How deep is Bear Lake?

Bear Lake reaches a maximum depth of 55 feet, according to the Indiana DNR Lake Bathymetry survey. Most of the lake is shallower, with 9 mapped depth bands between the shoreline and the deepest hole.

Where is the deepest part of Bear Lake?

The deepest surveyed water on Bear Lake sits toward the southeastern corner of the lake, inside the 55 ft contour. The interactive depth map above shows the full basin outline and the breaks leading into it.

How accurate is this Bear Lake depth map?

The contours come from the Indiana DNR Lake Bathymetry survey. Depths change over time with water levels and sediment, so treat this map as a planning guide for fishing, and never use it for navigation. Per Indiana DNR, the data are graphical representations for reference only, not a survey instrument.

Indiana lake depth maps

Bear Lake depth map

Bear Lake in NOBLE County, Indiana reaches a depth of 55 feet. The official Indiana survey maps 9 depth bands across 16 contour lines. This free map of Bear Lake shows every surveyed contour as an interactive depth chart you can use to plan a session before you travel.

Bear Lake depth chart: 9 depth bands to 55 ft

Data: Indiana DNR Lake Bathymetry (credit: Indiana DNR), retrieved August 2026 · depths change over time · not for navigation

Bear Lake depth chart data
Depth contour	Share of mapped area inside it
10 ft	about 100%
15 ft	about 86%
20 ft	about 66%
25 ft	about 52%
35 ft	about 27%
45 ft	about 12%
50 ft	about 6%
55 ft	about 1%

Share of the surveyed surface area enclosed by each depth contour, computed from the Indiana DNR Lake Bathymetry data.

How to fish Bear Lake: mid-depth structure water

With 55 feet at its deepest, the fish-holding structure is the mid-depth contour: drop-offs, points and inside turns between the shallows and the basin. Use the 9 mapped depth bands to find where contour lines pinch together, which marks the sharpest breaks, and work those edges first, especially early season and again in the fall as fish follow bait between depths.

Ice fishing on Bear Lake

Bear Lake is a classic ice-fishing depth: enough water to hold fish all winter without the long freeze-up of a deep basin. Start on the deepest mapped hole at first light, then work the breaks where contour lines tighten. Mid-depth flats near the basin edge produce through midday. Always verify ice thickness locally before walking out.

Bear Lake depth map FAQs

How deep is Bear Lake?: Bear Lake reaches a maximum depth of 55 feet, according to the Indiana DNR Lake Bathymetry survey. Most of the lake is shallower, with 9 mapped depth bands between the shoreline and the deepest hole.
Where is the deepest part of Bear Lake?: The deepest surveyed water on Bear Lake sits toward the southeastern corner of the lake, inside the 55 ft contour. The interactive depth map above shows the full basin outline and the breaks leading into it.
How accurate is this Bear Lake depth map?: The contours come from the Indiana DNR Lake Bathymetry survey. Depths change over time with water levels and sediment, so treat this map as a planning guide for fishing, and never use it for navigation. Per Indiana DNR, the data are graphical representations for reference only, not a survey instrument.

Depth maps for lakes near Bear Lake

Williams Lake depth map · 40 ft max · 3 mi away
Smalley Lake depth map · 44 ft max · 3 mi away
Lower Long Lake depth map · 50 ft max · 4 mi away
Baugher Lake depth map · 30 ft max · 5 mi away
Rivir Lake depth map · 35 ft max · 6 mi away

Mapped fishing venues near Bear Lake

Bear Lake in the venue directory covers access and fishing details for this water.

Williams Lake · 3 mi away
Smalley Lake · 3 mi away
Lower Long Lake · 4 mi away

Fishing in Indiana needs a state license: US fishing license guide · all Indiana venues