(5)Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Basswood Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
Basswood Lake covers approximately 25,953 acres (105 square kilometers) and has a maximum depth of around 111 feet (34 meters). The lake is known for its clear waters, rugged shorelines, and excellent fishing opportunities, with populations of walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.
Access to Basswood Lake is limited to non-motorized watercraft, such as canoes and kayaks, due to the protected wilderness status of the area. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, and exploring the numerous islands and bays of the lake. The surrounding wilderness area is also popular for hiking and backpacking, with numerous trails winding through the forested landscape.
In addition to its recreational opportunities, Basswood Lake has historical significance, as it was an important waterway for Native American tribes and early European explorers. The area is home to numerous pictographs, or rock paintings, created by ancient peoples.
The wilderness surrounding Basswood Lake is home to a variety of wildlife species, including black bears, moose, and gray wolves. Visitors are advised to take precautions to ensure the safety of both themselves and the wildlife.
Overall, Basswood Lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a unique and remote wilderness experience in northern Minnesota.
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Basswood Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Basswood Lake, MN
- How big is Basswood Lake?
- How deep is Basswood Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Basswood Lake?
- Are there fishing guides or charters for Basswood Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Basswood Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Basswood Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Basswood Lake?
- What are the fishing regulations for Basswood Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Basswood Lake?
How big is Basswood Lake?
How deep is Basswood Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Basswood Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Cisco (Tullibee), Hybrid Sunfish, Lake Whitefish, Shorthead Redhorse and White Sucker.
Are there fishing guides or charters for Basswood Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Basswood Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Basswood Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Basswood Lake?
What are the fishing regulations for Basswood Lake?
There are specific fishing regulations Basswood Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?
Explore the Basswood Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
Adventure Awaits in the 2021 Heartland Mallard Pathfinder P16SRD
Hermantown, MN
What aquatic invasive species are found in Basswood Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Basswood Lake is located approximately 12 miles NE of Ely in the BWCAW. This 22,722 acre lake lies along the international border with Ontario and approximately 60% of the waters are in Minnesota. Outboard motors are allowed on most of the portion in Minnesota and a 25 hp motor limit is present. There is another section that is paddle only. The entire Ontario side of the lake is non-motorized and managed as a wilderness area known as Quetico Provincial Park.
Prairie Portage is located on the east end of the lake and is the only motorized portage present for access. A concessionaire will transport your watercraft with a truck and trailer from Sucker Lake on the Moose Lake Chain to Inlet Bay on Basswood. There are several other portages located around the lake including two where portage wheels are allowed to transport your boat from Fall and Newton lakes to Pipestone Bay on Basswood. There are numerous USFS campsites located on Basswood Lake. Because of its popularity with anglers and wilderness enthusiasts the permits required by the USFS for visiting Basswood, particularly the motor use permits, are in high demand and often difficult to secure. Basswood Lake is considered as infested waters with spiny water flea being discovered in 2014.
Fish sampling in 2015 consisted of trap netting in early June and gill netting in late August and early September. The trap net catch was dominated by bluegill (52%) and black crappie (21%). Panfish were most abundant on the east side of the lake. This was the first time trap nets were used on this lake. Walleye made up 50% of the gill net sample. Fifteen species were sampled between the two gear types.
Bluegill numbers in 2015 (12.8/trap net) were below average compared to other similar lakes in the area. The average bluegill sampled was 7.4 inches and the largest bluegill sampled was 9.8 inches long. Thirty-five percent of the bluegill sampled were 8 inches or larger.
Black crappie numbers in 2015 (5.1/trap net) were above average compared to other similar lakes in the area. The average crappie sampled was 10.3 inches and the largest crappie sampled was 13.5 inches long. Sixty-seven percent of the crappie sampled were 10 inches or larger.
Largemouth bass, hybrid sunfish and pumpkinseed were sampled in the trap nets and not in the gill nets. The average largemouth sampled was 15.5 inches and the longest largemouth sampled was 19.2 inches long.
Walleye abundance in 2015 (13.6/gill net) was above average (6.3/gill net) compared to other similar lakes in the area and nearly identical to the long term average for all surveys on this lake. The average walleye sampled was 13.6 inches long and about 4 years old. The largest walleye sampled was 25.9 inches long. Seventy-two percent of the walleye sampled were under 15 inches long. Anglers should note that a change in the walleye bag limit has occurred on the border water portions of Basswood to reflect inland statewide regulations.
Northern pike numbers in 2015 (2.5/gill net) were slightly above average compared to other similar lakes in the area and slightly below the long term average for all surveys on this lake. The average pike sampled was 25.5 inches which is larger than the long term average of 22.4 inches. The largest pike sampled was 41.3 inches long. A special regulation for northern pike with a slot limit protecting fish from 24 to 36 inches was introduced in 2003. Fifty-five percent of the pike sampled in 2015 were in this size range.
Smallmouth bass numbers in 2015 (1.0/gill net) were slightly above average compared to other similar lakes in the area and slightly above the long term average for all surveys on this lake. The average smallmouth sampled was 15.6 inches long and about 8 to 9 years old. The largest smallmouth sampled was 20.4 inches long.
Yellow perch abundance in 2015 (1.4/gill net) was below average compared to other similar lakes in the area and below the long term average for all surveys on this lake. The average length of 7.1 inches is identical to the long term average and the largest perch sampled was 10 inches long.
Cisco, lake whitefish, white sucker, shorthead redhorse, rock bass and burbot were also sampled in the gill nets. The gill nets were set at depths under 35 feet so cold water species like cisco and whitefish were not sampled in numbers that accurately reflect their abundance. There is an annual sport netting season for cisco and primarily whitefish.
Crayfish numbers in 2015 declined sharply since the 2005 assessment. Northern clearwater crayfish were again most common, primarily on the east end of the lake. One rusty crayfish was sampled and low numbers of northern crayfish were also sampled in 2015.
What is the average air temp for Basswood Lake?
Basswood Lake Reviews
Below is the word on street about Basswood Lake.Have you been to Basswood Lake? Why not share your personal reveiw with others?
Submit Review
john r.
paul w.
trager s.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Basswood Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Indiana Lake | 1.8 mi | 153 | 26 ft |
| Good Lake | 2.5 mi | 175 | 51 ft |
| Hula Lake | 2.8 mi | 131 | 0 ft |
| Wind Lake | 3.3 mi | 926 | 32 ft |
| Washte Lake | 3.8 mi | 81 | 7 ft |
| Witness Lake | 3.9 mi | 41 | 19 ft |
| Wood Lake | 4.0 mi | 617 | 21 ft |
| Ella Hall Lake | 4.3 mi | 379 | 28 ft |
| Moose Lake | 5.1 mi | 1,301 | 65 ft |
| Tofte Lake | 5.1 mi | 134 | 73 ft |
