Bass Lake
About Bass Lake
Bass Lake is a 399-acre lake near Merrifield in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 38 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and rock bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2015.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in.
Plan Your Visit to Bass Lake
- 399 acres, up to 38 feet deep, near Merrifield
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and rock bass
- Average water clarity around 16 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 399 acres
- Max depth
- 38 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 16 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 394 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
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
Best For
- Quiet paddling
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 6
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2015
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Bass Lake
Compare Bass Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Silver Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Merrifield208 acres
1.4 miles away
Fawn Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Riverton121 acres
1.5 miles away
Lake Edward
76 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Merrifield2,628 acres
1.5 miles away
Mollie Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Merrifield334 acres
2.6 miles away
Lower Mission Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Merrifield732 acres
3.5 miles away
Markee Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Lake Hubert104 acres
3.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bass Lake?
Bass Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Merrifield. It covers 399 acres and reaches 38 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bass Lake?
Bass Lake covers 399 acres with about 3.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 38 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bass Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Bass Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
Can you swim at Bass Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Bass Lake. 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 Bass Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Bass Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.