Little Bear Lake Fishing near Cohasset, Minnesota

• Overview

  Little Bear Lake is listed under Itasca County, Minnesota. Beyond the shoreline you have pine and birch. Small at around 12 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. On size it sits at the modest end of our Itasca County list. You are 12 miles from Cohasset. Coleraine is 13 miles away, with Grand Rapids at 14 miles. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Little Bear Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. County-wide records name yellow perch, largemouth bass and northern pike. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Take Little Bear Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 67°F at the top of summer and 4°F at the bottom of winter. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around mid April. Ice usually gives way near mid April, and forms again about late November. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Plan any trip to Little Bear Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Hill Lake at 0.2 miles is the nearest alternative. The position on Little Bear Lake is worth confirming on the day.