Bass Lake

How big is Bass Lake?

How deep is Bass Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Bass Lake?

What are the closest cities to Bass Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Bass Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Bass Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Bass Lake (East)

Bass Lake

Bass Lake (West)

Are there boat launches on Bass Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Bass Lake?

Bass Lake is a 169 acre lake located entirely within the Superior National Forest three miles north of Ely. There is zero development, and the entire shoreline is publicly owned. Like Armstrong, Low, and Mud it is a moderately deep and relatively productive panfish lake. Access is by a half mile portage from the Bass Lake Trail parking lot off the Echo Trail, a 50 rod portage from Low Lake, or a 25 rod portage to Dry Lake. The Bass Lake hiking trail wraps around the lake but has few sites suitable for shore fishing. A boat with portage wheels can be rolled on the portages from Low and the parking lot. The portage from Low terminates in a beaver pond which may be too shallow to reach Bass if water levels are down. The lake was stratified on 06/12/23 with a surface temp of 69.6 F and a bottom temperature of 41.2 F. Oxygen sufficient for fish was present to 33 feet where the water temp was 41.2 F. Secchi visibility was 11 feet and the water was clear. Maximum depth is 36 feet.

Fish sampling during the 2023 standard survey consisted of 3 gill nets and 9 trap nets. Gill net and trap net catches were dominated by northern pike and bluegill, respectively. Black crappie were sampled in moderate numbers. Largemouth and smallmouth bass, white sucker, and yellow perch were also present in the catch.

Northern abundance (11.3/net) was above average for Bass Lake and similar lake in the Tower area. Sizes were above average and ranged from 14 to almost 39 inches with an average of 25 inches. Northern pike longer than 30 inches represented over a third of the catch. Condition of the fish was excellent, and their diets reflected the abundance of small panfish present.

Bluegill abundance (36.4/net) was below average for Bass Lake but high for the area. Lengths ranged from 3.5 to 9 inches with an average of 6 inches. Bluegill larger than 8 inches represented about 6% of the catch. Bluegill ages ranged from 2 to 10 years and growth was slightly above average. Natural reproduction is consistent with no standout year classes.

Black crappie abundance (5.1/net) was below average for Bass Lake but good for the area. Lengths ranged from 4 to just under 11 inches with and average length of 7.5 inches. Black crappie larger than 10 inches represented 4% of the catch. Crappie ages ranged from 2 to 12 years with no missing year classes. Natural reproduction appears consistent, and growth was average.

Smallmouth and largemouth bass were sampled in 2023. Smallmouth lengths from gill nets ranged from 10 to 18 inches with a mean of 14.5 inches. Largemouth bass were sampled with both gears in modest abundance. Lengths ranged from 5 to 17 inches. Both species are likely more abundant than net catches suggest.

What is the average air temp for Bass Lake?

Are there any state parks near Bass Lake?