Bear Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Bear Lake is a Norris Arm water, Newfoundland and Labrador side. The coast is 7.4 km away. Surface area is around 52 hectares, which gives you real water without needing a boat. The outline measures near 6.8 km, so local knowledge counts. Our Norris Arm list holds plenty of bigger water. The nearest place of any size is Botwood, 18 km away. The big place round here is St. John's, 245 km distant. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Bear Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. On Bear Lake that means starting tight and working out. Give a promising spot half an hour before moving on.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from -9°C in February up to 16°C in July. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Count the season from break-up, usually late April. Ice usually gives way near late April, and forms again about early December. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Bear Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. Should this one be busy, Sylt Lake is 5.2 km off. Confirm access to Bear Lake locally before you travel.