Fishing Bear Lake
AKA: Caribbean of the Rockies
Popular Fish Species Bear Lake, UT
Bonneville Cutthroat Trout Fishing
The ideal approach to catching cutthroat is fly fishing, and the key is to match the hatch. Catching Bonneville cutthroat trout in Bear Lake with lures or bait can also productive. Presented properly, cutthroat trout can be caught on small spinners and spoons. This is a popular lake for ice fishing once the lake freezes to a safe condition. Like all fish, cutthroat like to have some sort of cover. This year, fishing for cutthroat trout here has been fair to very good, year round depending on conditions. While the ideal setting for cutthroats is in a river or stream, they are also stocked in reservoirs, like Bear Lake. They will hang out in boulders, fallen trees, along drop-offs and ledges.
Lake Trout Fishing
Year round, fishing for lake trout in Bear Lake is often quite good and the fish are plentiful. These large trout prefer water below 60 degrees, however they can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 30 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 150 feet or more during Summer and Winter. It is a monumental assistance to use fish finders, or other electronics to help in locating these roaming schools of lake trout. They feed on baitfish and other small fish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for big lake trout with spoons can deliver some great catches.
Rainbow Trout Fishing
Fishing for rainbow trout at Bear Lake can be effective using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic prey. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing can still provide some nice fishing. Annual stocking by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout. While fishing from a boat is often the preferred method, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and lake trout (Mackinaw) at Bear Lake in Utah.
Bear Lake Fishing Video
With spectacular aqua-blue color water, Bear Lake is a trout anglers paradise. Beauty and great fishing abound here with half the lake in Utah and the other half in Idaho.
Bear Lake is a natural freshwater lake located on the border of Utah and Idaho, in the northeastern part of Utah. Known as the "Caribbean of the Rockies" for its stunning turquoise-blue waters, Bear Lake is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.
The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, attracting anglers from all over the region. One of the primary draws is the variety of trout species available. Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and lake trout (also known as mackinaw) are the most sought-after fish in Bear Lake. These trout species thrive in the clear and cool waters, providing a rewarding fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.
Spring and fall are the best seasons to fish at Bear Lake. During these times, the water temperatures are optimal, and the fish are more active, making it easier to catch a variety of trout. Anglers often employ various fishing techniques, including trolling, casting, and fly-fishing, to target different trout species.
Surrounding the western side of the UT half of this 70,000-acre lake are marinas, campgrounds, boat ramps, RV parks, boat rentals, lodging, restaurants and shopping. The lake is situated on the northern border of the state, at Garden City. Fishing enthusiasts can get access to most of the 80 miles of shoreline for fishing from the bank, or to launch car-toppers, canoes and kayaks. Quality rainbow, cutthroat and lake trout fishing is the big draw here, and (when there is safe ice) ice fishing during winter for trout and whitefish.
Primary fish species residing in Bear Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Bear Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Bear Lake is not only famous for its fishing opportunities but also for its scenic beauty and recreational activities. Boating, camping, and other water sports are popular among visitors. With its picturesque landscapes and abundant fish population, Bear Lake remains a top destination for anglers looking for a memorable fishing experience in Utah.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Bear Lake Funtime
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and pontoon boats
435 946-3200
Bear Lake Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
435 946-8611
Performance Rental
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and pontoon boats
435 946-8735
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Bear Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Bear Lake Blvd, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Eric RV Park & Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off E Anchors Away Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
First Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off N Cisco Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Rainbow Cove Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Rainbow Cove Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Ventura Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off N Cisco Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Marinas
Bear Lake State Park Marina
940 Bear Lake Blvd
Garden City, UT 84028
435 946-5800
Fishing Guides On Bear Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Utah Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Bear Lake-Marina Side KOA Campground - 435 946-3454
Bear Lake-Trail Side KOA Journey Campground - 435 946-8444
Sunrise Campground - 435 755-3620
Willow Campground - 801 538-7220
Rendezvous Beach Campground - 435 946-3343
Bear Lake Aquatics Base Campground - 435 946-8533
Bear Lake Venture RV Park - 435 946-8780
Epic Recreation RV Park - 435 946-2910
Bear Lake UT Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Bear Lake
Bear Lake State Park
940 N Bear Lake Blvd
Garden City, UT 84028
435 946-3343
Fishing lakes in each state.
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Bear Lake in Utah.
UTAH
Information about fishing lakes in Utah
Fishing for trout in northern UT.
