Bear Lake Fish and Wildlife Area

Bear Lake Fish and Wildlife Area is a 262-acre property in south-central Washburn County on the west side of Bear Lake, situated at an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. There are large swaths of county forest land directly to the west and south. It is adjacent to the Ice Age Trail and near the Bear Lake Sedge Meadow State Natural Area. All of this, together with a 1348-acre lake along the property, creates a variety of outdoor opportunities on and surrounding Bear Lake Fish and Wildlife Area.

Bear Lake Fish and Wildlife Area contains a diverse array of habitat types, including aspen, northern hardwood, marsh, lowland brush, swamp hardwood and swamp conifer. The property includes the mouth of Boyer Creek and a small segment of Sucker Creek. There is a small parking area on Shallow Lake Road, approximately 3.5 miles south of Highway D.

Four public boat ramps and one carry-in site are located on Bear Lake, providing recreation, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities not only along the fish and wildlife area, but throughout Bear Lake, including along the Bear Lake Sedge Meadow State Natural Area on the southeast shores of Bear Lake. Fish species common on Bear Lake include panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye.

The 5.3-mile Bear Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail briefly crosses the southwest corner of the property. The connecting Grassy Lake Segment offers another 8.5 miles of hiking to the northwest. Maps for the Ice Age Trail can be found at Maps - Ice Age Trail Alliance.

• Management
• Recreation
• Maps
• Useful Links

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