Area Info

Stretched across the Utah – Idaho state lines, Bear Lake is home to more than 160 square miles of turquoise-blue water. The lake is roughly 20 miles long by 8 miles wide, and a prime destination for boating and watersports like paddleboarding, kayaking, and water skiing.

There are seven boat ramps located around Bear Lake, including two at Idaho’s North Beach, three at Rendezvous Beach, Bear Lake Marina, and East Beach. The Marina at Bear Lake State Park hosts hundreds of boat slips and a five-lane boat ramp. When the time comes to explore the Caribbean of the Rockies, check out one of the local outfitters for knowledge, helpful tips, and all the necessary equipment, including boat rentals!

Bear Lake Funtime Rentals

(435) 946-3200 • https://bearlakefun.com

Bear Lake Funtime has locations at North Beach, Rendezvous Beach, and the Marina, as well as 1217 S Bear Lake Blvd. in Garden City. On-site boat rental options include pontoons, ski boats, wakeboard boats, fishing boat rentals, and all necessary accessories, as well as non-motorized options like sea-doos, SUPs, kayaks, and water trampolines, and land explorers like UTV street legal side-by-sides, bicycles, and snowmobiles (in the winter months). The floating marina store features a fuel dock and full-service grill. Also offering guided fishing tours for anglers of all skill levels.

Bear Lake Rentals

(435) 946-8611 • http://bearlakerentals.com

Choose from five different boat models for rent from Bear Lake Rentals. All rental boats are open bow with wakeboard towers (with the exception of the pontoon boats), life jackets, and stereos with device connections. Also available: SUPs, sea kayaks, wakeboards, and tubes for single or multiple riders. Launch point is 5 miles north of Rendezvous Beach.

Epic Recreation

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(435) 946-3742 • https://www.epicrecreation.net

With locations at 2410 S Bear Lake Blvd. in Garden City, as well as Bear Lake Adventure Center, North Beach, and the Marina, Epic Recreation offers Bear Lake boat tours, boat and waverunner rentals, and non-motorized recreational equipment like standup paddleboards and kayaks. Epic Rentals’ Marina location is home to a full-service boat ramp and public boat slips.

TK Watersports

(801) 367-0668 • https://tkwatersports.com

TK Watersport provides top-quality watercraft rentals, including powerboats, wakeboarding boats, ski boats, fishing boats as well as jet skis and wave runners. Popular models include the Centurion FS 33 surf, Supreme 238 Wake, Centurion SV233, Centurion Fi23, and Cast-A-Way Pontoon boat rentals. For a guided experience, consider the full-service Water Sports Charter Package, which includes a driver/instructor, wakeboards, surfboards, kneeboards, skis, pull tubes, life vests, and more.

Utah Boat Rentals

(801) 413-9602 • https://www.utahboatrental.com

Utah Boat Rentals offers speedboats from MasterCraft with eight different X-Series wakeboard and surf boat rental models to choose from. Also available for rent are wave runners, sea-doos, and jet skis. Guests seeking a more guided experience can select from a variety of water sports lessons and boat tours offered by Utah Boat Rentals at all marinas in Bear Lake.

The Bear Lake Valley offers hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails perfect for exploring the mountains or beaches of Idaho and Utah on ATVs or UTVs. Choose your path over stream crossings or through thick groves of pines, and aspens – all the while, taking in the breathtaking views of Bear Lake. These same trails are ideal for snowmobiling in the winter .

Bear Lake State Park does not provide off-highway vehicle opportunities as ATVs and UTVs are governed by the same regulations as standard motor vehicles within the park. However, there are several areas to ride nearby, including:

• Garden City Canyon (upper Logan Canyon)
• Hodges Canyon and Richardson Fork
• Temple Canyon and Cottonwood Canyon
• South Eden Canyon

Explore interactive trail maps online to find all local trails and plan your riding course:

• Utah Division of Parks and Recreation
• Idaho State Parks and Recreation

Equipment required for legal use of ATVs/UTVs on paved roads:

• Rear view mirror
• Turn signals
• Horn
• HI/low-beam headlight
• Taillight and brake light
• Registration and insurance
• Current license plate
• Helmet (under 18 years of age)

To make sure you’re geared up and headed in the right direction, check in with one of the local outfitters for equipment rentals, guided tours, and important tips from local experts. See our list of the most reputable ATV rental services below.

Bear Lake Funtime Rentals

(435) 946-3200 • https://bearlakefun.com

Bear Lake Funtime has locations offering ATV/UTV rental service at Rendezvous Beach, and the Marina, as well as 1217 S Bear Lake Blvd. in Garden City. In the summertime, rent street-legal UTV side-by-sides to explore the nearby mountain trails. Options include the UTV 4-Seater Can-Am Maverick 1000 and the UTV 6-Seat Can-Am Defender HD8 for 1-8 hours of rugged adventure! Wintersport rentals are also available for snowmobiling and more. Serving locals and visitors since 1998.

Beaver Creek Lodge

800-946-4485 • https://beavercreeklodge.com/rzr-rentals

Beaver Creek Lodge offers seasonal rentals from May through October. Options include the Can-Am Defender MAX DPS (seats up to 6), Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX Turbo (seats up to 4), and the two-seater Can-Am Maverick Trail. Located in Logan Canyon, less than 15 miles west of Bear Lake. Enjoy on-site UTV side-by-side rentals with instant access to high mountain trails and beautiful scenery! Choose rental increments from 2-24 hours. Snowmobile rentals (during the winter months) and horseback riding are also available.

Bloominite Rentals

(208) 945-1249 • https://www.bloominiterentals.com

Bloominite Rentals is Bloomington, Idaho’s premier power sports rental company. Rental options include UTVs, ATVs, snowmobiles, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards – making Bloominite Rentals a four-season service! ATV/UTV models in-stock are the Polaris RZR 1000 4-seater, Polaris RZR 1000 40-seater, and the Polaris Sportsman 570 available for 2, 4, and 8-hour blocks of time.

Epic Adventure Center

(435) 946-3742 • https://www.epicrecreation.net

With locations at 2410 S Bear Lake Blvd. in Garden City, as well as Bear Lake Adventure Center, North Beach, and the Marina, Epic Recreation offers off-road rentals, including 2-seater UTVs available for 4-8 hours. Wintersport rentals are also available for mountain adventures in the snow.

Located on the Utah – Idaho border is a turquoise-blue oasis. Sometimes called the “Caribbean of the Rockies”, Bear Lake is a popular destination for those who love the outdoors. With year-round activities including fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and even jet-skiing in warmer months, the lake stays busy all year. With so much to do, you can certainly build up quite an appetite – and if you love classic American fare you will find no shortage of options. Garden City, Utah is located right on the shores of Bear Lake and boasts a variety of restaurants specializing in homestyle country cooking to barbeque.

Bear Cave Drive In

554 Main St, St Charles, ID 83272 • (208) 945-0927 • https://bear-cave.business.site

On the western shores of Bear Lake, in St. Charles, Idaho, Bear Cave Drive In offers a classic drive-in dining experience, with an adjacent general store. A great pit stop to grab some grub before or after a visit to Bear Lake State Park! For an extra hardy appetite, consider the Bear Cave Monster – two quarter-pound, top sirloin beef patties with ham and cheese. Open Monday – Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Bear Lake Pizza Co. / Bear Trapper Steak House

240 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028 • (435) 946-3600 • http://www.beartrapperrestaurant.com

Located in Garden City, Bear Lake Pizza’s pizza features fresh dough and ingredients for traditional pizza by the slice or by the pie, along with hamburgers, ice cream, and more. If you’re feeling bold, try the 28” Old Ephraim Pizza! Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Make sure to stop in next door at Chocolate Bear for homemade chocolate dipped raspberries, Bear Lake Jam, and more! Bear Lake Pizza’s sister restaurant, Bear Trapper Steak House is also a part of this tasty trifecta on South Bear Lake Boulevard. Here, you’ll find a smorgasbord of comfort foods from traditional breakfasts to dinner entrees including seafood steaks, chicken, and pasta, served up in a rustic atmosphere. Open year-round.

Cafe Sabor

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82 N. Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028 • (435) 946-3297 • https://www.cafesabor.com

With six locations in Utah and Idaho, including one in Garden City on North Bear Lake Boulevard, Cafe Sabor offers an array of bold flavors from Mexico, South America, and Asia. Guests rave about the innovative takes on traditional standards like shrimp ceviche, Chino-Latino egg rolls, shrimp and artichoke pasta, tacos al carbon, and fajitas. Take advantage of the full bar, featuring signature Latin-inspired cocktails. Hours vary by season.

Campfire Grill Restaurant

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427 N Paradise Parkway, Garden City, UT 84028 • (385) 626-7394 • https://www.campfiregrillrestaurant.com

This rustic, open-air restaurant is located at the Conestoga Ranch, providing an elevated-casual dining experience. Breakfast highlights include the breakfast hash scramble and the pulled pork biscuits with gravy, while dinner favorites such as Wagyu black and blue beef African sewers and wood-fired pizzas are perfectly suited to the earthy atmosphere at dusk. High-quality selection of wine and craft beers. Ample seating is available outdoors as well as indoors overlooking the exhibition kitchen. Make sure to save room for dessert! Open seasonally.

Cody’s Gastro Garage

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88 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028 • (435) 946-3644 • https://www.codysgastrogarage.com

Auto-themed eatery of epic proportions – literally. The flagship location (of two) is located in Garden City, in a converted auto garage. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, Cody’s offers “cozy atmosphere and cool decor”. Standout favorites include burgers, quesadillas, fries, appetizers, wings, and salads. Make sure to keep an eye out for the iconic Cody’s hot rod during the spring and summer races at Bear Lake! Open year-round.

Cooper’s at Bear Lake West Restaurant and Sports Bar

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554 Lewis Loop #100, Fish Haven, ID 83287 • (208) 945-2222 • https://www.coopersbearlakewest.com

Cooper’s Restaurant & Sports Bar located on the beautifully scenic Bear Lake West golf course. The diverse menu offers something for everyone, from fresh fish and lobster to raspberry stuffed French toast, as well as thick-cut steaks, seafood, chicken, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, and complete $5 kids meals. Enjoy seating in the dining room, sunroom, sports bar, or on the outdoor deck – all of which offer expansive views of Bear Lake. Open year-round, but hours vary by season.

Crepes & Coffee

235 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028 • (435) 946-2696 • https://www.facebook.com/crepesandcoffeebearlake

You simply can’t call your Bear Lake visit complete without a visit to Crepes & Coffee! Enjoy a clever assortment of more than 20 sweet and savory crepes (and more) alongside specialty coffees, ice teas, lemonades, and Italian sodas. If you’re in a hurry, visit the hot and ready station with grab and go food options. Proudly serving gelato from Sweetaly Gelato out of Salt Lake City! Open seasonally, this is a great place to spend a weekend evening enjoying the Summer Music Series spotlighting local artists. There’s often a long line for service here, but consider that a good sign. Locals and visitors agree – it’s worth the wait!

Ephraim’s Restaurant

35 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028 • (435) 946-2255 • https://www.ephraimsrestaurant.com

The whole family will appreciate this unique lakeview dining experience for breakfast, lunch, dinner, take-out, or dessert. Specializing in traditional American comfort food, Ephraim’s serves cooked-to-order burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, Dutch oven chicken and potatoes, fish and chips, and more. The nostalgic ice cream shop offers an exceptional selection of flavors, and the famous Ephraim’s raspberry shake, made from berries grown on-site.

Firehouse Pizzeria

50 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028 • (435) 946-2600 • https://www.orderfirehousepizzeria.com

Unassuming pizzeria offering stone-fired specialty pizzas and calzones, baked sandwiches, pastas, desserts, and more. Specialty pies include the Down South Cajun Pizza, Texas BBQ Chicken Pizza, and the new Montana Pizza. You can also design your own pizza, or if you’re looking to indulge with your crew, try the legendary Firehouse Monster Challenge – a 36” pizza with up to four flavors added, and the largest pizza in Utah!

Hometown Drive Inn

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105 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028 • (435) 946-2727 • http://ht.cookstudiosid.com

Family owned and operated low-key, homestyle diner known for out-of-this-world raspberry shakes served alongside old fashioned burgers and sandwiches. A classic fast food stop, open seasonally.

LaBeau’s Drive Inn & LaBeau’s Too

69 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028 / 75 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028 • https://www.labeaus.com

LeBeau’s is a family-owned restaurant and a Bear Lake tradition. With a menu that boasts more than 40 sandwiches and over 45 varieties of shakes, there’s a flavor anyone can savor! Must-haves include raspberry shakes and and the LaBeau’s Special – a hamburger patty served with ham slices. LaBeau’s is known for generous portions, and long lines of loyal devotees who never mind the wait for the original classic tastes served up in this laid-back gem. Hours vary seasonally.

Merlins Drive In

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149 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028 • (435) 946-8411

Quaint and beloved hole-in-the-wall burger joint. No frills to be found, but you can count on heaping helpings of tasty grub and luscious, flavorful milkshakes. The outdoor seating area sits alongside a children’s playground. An ideal stop for a budget-friendly, casual afternoon out!

Moose Buns

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220 West 10 South, Garden City, UT 84028 • (435) 241-7773 • https://moosebuns.com

Moose Buns is a quick service drive-thru/walk-up coffee shop and juice bar known for their exquisite cinnamon rolls, hot-cold-blended beverages and flavorful fruit smoothies. Enjoy seasonal breakfast and lunch menus, daily specials, and new Red Bull or apple cider infused drink options! This is the place to be when you’re seeking something fun, different, and oh so tasty in Bear Lake. Make sure you pop in to the on-site gift shop to commemorate your visit with a Moose Buns memento!

Ruca’s

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284 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028 • (435) 946-3691 • https://rucasbearlake.com

Enjoy your meal outdoors while basking in the majestic views of Bear Lake and enjoying lawn games with the family! Most items at Ruca’s are made from scratch daily. Featured items include their famous Danish Aebleskivers, gourmet sandwiches, and original coffee blends. Open seasonally.

Summit Inn Pizza

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70 W Logan Rd, Garden City, UT 84028 • (435) 946-2870 • https://summitinnpizza.com

When you spend ten years perfecting your signature dish, it’s bound to be something special, and that’s just what the locals say you can expect from Summit Inn, serving pizza made from scratch daily using only the freshest ingredients. Voted “Best of State” and “Best Family Pizza” 2010 – 2016. Locations in Lehi and Kamas, as well as Garden City.

Waffle Den and Bakery

70 W Logan Rd Suite B, Garden City, UT 84028 • (801) 360-2730 • https://www.waffledengardencityut.com

How many ways can you enjoy a waffle? Stop in for a bite at the Waffle Den and find out! This fun and creative eatery offers waffle trees, waffle bowls, waffle sticks, waffle animals, and the original Belgian waffle – perfectly topped or filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, homemade raspberry jam, raspberry butter, and more. You can also opt to keep it purely sweet with a selection from the batch of fresh pastries!

Zipz

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75 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028 • (435) 946-2810 • http://www.zipzbearlake.com

For a zippy drive-thru experience that will leave you scrambling back for more, pop into Zipz! It’s the perfect, nothin’ fancy stop for a classic, all-American meal… with a few twists here and there, for the sake of culinary innovation. Enjoy hot dawgs, corn dawgs, “saucewiches”, Dole Whips, and of course – raspberry shakes! Cozy location right on Bear Lake.

When you think of adventure on turquoise waters, you may not instantly think of Utah or Idaho… but you should! These neighboring states both lay claim to Bear Lake, a natural gem nestled within the mountains, and home to waters so rich in a characteristic aqua hue that it has earned the designation of being called “the Caribbean of the Rockies.” Serving as the centerpiece of the Bear Lake Valley, the lake occupies approximately 109 square miles with shores embracing Bear Lake State Park and Cache National Forest. Bear Lake is a popular destination for recreation-seekers, with an array of adventures to be found both in the water and on land.

Hit The Hiking (And Biking) Trails

Getting out and exploring nature on your own terms is not a challenge on Bear Lake. No matter your speed or ability, there is a hiking trail that is perfect for you. A multitude of walking trails for the novice to advanced hiker are easily accessible around the lake, including within the state park. Some of the most popular are the Limber Pine Trail (an easy, 1.5 mile loop), the Laketown Canyon Trail (a moderate, 7-mile round-trip), and the challenging North Fork at St. Charles Canyon (10 miles round-trip).

There is also no shortage of mountain bike, ATV, snowmobile, and horseback riding trails at various points surrounding Bear Lake. Find interactive trail maps of all types here .

For a guided tour that you will not forget, make sure to check out the Oregon Trail Center in Montpelier, Idaho where you will get a real taste of the wild west in more ways than one. With everything from historical museum exhibits and guided trail tours to a genuine chuck wagon dinner, this is an experience like no other.

Adventure On The Water

Water lovers will find no shortage of exciting activities at Bear Lake. Some of the more popular water sports amongst Bear Lake visitors are paddleboarding, water skiing, jet skiing, and kayaking. Boat and other water sports rentals are readily available and located at different locations around Bear Lake. There are seven boat ramps located around the lake so launching your own watercraft is a breeze.

Choose Your Beach Adventure

Rendezvous Beach

Photo Credit uniqueharsh via Instagram

Located on the south end of Bear Lake, Rendezvous Beach is a large, open waterfront recreation space with some very useful amenities. The beach has four reservable pavilions, modern and primitive campsites, and boat rentals. There is a small restaurant located near the boat ramp and rental shop. Rendezvous Beach is a popular spot for boating, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, rafting, and kayaking.

North Beach

This two-mile stretch of beach rests on the north side of Bear Lake, in Idaho. Its gradual slope and expansive waters make it an ideal swimming beach. On-site public ramps offer access to boating and water skiing fun as well! Additional boat ramps are available at the State Marina on the west side of Bear Lake.

Garden City Beach

Photo Credit: amalooop via Instagram

Garden City has a public beach accessible via Garden City Park. This is a full service recreation area, complete with a pavilion, playgrounds, basketball courts, and a large grassy area. The boardwalk located at the far end of the park leads down to the beach (an approximate quarter-mile walk). Public restrooms are available, as well as a rental shack for paddleboards and kayaks.

Adventure On The Road – Scenic Drives

Oregon Trail – Bear Lake Scenic Byway

Travel through Soda Springs and Lava Hot Springs toward McCammon, passing 15 historic and scenic points along the way.

Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway

Photo Credit: topofutahtravelguide via Instagram

Journey parallel to the Logan River through Logan Canyon, and its dense forests, lush meadows, rugged rock formations, and panoramic views. Especially breathtaking in the fall.

Bloomington Lake

Photo Credit: ayeroon via Instagram

A stunning, high elevation route filled with vibrant wildflowers, dramatic cliffsides, and two lakes. Features sweeping panoramic views of the lake and surrounding valley area.

For The Adventuring Foodie – The Bear Lake Raspberry Shake

Aside from the alluring waters, Bear Lake is also quite famous for the raspberry shake – a signature staple that can be found just about anywhere where food is served nearby. LaBeau’s in Garden City is arguably the local favorite. Garden City also hosts the Raspberry Days festival during the first weekend of August each year, in celebration of the harvest peak. Feel free to overindulge in this local treat – morning, noon, and night!

Land Excursions

Minnetonka Cave

Photo Credit: alwayspackasweater via Instagram

Minnetonka Cave Road, St Charles, ID 83272

Located in Idaho’s Cache National Forest, Minnetonka Cave is a favorite spot for exploration in St. Charles Canyon and one of two caverns administered by the Forest Service. Guests are invited on 90-minute guided tours through the half-mile limestone cave system, featuring nine rooms lined with travertine, stalactites, and stalagmites.

Bear Lake Golf Course

Photo Credit: salty_red_beard via Instagram

554 Lewis Loop, Fish Haven, ID 83287

Beautiful 9-hole mountain course situated above Bear Lake. The par 33 course, built in 1976, measures 2,715 yards. The Bear Lake West public facilities include a restaurant and sports bar with panoramic views of the lake.

Pickleville Playhouse Theatre

Photo Credit: missyhelene via Instagram

2049 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028

Proudly offering family-friendly entertainment for more than 40 years, this professional live theatre and grill is open seasonally on the banks of Bear Lake in Garden City. Enjoy an incredible meal before or after the show in the open-air pavilion.

Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Photo Credit: colt.j.dixon via Instagram

322 N 4th St, Montpelier, ID 83254

Bear Lake Refuge was established in 1968 to protect and manage habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds. Located just outside of Montpelier, Idaho, the refuge encompasses 18,000 acres of cattail marsh, open water, and flooded meadows managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Visitors are welcome year-round for day use hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and boating.

Often referred to as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” due to its alluring turquoise waters, Bear Lake is the second-largest natural freshwater lake in the State of Utah. Covering 109-square miles from Utah across the Idaho border, it is home to four species of fish that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

About four out of every five years on average, Bear Lake ices over, setting the stage for prime ice fishing opportunities as well. Though Bear Lake has the environment to appeal to anyone in search of an outdoor adventure, anglers are especially in-store for a unique kind of paradise.

What’s Biting?

Bear Lake hosts four endemic fish species: Bonneville Cisco, Bonneville Whitefish, Bear Lake Whitefish, and the Bear Lake Sculpin. Bear River Cutthroat Trout and Lake Trout can be found near Cisco Beach, Rainbow Cove, and the Bear Lake Marina. Bear Lake is home to a trophy cutthroat trout fishery where the Idaho State record cutthroat (19 lbs.) was caught. Lake trout in Bear Lake may grow to be as large as 30 lbs.

When Are They Most Active?

The Bear Lake area is a legitimate lure for novice and seasoned anglers any time of year, with fresh fish harvests springing up every season. The Bonneville Whitefish spawn in mid-December, luring Cutthroat close to shore as well. Whitefish remain active in the area until around mid-March. Bonneville Cisco spawning in late January – early February. create one of the best times for fishing on Bear Lake, with millions of Cisco drawing larger cutthroat and Mackinaw. The Bear Lake Whitefish have a month-long spawning season beginning around the end of February, continuing a run on Cutthroat and Mackinaw.

Bear Lake Sculpin come into spawn around the end of March through mid-April. Bear Lake Cutthroat spawning season runs from mid-April through the end of June, creating an expansive trolling grounds for inshore opportunities. Peak time for the most colorful Cutthroats runs from April through mid-June.

The Mackinaw spawn in late October and early November, paving the way for prize fly fishing catches averaging around 5 lbs. or more. The once-thriving Rainbow Trout is no longer a prolific species in the Bear Lake area, but an uncommon treat rewarding the occasional angler. The fishery is on a waiting list to re-introduce this species.

Where To Cast A Line (Or Dip A Net)

Fishing from boats is a classic and favorite option of many Bear Lake anglers, but there are plenty of ways to aim for the catch of the day in these bountiful waters – and more than one method to try, as well! Your successes at fishing Bear Lake largely depend on knowing where to fish, and how to lure the catch, so here are some insider tips!

On the western shores of Bear Lake, just north of Garden City, you’ll find Bear Lake State Park and Marina – home to boat slips, a 5-lane boat ramp, great trolling and ice fishing opportunities, and the annual Bear Lake Monster Winterfest event. This popular fishing competition and fundraiser is centered around the winter spawning of the Bonneville Cisco close to shore, and finds many ambitious fishermen casting dip nets to pluck Cisco from the ice.

The east side of Bear Lake is also a great place to fish. Still within the State Park, you’ll discover the areas of First Point, South Eden, Cisco Beach, Rainbow Cove, and North Eden here. Trolling and jigging are popular pastimes at Rainbow Cove and Cisco Beach, where boat ramp access is also available. Tip your jigs or bait with sucker meat or Gulp minnows in white, green and chartreuse for best results! Trollers do well using minnow type lures, rapalas, and flatfish off downriggers close to the bottom. For Lake Trout fly fishing, aim to visit in the late fall.

The DWR keeps the Garden City Community Pond stocked with Rainbow Trout. This 3-acre pond just off Bear Lake in Garden City is a favorite hidden gem and a popular spot for anglers seeking a relatively easy catch. It’s also a great location for fly fishing in the fall. Limit two trout.

Not far from the shores of Bear Lake, Laketown Reservoir is located in Rich County, Utah. This is a smaller reservoir and the waters aren’t very deep, but it’s a great place for a family fishing adventure. Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout are the primary species here, and can be fished easily from shore using traditional baits and lures. Limit four trout.

Local Guides And Equipment Rentals

• Cisco Charters – (435) 994-1649
• Epic Adventure Center Bear Lake – (435) 946-3742
• Bear Lake Funtime Rentals – (435) 946-3200
• Bear Lake Rentals – (435) 946-8611

Licensing And Regulations

Anglers in possession of a valid Utah fishing, combination hunting license, OR a valid Idaho fishing license can fish anywhere on Bear Lake. On the Utah side of the lake, you can use two fishing poles per fisherman, but use of two rods by one person on the Idaho side of the lake requires a special permit. If you are fishing from a boat from the Idaho side of the lake, you must also have a current Idaho Invasive Species Fund sticker on your watercraft.

Buy your license online and review current regulations in detail at wildlife.utah.gov . You can also purchase your fishing license(s) in-person through local vendors or the Idaho Fish and Game and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) offices. You can even display and use your licenses on your mobile device for convenience! License pricing varies based on residency, length of permit time requested, and age. Nonresidents can expect to pay $24 – $40 for 3 or 7-day fishing permits. For all local, up-to-date fishing information, check the latest fishing report.