Big Bass Lake (East Basin)
About Big Bass Lake (East Basin)
Big Bass Lake (East Basin) is a 337-acre lake near Lavinia (Beltrami) in Beltrami County, Minnesota. It reaches 17 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 9 feet, and has roughly 3.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to largemouth and smallmouth bass and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Big Bass Lake (East Basin)
- 337 acres, up to 17 feet deep, near Lavinia (Beltrami)
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 7.5 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 337 acres
- Max depth
- 17 ft
- Average depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 315 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 11
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: All from 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Big Bass Lake (East Basin)
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Nearby Lakes
Little Bass Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Lavinia (Beltrami)363 acres
1.4 miles away
Stump Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Bemidji323 acres
3.3 miles away
Lake Bemidji
82 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Lavinia (Beltrami)6,596 acres
3.6 miles away
Turtle River
72 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Turtle River1,740 acres
4.4 miles away
Beltrami Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Bemidji726 acres
4.4 miles away
Long Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Turtle River412 acres
4.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Bass Lake (East Basin)?
Big Bass Lake (East Basin) is in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Lavinia (Beltrami). It covers 337 acres and reaches 17 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Bass Lake (East Basin)?
Big Bass Lake (East Basin) covers 337 acres with about 3.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 17 feet and its average depth is about 9 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Bass Lake (East Basin)?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Big Bass Lake (East Basin)?
Yes. Big Bass Lake (East Basin) has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big Bass Lake (East Basin)?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big Bass Lake (East Basin). Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Big Bass Lake (East Basin) stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Big Bass Lake (East Basin); species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Big Bass Lake (East Basin)?
Yes. All from 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession. Daily limit five.