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.
Although the quantity of catchable Florida Bass has decreased with the cooling weather, fall and winter present a unique opportunity for patient anglers to hook some of the biggest fish of the year. Try fishing midday in areas that receive the most direct sunlight as warm water can stimulate baitfish and predators alike, offering the best opportunities to reel in some of Bear Lake’s finest. Bass prefer areas with brush piles or other hard structures and will often suspend along steep slopes at about 6-7 ft deep. Fishing along the earthen dam is a good place to start for anglers unfamiliar with the area. Try using baits that mimic sunfish or shad fished on a suspended crank bait, rat-l-trap, or spinner bait fished with a slow retrieve.
After early fall, Black Crappie will begin looking for shallow, warm water as the weather cools. Using larger baits near standing timber and shallow creek channels can often be effective. Try fishing jigs with a 2 3/8-inch body on a quarter-ounce jig head, experimenting with different colors as necessary. Using live bait such as minnows or shiners can be very effective. For Bluegill and Redear Sunfish, try using light tackle and small hooks, securing split shot weights 2-3 ft above the hook so it stays near the bottom. Target areas of deeper water with crickets or wigglers. Channel catfish can also be targeted on the bottom in deeper water using beef or chicken liver wrapped in semi ripped pantyhose.
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