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Bear Lake

Bear Lake is a reservoir in Utah, near Rich County.

Live lake forecast

Bear Lake Fishing Weather

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Fish species in Bear Lake

Official stocking history

Stocking records show that the following fish or strains were stocked here. A historical stocking does not by itself prove that a self-sustaining population remains today.

Bear Lake's blue water gets most of the photographs, but cutthroat and lake trout bring anglers back. The lake straddles Idaho and Utah and reaches 208 feet deep. Most trout fishing is easier with a boat, a depth map and some patience.

Lake facts

  • Size: 112 square miles
  • Maximum depth: 208 feet
  • Main fish: Bear Lake cutthroat trout and lake trout
  • Other notable fish: Bonneville cisco and native whitefish

Where to fish

The rockpile near Ideal Beach, the stretch between the marina and Fish Haven, and east-side points are places to investigate. Look for fish before setting a trolling depth or dropping a jig. You don't have to fish the deepest part of the lake just because it's there. From shore, choose a public bank where deeper water is within casting distance.

Fishing tips and rules

September can be a good time to look for lake trout. Winter brings the short cisco run, which has its own methods and rules. Check the current regulations before planning around either fishery. Under the reciprocal arrangement, a Utah or Idaho fishing license works across the lake, though you still need to follow Bear Lake's fishing rules.

Camping and lake access

Bear Lake State Park has marina access, beaches and campgrounds. Cisco Beach and South Eden are east-side options to check when choosing a base. You can spend the afternoon on a designated beach or take a short paddle between fishing sessions. Watch the wind before crossing open water; 112 square miles is a lot of lake to get caught on.

Check the evidence

Sources and what they establish

Source dates describe the evidence, not a live catch forecast. Check the managing authority before planning access or keeping fish.

  • Bear Lake Whitefish — supporting source

    Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Fish Utah

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Bear Lake Whitefish — supporting source

    Idaho Department of Fish and Game

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Bonneville Cisco — supporting source

    Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Fish Utah

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Bonneville Cisco — supporting source

    Idaho Department of Fish and Game

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Bonneville Whitefish — supporting source

    Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Fish Utah

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Bonneville Whitefish — supporting source

    Idaho Department of Fish and Game

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Cutthroat Trout — supporting source

    Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Fish Utah

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Lake Trout — supporting source

    Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Fish Utah

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Lake Trout — supporting source

    Idaho Department of Fish and Game

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Steelhead — supporting source

    Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Fish Stocking Report

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Utah Chub — supporting source

    Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Fish Utah and statewide fishing guidance

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Utah Chub — supporting source

    Idaho Department of Fish and Game

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Utah Sucker — supporting source

    Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Fish Utah and statewide fishing guidance

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Utah Sucker — supporting source

    Idaho Department of Fish and Game

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Bear Lake Sculpin — supporting source

    Idaho Department of Fish and Game

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Black Bullhead — supporting source

    Idaho Department of Fish and Game

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Bear River Cutthroat Trout — supporting source

    Idaho Department of Fish and Game

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Common Carp — supporting source

    Idaho Department of Fish and Game

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Cutthroat Trout — supporting source

    Idaho Department of Fish and Game

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Mountain Whitefish — supporting source

    Idaho Department of Fish and Game

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Rainbow Trout — supporting source

    Idaho Department of Fish and Game

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Redside Shiner — supporting source

    Idaho Department of Fish and Game

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

  • Yellow Perch — supporting source

    Idaho Department of Fish and Game

    The linked source supports this fish’s presence or stocking in this water.

    Source checked:

    This is not a record catch or a measure of how many fish are there today. The source may describe an earlier period.

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