If you type "Bear Lake" into a search bar, Google usually tries to sell you on the turquoise waters of the Utah-Idaho border. Honestly, it’s a bit annoying. While the "Caribbean of the Rockies" is great and all, Wisconsin actually has its own collection of Bear Lakes that offer a completely different, much more "Northwoods" vibe without the massive crowds or the desert heat.
The problem? People talk about "Bear Lake Wisconsin" like it’s one single place. It isn't.
Depending on which county you’re in, you might be looking for a 1,300-acre walleye factory or a quiet 200-acre retreat with a floating restaurant. Most visitors get these confused and end up at a boat launch two hours away from where they intended to be. Let’s clear that up.
The Big One: Bear Lake in Barron and Washburn Counties
When serious anglers talk about Bear Lake, they’re usually talking about the 1,348-acre beast that straddles the line between Barron and Washburn Counties. This is a drainage lake, which basically means it has water flowing in and out (via Bear Creek), keeping the ecosystem moving.
It’s deep. We’re talking 87 feet at its deepest point.
Because of that depth and the way the lake is shaped, it holds a massive variety of fish. The Wisconsin DNR confirms you'll find everything from Panfish and Largemouth Bass to Northern Pike and Walleye. Interestingly, the water clarity here is actually quite low. Don't let that scare you off; "low clarity" in Wisconsin often means high productivity for Walleye. They love that stained, "coffee" water because it lets them hunt more effectively during the day.
Getting on the Water
You’ve got four main public access points here:
- Northwest Side: Access off Bear Lake Landing Road.
- South Side: A landing off 29 1/4 Avenue.
- East Side: Near the end of 18th Street.
- West Side: Access off 28 3/4 Ave.
If you’re a nature nerd, the Bear Lake Sedge Meadow State Natural Area on the southern shore is a must-visit. It’s a 300-acre expanse of woolly fruit sedge, bog birch, and rare birds. It feels like stepping back 500 years. Just a heads up: there are no bathrooms or picnic tables there. It’s raw wilderness.
The Social Spot: Bear Lake in Waupaca County (Manawa)
Now, if you’re looking for a "weekend at the lake" vibe with a burger and a beer, you’re likely thinking of the Bear Lake near Manawa in Waupaca County. This one is much smaller—about 200 acres—but it punches way above its weight class for recreation.
Unlike the northern version, the water here is moderately clear.
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It’s a "full-rec" lake. That’s local speak for "yes, you can bring the jet skis and the water ski boat." It has a maximum depth of 62 feet, which is surprisingly deep for a lake this size.
The real draw here is the Bear Lake Campground & Resort. They have a bar and grill that’s open year-round, and yes, they do a Friday Night Fish Fry. If you haven’t had a Wisconsin fish fry on a lakefront deck, have you even really visited the state? They also have mini-golf, volleyball, and a swimming beach that makes it a magnet for families during the humid July stretches.
Fishing the Waupaca Side
While the Barron County lake is a Walleye haven, the Manawa Bear Lake is more about the Bass and Northern Pike. The DNR recently noted that while the Pike population is "low density," the fish are healthy. If you’re fishing here, look for the "fish sticks"—large woody habitat intentionally added to the shoreline to give the Bass a place to hide.
Which Bear Lake is "The One"?
I've seen people drive all the way to Haugen (Barron County) looking for the campground with the mini-golf, only to realize they should have been in Manawa.
Go to the Barron/Washburn Bear Lake if:
- You own a serious fishing rig and want to hunt 20-inch Walleyes.
- You want to hike the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (the Bear Lake segment crosses right through the nearby Fish and Wildlife Area).
- You want to see Bald Eagles, Loons, and maybe an actual Black Bear in the Sedge Meadow.
Go to the Waupaca (Manawa) Bear Lake if:
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- You have kids who want to swim and play mini-golf.
- You want to park your boat at a restaurant and eat pizza.
- You’re attending the Manawa Snodeo or the Iola Car Show and need a home base nearby.
Hidden Gems and Weird Facts
Most people don't realize that the Barron County lake has a history tied to the French voyageurs from the late 1600s. They traded with the Ojibwe and Dakota people right on these shores. Later, during the logging boom of the 1800s, a dam at Haugen was blown up every single year. Why? To flush the logs down Bear Creek to the mills in Rice Lake.
Also, keep an eye out for Northern Wild Rice. It grows naturally in the Barron County lake. It’s protected, so if you see it, the lake becomes a "no-wake" zone in those specific areas. It’s a small price to pay for preserving a plant that’s been a staple for indigenous communities for centuries.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
If you're planning a visit to either of these spots, don't just wing it. Wisconsin weather and regulations can be finicky.
- Check the Regulations: Fishing seasons vary. For example, the 2025-2026 Walleye season on the Barron County lake typically has an 18-inch minimum length and a daily bag limit of three. Always check the latest Wisconsin DNR lake portal before you cast.
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service in the Washburn County woods is spotty at best. If you're hiking the Ice Age Trail, don't rely on a live Google Maps connection.
- Book Waupaca Early: The Bear Lake Campground in Manawa fills up months in advance for holiday weekends. If you want a lakeside RV spot for the 4th of July, you should have booked it last Christmas.
- Respect the Sedge: If you visit the State Natural Area, wear waterproof boots. It’s a "floating mat" ecosystem; you will get wet, and the mosquitoes do not care about your feelings.
Whether you're looking for a quiet morning in a kayak surrounded by pitcher plants or a loud afternoon on a pontoon with a cooler full of Spotted Cow, one of Wisconsin's Bear Lakes has you covered. Just make sure you put the right town into your GPS.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Verify which "Bear Lake" fits your goals (Fishing vs. Recreation).
- Download the HuntWild WI app for real-time boundary maps and regulations.
- If heading to Barron County, grab a topographic map of the 80+ foot holes to find where the Walleye are schooling.