Headen up to Bear Island Lake at the end of the week for a week long vacation and was wondern how the fishing is up there? Also going to be tring to get some fish to eat and was wondern what the best way to catch some eating size walleyes is?

We were up to the cabin the week after the forth. The eyes were anywhere from 8 to 30feet. Try short lining lindy rigs with leeches on mid lake reefs. Try slip bobbers with leeches and plain hooks. Ty this in the evening, right up to dark any were there is deep water with a reef or bar near by. Lots of panfish to catch, crappies are very nice, but very hard to find. Dont be afraid to try the eyes in mid day, 30 ft or so near sharp drops. good luck let me know how it went.

anyone have any reports as of late?

I'm finding alot of conflicting information on this lake, I go to the dnr website and it had conflicting info. I was wondering What fish are actually in this lake. I understand it is in the ore range and that it probaly has a consistantly rocky bottom, but anything I should know for spots to look out for. Any good maps online that I can look at. I was told it was a good walleye lake and sunny lake, but I don't always believe my intel. Just looking for some info for what I should pack for tackle and fish species. Thanks. Oh yeah, any suggestions for takle shops in the area.

Bear Island is a funny lake. I KNOW there are good fish populations, but it's hard to catch fish there. Good enough populations that the DNR used to have a walleye egg collecting spot where the Beaver River enters the lake. Lots of structure, lots of water. Deep water between the big island and the northern shore. Shallower on the east end where the Bear Island River leaves the lake towards One Pine. Best bet? Fish the structure on the eastern half of the north shoreline. Good luck!

finnbay, I know this is going to sound stuipid, but here I go. Just so I have it right THere are Northerns, walleye, crappie, and smallmouths in there. Along with sunfish right. I have read a lot of lets just say crud the does not match. thanks

Correct. Bear Island has good numbers of all those species. I've fished that lake for over thirty years and have caught nice fish of each. It just takes some lookin' to find 'em.