Bear Lake Fish Species

Bear Lake Fish Species: A Guide to the Unique and Native Fish of Utah and Idaho's Alpine Lake

Bear Lake, a high-altitude freshwater lake straddling the borders of Utah and Idaho, is not only known for its vivid turquoise waters but also for its unique and diverse fish population. The lake supports both native and introduced species, including several that are found nowhere else in the world.

For anglers and naturalists alike, Bear Lake offers a rare chance to encounter endemic species, such as the Bonneville Cisco and Bear Lake Whitefish, alongside classic game fish like lake trout and cutthroat trout. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating fish species that inhabit Bear Lake’s cold, deep waters.

🐟 1. Bonneville Cisco (Prosopium gemmifer)

Status: Endemic to Bear Lake

Size: 5–7 inches (adult)

Habitat: Open water near shore during spawning (January)

Interesting Fact: This small schooling fish is found only in Bear Lake, making it a true biological treasure. It spawns in shallow rocky areas, where it can be seen in large schools, especially during winter.

Each January, the Cisco spawning run becomes the centerpiece of the “Cisco Disco” festival on the Utah side of the lake, where locals catch them using dip nets or light tackle through the ice.

🐟 2. Bear Lake Whitefish (Prosopium abyssicola)

Status: Endemic to Bear Lake

Size: Up to 10–12 inches

Habitat: Deep water (often more than 100 feet)

Interesting Fact: The Bear Lake Whitefish is adapted to the cold, dark depths of the lake. It’s rarely seen except during the ice fishing season, when anglers occasionally catch them near the bottom.

This species is distinct from the more widespread mountain whitefish and Bonneville whitefish, with more delicate bones and a preference for colder, deeper habitats.

🐟 3. Bonneville Whitefish (Prosopium spilonotus)

Status: Native to Bear Lake and some connected rivers

Size: Up to 18 inches

Habitat: Rocky shorelines and moderate depths

Interesting Fact: Often confused with the Bear Lake Whitefish, the Bonneville Whitefish is larger and found in slightly shallower areas. It’s more likely to be caught by shore anglers during spring and fall.

It provides a modest fishing opportunity, though it’s mostly appreciated for its ecological role and as a food source for larger fish.

🐟 4. Bear Lake Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii utah)

Status: Native subspecies

Size: 14–24 inches (can exceed 10 lbs)

Habitat: All around the lake, especially near inlets

Interesting Fact: This is a native Bonneville cutthroat trout, the only trout native to Bear Lake. It is actively managed and stocked to maintain healthy populations.

Cutthroat trout are popular with anglers due to their fighting ability and are commonly targeted from both boat and shore, especially in spring and fall.

🐟 5. Lake Trout (Mackinaw) (Salvelinus namaycush)

Status: Introduced

Size: Commonly 10–20 pounds, trophy sizes over 30 pounds

Habitat: Deep waters, especially mid-lake

Interesting Fact: Introduced in the early 1900s, lake trout have become one of Bear Lake’s most prized game fish. They inhabit the lake’s cold, deep areas and feed on smaller fish like Cisco and whitefish.

Lake trout are most effectively caught by trolling or jigging in summer and early fall. They’re also a challenge to pull up through the ice in winter.

🐟 6. Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens)

Status: Introduced

Size: 6–12 inches

Habitat: Shallow, weedy bays and near marinas

Interesting Fact: Yellow perch are not native to Bear Lake but are now well-established. They’re a favorite for young or beginner anglers because they are easy to catch and commonly found in shallow areas.

While not as large as other species, perch offer fun fishing with light gear and are excellent table fare.

🐟 7. Utah Sucker (Catostomus ardens)

Status: Native

Size: Up to 20 inches

Habitat: Nearshore areas and inflowing streams

Interesting Fact: Often overlooked by anglers, the Utah Sucker plays an important ecological role. It is a bottom feeder and helps keep the lakebed clean of organic debris.

Though not usually targeted, Utah suckers may occasionally be caught by accident on baited hooks.

🐟 8. Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Status: Non-native (Invasive)

Size: Can exceed 20 pounds

Habitat: Warm, shallow waters near the shoreline

Interesting Fact: Common carp are considered an invasive species in Bear Lake. While they provide a large catch, they are not native and are often discouraged due to their impact on aquatic vegetation and water quality.

Anglers are encouraged to remove carp when caught.

A Unique Aquatic Ecosystem

Bear Lake’s blend of cold water, great depth, and isolation has allowed some fish species to evolve independently over thousands of years. This makes the lake one of the most biologically unique freshwater systems in North America.

The presence of three fish species found nowhere else—Bonneville Cisco, Bear Lake Whitefish, and Bonneville Whitefish—gives Bear Lake national significance in both conservation and scientific research.

Final Thoughts

Fishing at Bear Lake isn’t just about the catch—it’s about connecting with an ecosystem that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Whether you're on a quest for a record-breaking lake trout or marveling at the rare Bonneville Cisco, the diversity of fish species makes Bear Lake one of the most fascinating alpine lakes in the western United States.