F I S H !

Northwest Florida's Commission-Managed Impoundments

ANGLER'S GUIDE TO

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Blackwater Fisheries Research and Development Center

8384 Fish Hatchery Road

Holt, FL 32564

(850) 957-6175

Bear Lake is a 107-acre artificial impoundment created by an earthen dam across Bear Creek. The lake was constructed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (formerly Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission) in 1959 and opened to fishing in 1961. It was later renovated, restocked, and reopened to fishing in 1972. It has an average depth of 8 feet and a maximum depth of 23 feet. Deepest areas are near the dam and along the old stream bed. A considerable amount of timber remains, providing fish habitat.

An intensive, ongoing management program on Bear Lake has resulted in excellent catches of panfish and largemouth bass. Management techniques implemented and a brief description of their benefits are as follows:

Dewatering (drawdown) - Serves to expose and dry the lake bottom, which aerates and consolidates organic muck deposits. This process improves sportfish habitat and increases natural production of fish food organisms. Exposed soil is often seeded with ryegrass to enhance fish food production.

Fish Attractors - Brush and other materials are placed in the lake to concentrate fish and improve angler harvest. Hardwood brush bundles have proven to be good bass and bream fishing sites. Limerock spread on the lake bottom concentrates spawning fish, especially bream.

Fish Stocking - Channel catfish, sunshine bass, black crappie and bream (bluegill and redear sunfish) are stocked periodically to provide additional sportfishing opportunities.

Fertilization/Liming - Most of the lakes in this region of the state are low in naturally occurring nutrients and must be fertilized to increase fish production. Fertilizer stimulates the growth of microscopic plants called phytoplankton. Phytoplankton form the base of the food chain and are eaten by microscopic animals, which serve as food for small fish and insects, which feed bream, which in turn feed bass. Phytoplankton also discourage growth of troublesome aquatic weeds by shading the bottom. Liming increases fish production in lakes with acid bottom mud and soft water by altering pH, alkalinity and total hardness. Under these improved conditions the microscopic plants and animals at the base of the food chain are able to more efficiently use nutrients present in the water. Fish production in properly fertilized and limed lakes can be four or five times greater than natural productivity would allow.

LOCATION
Bear Lake is located in northeast Santa Rosa County in the Blackwater River State Forest, approximately two miles east of Munson, north of S. R. 4. It is within easy commuting distance of Pensacola, Milton, Crestview, and south Alabama.

FACILITIES
A dual-launch concrete boat ramp is located in the main recreational area. Ample parking, a handicapped accessible fishing pier, and an informational kiosk are provided near the ramp. The Florida Division of Forestry provides bath/restroom facilities, camping and picnic areas, and a commons building for large gatherings. Two primitive boat landings are accessible via the cutoff road between S. R. 4 and Beaver Creek Road. There are no fish camps but boats and canoes may be rented from the Division of Forestry. Bait and supplies are available in nearby Munson and Baker.

FISHING TIPS
Largemouth Bass - Shiners are the best natural bait. Blue or black plastic worms rigged Texas-style or yellow-skirted flutter baits are the best artificial baits.
Sunshine bass - Live threadfin shad are the best natural bait. Artificial shad-like diving baits, feathered jigs, and silver spoons are good alternatives.
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish - Crickets and worms are generally the best natural baits. White beetle-spins with white or black heads are best artificial baits for casting or trolling.
Channel Catfish - Chicken liver generally is the best bait.
Black Crappie - Live minnows or silver and feather jigs are effective during early spring.

REGULATIONS
Gasoline powered outboards are prohibited.

For license requirements, size and harvest limits, and other rules and regulations, please refer to the General Regulations for Fish Management Areas in the current Florida Fresh Water Sport Fishing Guide and Regulations Summary or our website:

Anglers should be aware that vandalism occurs at some boat ramps. Therefore, care should be taken to secure your vehicle and keep valuables out of sight or take them with you when you leave the ramp.

Acrobat PDF files of this and other brochures are available for printing on our fisheries publications site.