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Bear Lake Fishery Area

DNR Fisheries Areas

Bear Lake
The Bear Lake fishery area is a 262 acre property located in Washburn County in Sarona Township. It is comprised of a mix of swamp hardwoods, aspen, northern hardwoods, lowland brush and emergent vegetation. Boyer Creek flows through the property and originates from springs and seeps to the west. The water flows into Bear Lake and eventually into the Red Cedar River by way of Bear Creek.

The property was purchased in 1964 to protect Boyer Creek which serves as important fish spawning habitat for nearby Bear Lake while also providing a public fishing and hunting area. Known archaeological sites exist in the Bear Lake area.

A small section of the Ice Age trail crosses onto the fishery area near the Washburn/Barron County line. The trail is open to hiking, snowshoeing and cross-county skiing.

Location/Directions

The fishery area is located approximately 7.1 miles south and east of the city of Shell Lake. To get to the fishery area turn east off of U.S. Hwy 63 onto County Hwy D. Drive approximately 3.7 miles and turn south on Shallow Lake Road. Drive an additional 3.4 miles and arrive at a parking lot located on the east side of the highway.

Activities

Angling opportunities

Anglers can access Boyer creek by carry in access using canoe, kayak or by boat from nearby Bear Lake.

Recreational Opportunities

  • Fishing
  • Hunting - deer, bear, waterfowl, small game
  • Trapping
  • Hiking
  • Canoeing
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Bird watching
  • Wild edibles/gathering
  • Cross-country skiing - ungroomed trails
  • Snowshoeing

Objective

The Bear Creek fishery area is managed to protect fish spawning habitat on Boyer Creek, to manage upland habitat for wildlife and timber values and to provide access and recreation for angling, hunting, trapping, wildlife watching, hiking and other compatible outdoor recreational activities.

Contacts/Partners

For questions and comments contact:

Property Manager
Department of Natural Resources
810 W Maple Street
Spooner WI 54801
715-635-4022

Fisheries Biologist
Department of Natural Resources
810 W Maple Street
Spooner WI 54801
715-635-4095