Bear Lake
Santa Rosa County
Bear Lake is a 107-acre man-made impoundment constructed in 1959, opened to fishing in 1961, and designated as a Fish Management Area. The lake has an average depth of 8 feet with a maximum depth of 23 feet. Deepest areas are located near the dam and along the old streambed. A considerable amount of flooded timber remains, providing fish habitat. This lake has been stocked with Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish (shellcracker), Black Crappie, Hybrid Striped Bass, and Channel Catfish. Bear Lake is located in northeast Santa Rosa County with in the Blackwater State Forest, approximately 2 miles east of Munson, FL on SR 4. A dual-launch concrete boat ramp is located within the Bear Lake Campground. Ample parking, a handicapped accessible fishing pier, and an informational kiosk are located near this ramp. The Florida Forest Service maintains the campground, which includes bath/restroom facilities, along with camping and picnic areas. The Florida Forest Service charges a $2.00/car fee to all persons entering the Bear Lake Campground area. Two primitive dirt boat landings are accessible from Hurricane Lake Rd. and are not currently subject to this fee. A limited number of small jon-boats and canoes are available to rent from DOF for use on the lake. Information regarding these rentals can be obtained by calling 850-957-6140. Bear Lake is subject to the rules and regulations currently in effect for Fish Management Areas. Please refer to a current copy of Florida Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations. Gasoline boat motors are prohibited from use on Bear Lake; however, use of electric trolling motors is allowed.
For additional information regarding fishing opportunities at Bear Lake contact the NW Regional Office at 850-265-3676.
For reserving campsites and cabins in Florida State Parks check the Florida State Parks Reservation Center website or call 800-326-3521.
During the winter, anglers should target shallow-water habitats adjacent to steep drop-offs for fishing. Cooler water temperatures provide a great opportunity to target Black Crappie, which can typically be found around structure in shallower areas. Larger baits can often be most effective, so try fishing jigs with a 2 3/8-inch body on a quarter-ounce jig head and don’t be afraid to switch up the color until you find what is working. Similarly small crank baits and rat-L-traps can also be effective. Rising water temperatures in late February and early March will begin to draw Largemouth Bass into the shallows to spawn, usually in 2-6 feet of water. Dark colored plastic worms/lizards, spinnerbaits, floater-diver type lures, and rat-L-traps are particularly effective at generating strikes from aggressive, spawning bass. Bluegill and Redear Sunfish (shellcracker) can be fished with red worms, wigglers, or crickets either on the bottom with a small weight or deep below a cork. You can also try using artificial baits such as Beetle spins, Roostertails, or curly-tailed grubs. Be sure to use small hooks and light tackle to prevent these fish from recognizing your gear.
Bear Lake Map and Brochure
For more information see the Bear Lake Brochure and Supplemental Bear Lake Map.
Popular Species
Fish graphics by Duane Raver, Jr.
More species information is available for:
TrophyCatch Tracker
TrophyCatch is FWC's citizen-science program that rewards anglers for documenting and releasing trophy bass 8 pounds or larger. The following TrophyCatch bass have been submitted from Bear Lake!
Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 4
Trophy Club (10 - 12.9 pounds): 2