What Bearhead Lake offers anglers

Bearhead Lake is a shallow, weedy walleye and pike lake about 15 miles northeast of Ely, accessible by car and a short portage from the Echo Trail. The lake runs roughly 2 miles long and averages 15 to 20 feet deep, with extensive weed beds and a soft bottom that hold walleye year-round. Pike are abundant here too, and the lake's shallow structure makes it a good choice if you want to see what you're fishing for rather than probing deep water blindly.

The character of Bearhead is fundamentally different from the deep, clear lakes that dominate the Ely area. You're fishing a warmwater-style lake in a coldwater region—which means the fishing patterns shift with season more dramatically than they do on Superior or Saganaga. Spring and fall are peak times. Summer walleye move deep into the weed, and winter ice-out can be slow until the water stabilizes.

Key Takeaways

  • Bearhead holds walleye and pike in shallow, weedy structure where you can fish from shore or a small boat without a long portage.
  • Spring and fall produce the most consistent walleye action; summer requires fishing early morning or late evening in the thickest weed.
  • Pike fishing is straightforward here—larger lures and live bait work year-round in the shallows and along weed edges.
  • The lake has a public access point and is part of the Echo Trail corridor, so you can reach it without a Boundary Waters permit.

Access and where to launch

Bearhead Lake has a public boat launch on the south shore, reached via Forest Road 459 off the Echo Trail. The launch is a simple gravel ramp with parking for a handful of vehicles. From Ely, take the Echo Trail northeast; signs mark the turnoff. The drive is roughly 20 to 25 minutes depending on road conditions.

If you're coming from the Boundary Waters side, Bearhead can be reached by portage from Bearskin Lake, but most anglers use the road access. The portage route adds time and effort for no fishing advantage, so the car launch is the practical choice for a day trip.

Walleye patterns by season

Spring (May through early June) is when Bearhead shines for walleye. The fish are shallow and aggressive after spawning, moving into 4 to 8 feet of water along the weed edges. Jigs tipped with minnows or crawlers work well; cast parallel to the weed line rather than into the thickest growth. Early morning and evening are most productive, but you can catch fish throughout the day during spring.

Summer (June through August) pushes walleye deeper into the weed and into the few holes that reach 30 feet. This is the hardest season on Bearhead. Fish early—before 8 a.m.—or wait until dusk. Soft plastics and live bait fished slowly in the thickest weed cover produce, but you'll spend more time snagged than hooked. Many anglers skip summer and return in fall.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring for consistency. Walleye move back to the shallows as water cools, and you can fish the same weed edges and structure that worked in May. The fishing window is longer than spring—you can catch fish from mid-morning through late afternoon. Jigs, crankbaits, and live bait all produce.

Winter (November through March) is possible but slow. Walleye are scattered under the ice, and the lake's shallow average depth means less stable winter conditions than deeper lakes. If you ice fish Bearhead, focus on the deepest holes and the transition zones where weed gives way to open bottom.

Pike fishing and lure selection

Pike are the easier fish on Bearhead and a good option if walleye are slow. They're less seasonal than walleye and will hit throughout the day. Larger lures work best—5 to 7-inch crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics in the 4 to 6-inch range. Pike here average 24 to 28 inches, with occasional fish pushing 35 inches.

Fish the weed edges and any open pockets within the weed beds. Pike hunt from ambush, so cast to the structure rather than open water. Live bait—shiners or small perch—fished under a bobber in 6 to 12 feet of water is also effective and requires less casting. Early morning and late evening are most productive, but pike will bite midday if you're fishing heavy cover.

What to bring and what to expect

Bearhead is a small lake, so you don't need a large boat. A 16 to 18-foot aluminum boat with a small outboard or a canoe works fine. The weed beds are thick enough that you should carry a weed rake or at least be prepared to clear your prop occasionally. Bring extra line—snags are common in summer.

The lake can get crowded on weekends during peak season, particularly in May and September. Weekday fishing is usually quieter. Weather can change quickly, and the lake is exposed enough that wind can make it choppy. Check conditions before you launch, and don't hesitate to head back if the wind picks up.

Regulations and what you need to know

Bearhead is in Minnesota, so you need a Minnesota fishing license. Walleye have a 15-inch minimum size and a daily limit of four fish. Pike have no minimum size and a daily limit of five fish. Possession limits are the same as daily limits. These regulations can change, so check the current Minnesota fishing regulations before you go.

The lake is not part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, so you don't need a BWCA permit. It's open to motorboats, and the public access is free. Gas motors are allowed, though the shallow water and weed beds make a small motor more practical than a large one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bearhead Lake good for beginners?

Yes. The shallow water and abundant weed structure make it easy to locate fish visually. Pike are forgiving and bite aggressively. Walleye require more patience, but spring and fall offer consistent action. The short drive from Ely and simple boat launch make it accessible.

Can I fish Bearhead without a boat?

Yes, though it's limited. You can fish from shore along the south and east sides where the launch is located, but you'll reach only a fraction of the lake. A canoe or small boat opens up the weed beds and deeper structure where most fish hold.

What's the best time of year to fish Bearhead?

May through June and September through October are most productive for walleye. Pike bite year-round but are most aggressive in spring and fall. Summer is slowest for walleye but still possible if you fish early and late. Winter is difficult and not recommended unless you're experienced with ice fishing shallow lakes.

How deep is Bearhead Lake?

The lake averages 15 to 20 feet deep, with the deepest holes reaching 30 to 35 feet. Most of the lake is shallower than 20 feet, which is why weed beds dominate and why summer fishing requires fishing the thickest cover or the few deeper holes.

Do I need special gear for the weed?

A weed rake or similar tool helps clear your prop and lures. Heavier jigs (3/8 to 1/2 ounce) and soft plastics designed to slip through weed work better than light lures. Braided line is more weed-resistant than monofilament, though it's more visible to fish. Expect to lose some lures to snags, especially in summer.