BEAR LAKE |
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View Bear Lake in a larger map
Bear Lake is a 107 acre artificial inpoundment created b an earthen dam across Bear Creek. It is located in northeastern Santa
Rosa county in the Blackwater State Forest, approximately 2 miles east of Munson, 1 mile north of S.R. 4. The lake was
constructed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in 1959 and opened to fishing in 1961. It was later
renovated, restocked and reopened to fishing in 1972.
It has an average depth of 8 feet and a maximum depth of 23 feet. Deepest areas are near the dam and along the old stream
bed. A considerable amount of flooded timber remains, providing fish habitat. Most standing timber has been cut 3 to 7 feet
below the normal water level to improve boating access.
FACILITIES:
Boat Ramps: A dual concrete boat ramp is located in the main recreational area on the southwest side of the lake.
Two unimproved boat ramps are located on the east side of the lake. They are accessible via
Hurricane Lake road between S.R. 4 and Beaver Creek road. (See below for more information)
Parking
Fishing Pier: Handicapped accessible.
Restrooms/Showers
Picnic areas
Camping: First come first served basis.
No swimming is allowed. Alligators are present.
Trails: The Sweetwater trail, 1.3 miles in length, connects Bear Lake to Krul Recreation Area.
The Bear Lake Loop Trail encircles the lake and is 4 miles long.
The Bear Lake-Jackson Connector Trail connects Bear Lake Loop Trail to the Jackson Trail. It is 2 miles in length.
A mountain bike trail also encircles the lake and is 6 miles in length.
Click here for a map of the trails in the Bear lake area.
Group Dining Hall with Kitchen: Reservations are required. Call (850) 957-6140.
FISH:
Largemouth Bass
Must be at least 12" to keep
Sunshine Bass
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish
Channel Catfish
Daily bag limit: 6 per person
Black Crappie
REGULATIONS:
- Florida fishing license required
- Electric motors only. Gasoline powered outboard motors are prohibited.
- No motor vehicles on the dam, spillways, or fishing fingers.
FEES:
- There is $2:00/car fee for anyone entering the Bear Lake Camping area
- Campground Fees:
Electric and water: $13/night
$7/ for senior citizens (65 and over) and disabled persons
Non-electric with water: $10/night
$5/night for senior citizens and disabled persons
·
· There two loop trails around the lake one that is a hiking trail that is 4 miles and the other that is a mountain bike trail that is 6
miles.
· The campground includes a dining facility (reservations are required for use)
· The average lake depth is 8 feet with a maximum of 23 feet
· Fish stocked in the lake are largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), black crappie, hybrid striped bass, and
channel catfish.
· Gas motors are prohibited on Bear Lake, but electric motors can be used.
· You can rent canoes or jon boats from DOF for Bear Lake by calling 850-957-6140.
· Motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATV's) are prohibited.
· Removal of plants or animals is prohibited
· Speed limit on all roads within the forest is 30 mph unless posted otherwise.
· Pets are allowed, but must be leashed
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Blackwater Fisheries Research and Development Center
8384 Fish Hatchery Road
Holt, Florida 32564
(850) 265-3676
Rosa county in the Blackwater State Forest, approximately 2 miles east of Munson, 1 mile north of S.R. 4. The lake was
constructed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in 1959 and opened to fishing in 1961. It was later
renovated, restocked and reopened to fishing in 1972.
It has an average depth of 8 feet and a maximum depth of 23 feet. Deepest areas are near the dam and along the old stream
bed. A considerable amount of flooded timber remains, providing fish habitat. Most standing timber has been cut 3 to 7 feet
below the normal water level to improve boating access.
FACILITIES:
Boat Ramps: A dual concrete boat ramp is located in the main recreational area on the southwest side of the lake.
Two unimproved boat ramps are located on the east side of the lake. They are accessible via
Hurricane Lake road between S.R. 4 and Beaver Creek road. (See below for more information)
Parking
Fishing Pier: Handicapped accessible.
Restrooms/Showers
Picnic areas
Camping: First come first served basis.
No swimming is allowed. Alligators are present.
Trails: The Sweetwater trail, 1.3 miles in length, connects Bear Lake to Krul Recreation Area.
The Bear Lake Loop Trail encircles the lake and is 4 miles long.
The Bear Lake-Jackson Connector Trail connects Bear Lake Loop Trail to the Jackson Trail. It is 2 miles in length.
A mountain bike trail also encircles the lake and is 6 miles in length.
Click here for a map of the trails in the Bear lake area.
Group Dining Hall with Kitchen: Reservations are required. Call (850) 957-6140.
FISH:
Largemouth Bass
Must be at least 12" to keep
Sunshine Bass
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish
Channel Catfish
Daily bag limit: 6 per person
Black Crappie
REGULATIONS:
- Florida fishing license required
- Electric motors only. Gasoline powered outboard motors are prohibited.
- No motor vehicles on the dam, spillways, or fishing fingers.
FEES:
- There is $2:00/car fee for anyone entering the Bear Lake Camping area
- Campground Fees:
Electric and water: $13/night
$7/ for senior citizens (65 and over) and disabled persons
Non-electric with water: $10/night
$5/night for senior citizens and disabled persons
·
· There two loop trails around the lake one that is a hiking trail that is 4 miles and the other that is a mountain bike trail that is 6
miles.
· The campground includes a dining facility (reservations are required for use)
· The average lake depth is 8 feet with a maximum of 23 feet
· Fish stocked in the lake are largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), black crappie, hybrid striped bass, and
channel catfish.
· Gas motors are prohibited on Bear Lake, but electric motors can be used.
· You can rent canoes or jon boats from DOF for Bear Lake by calling 850-957-6140.
· Motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATV's) are prohibited.
· Removal of plants or animals is prohibited
· Speed limit on all roads within the forest is 30 mph unless posted otherwise.
· Pets are allowed, but must be leashed
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Blackwater Fisheries Research and Development Center
8384 Fish Hatchery Road
Holt, Florida 32564
(850) 265-3676
BOAT RAMPS |
| Bear Lake Boat Ramp GPS: N 30 51.729 W 086 49.935 Dual lane concrete boat ramp |
| Bear Lake Hurricane Road Boat Ramp GPS: N 30 51.853 W 086 49.696 Single unimproved dirt ramp on the east side of Bear Lake |
| Bear Lake Beaver Creek Road Unimproved boat ramp GPS: N 30 51.595 W 086 49.515 Single unimproved dirt ramp on the east side of Bear Lake |
LINKS, more information |