth bass become more active when the water temperature is cooler. They tend to move to deeper parts of the water during cold fronts and return to the shallows when the weather becomes warm again. For anglers, this means they should put their focus on these shallower areas near the deep parts. When the water is 70 and below, you can watch out for an increase in crappie and sunshine bass activity. Generally speaking, decent fishing in Bear Lake starts at around 3 AM to 6 AM and picks up from 7 AM until 11 AM.

Fishing Seasonality

Anglers can prepare for excellent fishing in Bear Lake all year round. However, in each season, you can expect different challenges and opportunities. Largemouth bass become more active when the water temperature is cooler. They tend to move to deeper parts of the water during cold fronts and return to the shallows when the weather becomes warm again. For anglers, this means they should put their focus on these shallower areas near the deep parts. When the water is 70 and below, you can watch out for an increase in crappie and sunshine bass activity. Generally speaking, decent fishing in Bear Lake starts at around 3 AM to 6 AM and picks up from 7 AM until 11 AM.

All About Fishing in Bear Lake, FL

Bear Lake offers rich fishing opportunities. Its waters are stocked with a diverse range of species such as bluegill, largemouth bass, redear sunfish, channel catfish, black crappie, and striped bass. It is also an excellent spot to explore various fishing methods such as fly fishing, baitcasting, and spinning, so that both seasoned anglers and novices can have a great time fishing its waters.

Largemouth bass are best caught using dark plastic worms and floated-diver lures. Many experienced bass anglers also advise using Rat-L-Traps. When targeting bluegill and redear sunfish, most anglers would recommend using live baits such as wigglers, red worms, and crickets.

The lake can be accessed by a boat. There’s a dual-launch concrete boat ramp in the Bear Lake Campground. Within the campground, you can also find good parking, a fishing pier, an informational kiosk, bathroom and restroom facilities, and camping and picnic spots. A $2.00/car fee is charged to anyone entering the campground. From Hurricane Lake Rd., you can find two boat landings. There are limited boat and canoe rentals in the area. Bear Lake has rules and regulations concerning its fish management. For instance, visitors are allowed to use electric trolling motors when exploring the lake, but gasoline boat motors are prohibited. To learn more about the regulations, you may obtain a copy of the Florida Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations.