White Bear Lake

Location:

Cities of White Bear, Mahtomedi, Dellwood, Birchwood and White Bear Township.The lake is east of Mn highway 61 and south of Mn. highway 96.

Lake Map:

View the map (pdf)

Stocking Report:

View Stocking Report (dnr site)

Species Present:

Walleye: average abundance, average size.
Northern Pike: above average abundance, average size (18-22 inches).
Muskellunge: average abundance, average size with some larger individuals present.
Largemouth Bass: above average abundance, average size, with some larger fish present.
Smallmouth Bass: low abundance, average size.
Bluegill: above average abundance, average size but some larger ones present.
Crappie: above average abundance, average size.
Bullhead Species: Below average abundance, above average size.
Yellow Perch: low abundance, small size.

Boat Access:

Ramsey County Beach – Free; 37 parking spaces; Hwy 96 east of Hwy 61. Portable toilet at access; washroom, picnic area and beach adjacent to boat access.
Matoska Park – Annual permit required from city of White Bear: 15 parking spaces; 6th street east of Hwy 61 to Lake Ave. N., then south to park. Picnic area and washroom adjacent to parking area.
White Bear Docking – private facility with launch fee; North on S. Lake Ave. from White Bear Ave. Portable toilet on site.
CAUTION:Low water levels have made launching and lake travel challenging. Take care and watch for exposed and shallow reef areas.

Shore Fishing:

There are two public fishing piers on this lake, in addition to undeveloped public land along highway 96 adjacent to the north shore of the lake.

• Lions Pier – East of highway 61 on frontage road to White Bear Avenue.
• City Pier – North of White Bear Avenue off Lake Avenue S. adjacent to VFW hall.

Management Plan:

1. Population assessments in even numbered years. Re-survey in 2018.
2. Spring trap net muskie assessment in even numbered years, as needed.
3. Stock 2628 pounds (2 lbs. per lit. acre) of WAE fingerlings annually.
4. Allow stocking of MUE fingerlings or yearlings by private sector.
5. Muskie tagging and stocking evaluation study 2008 – 2016.

Exotic Species Alert:

This lake contains Eurasian water milfoil. Remove any visible plants from your boat, trailer or other boating equipment before leaving any water body.

Comments:

White Bear Lake is a popular angling lake. Largemouth bass are the favorite target of summer angling. Northern pike are easily caught, but they tend to be small (18 – 22 inches). Walleye angling is better early in the season and in the fall. Anglers should be prepared to compete with recreational boaters, especially during weekends and holidays.

Ice fishing is also popular on this lake. Panfish, northern pike and walleye are all popular targets of ice anglers on White Bear. Anglers traveling on the ice should do so with caution as springs are present. Open water areas may be present as a result

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Note: All data collected from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources