| Bear Lake Campground Boat Ramp GPS: N 30 51.729 W 086 49.935 Dual lane concrete boat ramp $ 2.00 entry fee |
| Bear Lake Road S159 (off Hurricane Road) Boat Ramp GPS: N 30 51.853 W 086 49.696 Single unimproved concrete ramp on the east side of Bear Lake |
| Bear Lake Beaver Creek Road Boat Ramp GPS: N 30 51.595 W 086 49.515 Single unimproved concrete ramp on the east side of Bear Lake |
Fishing Destin Guide©
Bear Lake
A local's guide to fishing around Destin and the Florida Panhandle
Bear Lake
A local's guide to fishing around Destin and the Florida Panhandle
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Known as the "luckiest fishing village", Destin is the home to some of the best saltwater fishing in the United States. The 100 Fathom (600' depth) Curve of the Gulf of Mexico draws closer to Destin than any other spot in Florida. This, along with Destin's close proximity to the East Pass and the Gulf of Mexico, allows quick access to the Gulf of Mexico's fishing bounty. The purpose of this site is to acquaint a new fisherman to the Destin area - our local facilities, fish, waters and fishing methods. Tight lines and good fishing! |
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Fishing Bear Lake |
This web site is updated as I have time from other things going on. As there are a 1000 + different ways to do things, this is only my way of fishing, nothing else, and it is not the last word in fishing the area. I am by no means an expert but if you would like my opinion on something related to fishing the area, please email me at FishingDestinGuide@cox.net. It may take a few days before I get to it, so be patient. Thanks..... © Copyright 2014 Fishing Destin Guide All rights reserved |
BEAR LAKE Description & location: Bear Lake is a 107 acre artificial lake created in 1959 by an earthen dam across Bear Creek. It was constructed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). 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 streambed. A considerable amount of flooded timber remains, providing fish habitat. Most standing timber has reported to have been cut 3 to 7 feet below normal water level to improve boating access. It is part of the Blackwater River State Forest. Blackwater River State Forest is located in the Florida Panhandle northeast of Pensacola. The forest borders the Conecuh National Forest to the north and extends southward toward Eglin Air Force Base. It takes around 1 1/2 hours to drive there from Destin using Hwy 85 and Hwy 4. The headquarters for Blackwater River State Forest is 20 miles north of the town of Milton on State Road 191 in Munson. |
Controlling Agency: The area surrounding Bear Lake, to include the campgrounds and other recreational facilities, is part of the Blackwater River State Forest controlled by the Florida Forest Service. The headquarters for Blackwater River State Forest can be found 20 miles north of the town of Milton on State Road 191 in the community of Munson. Florida Forest Service Blackwater River State Forest 11650 Munson Hwy. Milton, FL 32570-9332 (850) 957-6140 (850) 957-6143 Fax The area has been named a Fish Management Area (FMA). This means that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) manages and enforces the wildlife regulations for the Bear Lake area for the Florida Forest Service. As such, you will need to comply with the state of Florida general fishing rules plus the specific rules for this FMA. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Blackwater Fisheries Research and Development Center 8384 Fish Hatchery Road Holt, Florida 32564 (850) 265-3676 |
Rules & Regulations: In addition to the Florida Freshwater Fishing Regulations, there are specific regulations that apply to Bear Lake. As of December, 2014, these are: Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. (Electric OK) Channel catfish bag limit: 6 No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and fishing fingers. Some points to remember . . . . As in any other waters you fish in Florida, you will need a Florida fishing license unless you do not normally need one, ie under 16, resident 65 and older, etc. Limits as of Dec 2014 are: 5 Black bass, only one of which may be 22 inches or longer in total length. Black bass less than 12 inches in total length must be released immediately. 50 Panfish (includes bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), flier, longear sunfish, mud sunfish, shadow bass, spotted sunfish (stumpknocker), warmouth and redbreast sunfish, individually or in total. 25 Crappie (speckled perch) |
Fees: There is a $ 2.00 per person daily fee if you use the boat ramp or other facilities in the camping area. It is on the honor system and there is a pay station at the kiosk near the bathrooms just before you get to the boat ramp area. If you use one of the "primitive" ramps on the east side of the lake, there is no fee. You can also camp at these sites without paying a fee. |
Fish species in Bear Lake: Bear lake has been stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, hybrid striped bass and channel catfish. The FWC publishes an online Bear Lake Fishing Forecast that has some good recommendations. Fish attractors are placed in the lake in several locations. The lake receives a lot of visitors in the summer, so the fish are wary. |
Nearby Bait & Tackle Stores Mickey's Grocery & Grill 6407 Florida 189 Baker, FL 32531 (850) 537-2566 Bitco Bait & Tackle 7106 Highway 90 Milton, FL 32583 (850) 626-3688 Avalon Bait & Tackle 4400 Avalon Blvd Milton, FL 32583 (850) 626-2151 |
You Tube Videos x |
Lodging & Restaurants |
Marinas None |
News & Fishing Reports: |
| Last Updated: December, 2014 |
| Water Levels |
| Lake Forums |
Boat Ramps & Launches: A dual lane 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 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 |
Camping: There is one improved camping area on the south west side of the lake by the dam. Nice facility with bathrooms/showers, electric and water hookup, etc. You can not make reservations and it is on a first-come, first serve basis. There is a kiosk by the bathrooms where you pay for your site using the honor system envelopes. As of Dec 2014, site fees are: Electric & water hookup: $ 20.00 a day Electric only: $15.00 a day There is a 14 day limit. There should be a volunteer camper in one of the slots plus the rangers do come by periodically. For more information, call (850) 957-6140. The campground has a group dining hall with kitchen by reservation only. No swimming is allowed. Alligators are present. The Sweetwater Trail, 1.3 miles in length, connects Bear Lake to Krul Recreation Area where swimming is allowed. Leashed Pets Allowed Camp fires are permitted but must always be attended. You can not cut any trees there so bring your own firewood. There are two "primitive" camping area on the east end of the lake. These are both grassy areas under the pine trees. I believe they have porta-pottis but no other facilities. There is a small boat ramp at each site. There is no charge to use either of these sites. See the map above for locations. |
Bear Lake Hurricane Road Primitive Camping area (Turn off Hurricane Lake road (paved) onto S150 (Dirt). Was marked by a yellow concrete marker on Hurricane Road the last time I was there. |
Bear Lake Beaver Creek Primitive Camping area (Turn off of Hurricane Lake road (paved) onto dirt road. |
Miscellaneous Information |
Web Cams None |