Fishing at Bear Lake, Florida
134-acre lake · County · 9 species stocked
Stretching across 134 acres in County, Bear Lake is a lake known to anglers throughout Florida for its mixed warmwater and coldwater fishery. Whether you're casting from a kayak or running deeper structure from a boat, the data on this page will help you plan your next trip.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 10 stocking events on record for Bear Lake:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 2022 | 🐟 Channel Catfish Sub Adults | 0 | 0.0″ |
| Jul 1, 2022 | 🐟 Threadfin Shad | 0 | 0.0″ |
| Jul 1, 2022 | 🐟 Bluegill Fingerlings | 0 | 0.0″ |
| Jul 1, 2022 | 🐟 Channel Catfish | 0 | 0.0″ |
| Jul 1, 2022 | 🐟 Black Crappie | 0 | 0.0″ |
| Jul 1, 2022 | 🐟 Redear Sunfish | 0 | 0.0″ |
| Jul 1, 2022 | 🐟 Bluegill | 0 | 0.0″ |
| Jul 1, 2022 | 🐟 Channel Catfish Derby | 0 | 0.0″ |
| Jul 1, 2022 | 🐟 Hybrid Striped Bass | 0 | 0.0″ |
| Jul 1, 2021 | 🐟 Channel Catfish Derby | 0 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
- 🐟 Channel Catfish Sub Adults
- 🐟 Threadfin Shad
- 🐟 Bluegill Fingerlings
- 🐟 Channel Catfish
- 🐟 Black Crappie
- 🐟 Redear Sunfish
- 🐟 Bluegill
- 🐟 Channel Catfish Derby
- 🐟 Hybrid Striped Bass
Where to Catch Channel Catfish Sub Adults in Florida
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Bear Lake, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Channel Catfish Sub Adults lakes in Florida
- Top Threadfin Shad lakes in Florida
- Top Bluegill Fingerlings lakes in Florida
- Top Channel Catfish lakes in Florida
- Top Black Crappie lakes in Florida
Best Time to Fish Bear Lake
For channel catfish sub adults, the best fishing on Bear Lake is typically in spring and fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 55–70°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with lake thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Bear Lake:
- Dixie Lake — 1.6 mi (193 ac)
- Lake Louisa — 1.8 mi (3,628 ac)
- Lake Nellie — 2.0 mi (722 ac)
- Lake Glona — 3.3 mi (242 ac)
- Kirkland Lake — 3.3 mi (269 ac)
- Crescent Lake — 3.9 mi (126 ac)
- Flat Lake — 5.3 mi (123 ac)
- Pine Island Lake — 5.5 mi (533 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Florida fishing license is required at Bear Lake. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Bear Lake?
Bear Lake has been stocked with Channel Catfish Sub Adults, Threadfin Shad, Bluegill Fingerlings, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, Redear Sunfish, Bluegill, Channel Catfish Derby, Hybrid Striped Bass.
When was Bear Lake last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jul 1, 2022, when 0 channel catfish sub adults were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Bear Lake?
Yes — a valid Florida fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.