HomeMichiganPresque Isle County

Bear Den Lake

Presque Isle County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
18.5 acres33 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Bear Den Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → 🎣 Fishing Guide → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Bear Den Lake
Bear Den Lake Boat Launch
Onaway State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 4 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Bear Den Lake sits in the state forest lands near the Presque Isle–Montmorency county line. Specific inflow and outflow information isn't well documented, but the surrounding area is part of the Lake Huron watershed with numerous small lakes and streams in the vicinity.

Winter & Ice Safety

Bear Den Lake likely freezes reliably given its small size and northern Michigan location. Ice fishing pressure is probably minimal given how few people visit in summer. Always check ice thickness before heading out — small secluded lakes can have inconsistent ice due to springs or current.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a boat launch on Bear Den Lake?
Yes, there's one launch on the lake. It's basic and suited for small boats, kayaks, and canoes. The launch has a 4.3 Google rating from a small number of reviews.
Where is Bear Den Lake?
Bear Den Lake is in Presque Isle County in northern Lower Michigan, near the Montmorency County line. It's surrounded by state forest land, with Clear Lake State Park and several state forest campgrounds nearby.
Are there campgrounds near Bear Den Lake?
Yes — Clear Lake State Park is the closest developed option, with full amenities including a beach. Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground and Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground are also nearby and offer more rustic camping experiences.
Can you swim in Bear Den Lake?
There's no designated swimming beach on Bear Den Lake itself, but nearby Clear Lake State Park has a public beach. Bear Den's secluded setting could work for a dip, but there are no lifeguards or facilities.
Is Bear Den Lake crowded?
No — this is one of the more secluded lakes in the area. With only a handful of reviews and one basic launch, it sees very little boat traffic. That's the main appeal.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Bear Den Lake is a small, secluded lake tucked into the forests near the Presque Isle–Montmorency county line — reviewers consistently mention the seclusion and scenic views as the main draw. There's one launch on the lake, and with only a handful of Google reviews, this isn't a lake that sees heavy traffic. Anglers report abundant bluegill (mostly small) and rumors of trout, though catching them seems to be another story. The surrounding area is rich with state forest land and several nearby state campgrounds — Clear Lake State Park, Tomahawk Lake, and Shoepac Lake are all within easy reach.

If you're looking for a quiet, off-the-beaten-path spot to drop a canoe or small boat and enjoy some solitude, Bear Den fits the bill. Don't expect trophy fishing — this is more of a peaceful paddle-and-panfish kind of lake. The forested shoreline and lack of development give it a remote feel even though it's accessible by road.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment