Big Bear Lake
Burnett County, Wisconsin
About Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake offers the classic northern Wisconsin combo: northern pike and bass in a Burnett County setting that draws anglers and families alike, a mid-sized lake at 179 acres and up to 17 feet deep. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. The fishery includes Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Panfish. Note that invasive species (Yellow Iris) have been documented here — clean your boat before leaving.
Bottom composition: 95% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 5% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: SEEPAGE
Lake Location
46.01700° N, 92.15300° W
WBIC 2705700 · Wisconsin DNRFish Species
Full table →Fishing Tips
- ·Northern pike are ambush predators — target weed edges, fallen timber, and points with large spoons or swimbaits.
- ·Spring pike fishing (ice-out through June) can be outstanding as they move into shallow, warming bays to spawn.
- ·Largemouth bass relate to shallow structure. Work topwater lures at dawn in summer, then switch to soft plastics rigged weedless around lily pads and fallen wood.
- ·Bluegill and crappie stack up in 8–15 ft of water near weedlines. Small jigs tipped with a waxworm are hard to beat.
- ·Panfish are often excellent for kids and beginners — look for them around any dock or submerged brush piles.
Local's Guide
Fishing
Species-specific tips above. Wisconsin fishing license required for ages 16+. See current season regulations below.
View fishing regulations ↓Swimming
Sandy bottom sections make for good swimming. No lifeguard on duty — swim at your own risk.
Content coming soon
Nearby Dining
Looking for supper clubs and bait shops near Big Bear Lake? Local dining recommendations coming soon.
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Insider Tips
Local knowledge about Big Bear Lake — best times to visit, quiet spots, and what the regulars know. Contributed tips coming soon.
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Lake Conditions
Water Clarity
—
No data
Trophic Status
—
No data
Invasive Weeds
Present
Yellow Iris
Seasonal Notes
Coming soon
Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Invasive Species Present
Yellow Iris has been documented in Big Bear Lake. Clean, drain, and dry all watercraft and equipment before leaving.
Report sightings to the Wisconsin DNR invasive species hotline.Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Big Bear Lake?
Big Bear Lake is home to Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Panfish. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Can you boat on Big Bear Lake?
Big Bear Lake does not currently have a public boat landing listed in the Wisconsin DNR database. Shore fishing or kayak/canoe access may still be available — check local access points.
How big is Big Bear Lake?
Big Bear Lake has 179 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 17 feet, a mean depth of 7 feet.
What is the bottom of Big Bear Lake like?
The lake bottom is composed of 95% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 5% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in Big Bear Lake?
Yes — Yellow Iris has been documented in Big Bear Lake. Please clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and all equipment before leaving any Wisconsin water body to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Where is Big Bear Lake located?
Big Bear Lake is located in Burnett County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 46.0170° N, 92.1530° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Big Bear Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Burnett County lakes. Check our Big Bear Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Burnett County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Big Bear Lake
| Species | Season | Min. Length | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullheads | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Catfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Cisco And Whitefish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Lake Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Muskellunge And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | The minimum length limit is 40" and the daily bag limit is 1. | — |
| Northern Pike | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Paddlefish | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Panfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25. | — |
| Rock, Yellow, And White Bass | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Rough Fish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Round Goby | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Ruffe | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Trout | See specific regulations | https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/ . | — |
| Walleye, Sauger, And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length is 15", but walleye, sauger, and hybrids from 20" to 24" may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 24" is allowed. The daily bag limit is 3. | — |
| White Perch | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
Regulations sourced from Wisconsin DNR fisheries data. Always verify current regulations before fishing.
Lake Details
- WBIC
- 2705700
- County
- Burnett County
- Surface Area
- 179 acres
- Max Depth
- 17 ft
- Mean Depth
- 7 ft
- Bottom
- 95% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 5% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 46.0170, -92.1530
Nearby Trails
Burnett County ATV/UTV Trails
63 mi · Burnett County
Burnett County Snowmobile Trails
300 mi · Burnett County
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Big Bear Lake? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 3/24/2026.