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 boat launches on Bass Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Bass Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Bass Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Bass 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?

Bass lake is a 292-acre eutrophic (fertile) lake located in south-central Otter Tail County. The town of Underwood, MN abuts the southeast shoreline of the lake. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth is 36 feet; however, 47% of the lake is fifteen feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading was 18.0 feet. Previous secchi diskreadings have ranged from 3.0 to 16.5 feet.
A city owned public access is located along the east shoreline of the lake. There has been a considerable increase in development in recent years and the only remaining undeveloped shoreline is the western portion of the south shore. Shoalwater substrates consist primarily of rubble and muck. Hardstem bulrush is limited to the areas around the points on the south shore and common cattail is abundant in the west end of the lake. These emergent plants provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat and are critical in maintaining good water quality. Emergent plants also provide critical spawning habitat for several fish species including Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for many species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants cannot be removed without a DNR permit.
Bass Lake is subject to low dissolved oxygen levels in the winter and periodic winterkill occasionally occurs. A creamery was operated for many years on the east shore, which discharged effluent directly into the lake. This created high phosphorous levels in the lake and even though the creamery has been closed for many years, the phosphorous will remain in the system for a long time. As a result, the lake is still subject to dramatic algae blooms in the summer, which limit recreational activity.
Bass Lake can be ecologically classified as a bass-panfish type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Black Crappie are the dominant gamefish species. Suitable spawning habitat for these species exists throughout the lake.
Data from a spring electrofishing assessment indicate that an excellent Largemouth bass population exists. Largemouth bass ranged in length from 4.8 to 18.7 inches with a mean length and weight of 13.4 inches and 1.7 pounds. Bass reproduction appears to be consistently good. Bass attain an average length of 14.9 inches at five years of age.
Bluegills are very abundant and their size structure is also very good. Eighty-four percent of the Bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegill growth rates are also very good with an average length of 8.1 inches at four years of age.
Black Crappie abundance is at a historical high. The 2010 year class is strong and should provide good crappie angling for several years. Crappies ranged in length from 8.8 to 10.6 inches with an average length of 9.5 inches. Crappies attain an average length of 9.6 inches at four years of age.
Anglers can maintain the quality of fishing by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of the more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with opportunities to catch more large fish in the future.

What is the average air temp for Bass Lake?

Are there any state parks near Bass Lake?