Bear Lake

Use of Bear Lake and the Beaches

BVRI maintains the beaches at Bear Lake for its members and their guests. The beaches may be available for group or private functions if certain conditions are met (see below). The beaches at Bear Lake are maintained by the Bear Valley Residents Inc.  If you wish to use the Lake and are not already members of BVRI, then you should consider joining.If you wish to join BVRI, check out the Membership section of this website. The lake and beach are for all members and their guests  to enjoy, and everyone is encouraged to help promote and enhance this beautiful Alpine environment.

Included in this page:

• Conditions of Using the Lake and Beaches
• Conditions for Fishing in Bear Lake
• Private Use of Bear Lake for Special Events
• Boat Storage

Conditions for Using Bear Lake and Beaches

• Beach and Lake available to BVRI members and their guests only
• The beach is open daily from 8am to 11pm.
• Dogs are not permitted on the beach at any time
• Loud noise is not permitted after 9pm.
• Drones and other flying machines are not permitted  above Bear Lake or within 50 feet of the shoreline.
• No motorized vehicles/boats are allowed in Bear Lake.
• Portable toilets are available for your use.
• Keeping the beaches and lake clean: Trash and recycle cans are  provided .
• No cars are allowed on the dirt roads leading to the Big or Small beaches.  The easiest place to launch boats is at the end of Lake Road where there is direct lake access.

Conditions for Fishing in Bear Lake

• Only current BVRI members may fish in the lake. In addition, those fishing must have a valid California Department of Fish and Wildlife License unless exempt.
• No fishing is allowed between sunset and sunrise.
• Those utilizing the lake for fishing must follow the current edition of the California Fresh Water Sport Fishing Regulations.
• Fishing licenses must be exhibited on demand. 8.
• Because of the sensitive ecology of the lake, the limit for trout is two (2) fish per day.
• The lake contains smaller yellow perch for which no limit will be imposed.

These rules have been updated by the BVRI Board which is responsible for the activities related to the lake.  It is important that we keep our lake  clean and healthy.

Please take the time to read our Lake Manual 2015 for maintaining the beauty of Bear Lake.

Boat Storage

Boats should be stored neatly on or in front of the storage rack (at the main beach). They should be stored in an orderly fashion at the smaller beach. Please remember others when you store your boats so that everyone can access their own when they come to the lake.

Private Use of Bear Lake and Beaches for Special Events

If you are interested in using Bear Lake for a special event, you must complete the Application for Usage of Bear Valley’s Private Beaches form.

Please note that even if there is a private party, BVRI members will still be allowed to use the beach. For a private party, the following is required: (1) a signed contract; and (2) a $200.00 charge will be assessed ($100.00 to be returned if the beach is left in good and clean condition).