Bass Lake
About Bass Lake
Bass Lake is an 182-acre lake near Maple Grove in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It reaches 31 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 2, based on 15 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Bass Lake
- 182 acres, up to 31 feet deep, near Maple Grove
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 3 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 182 acres
- Max depth
- 31 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 143 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 carry-in access
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 8
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 2
- Years of record
- 15
- Earliest
- March 3, 2024
- Latest
- April 20, 2008
- Most recent
- March 27, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
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
Pike Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Maple Grove57 acres
1.1 miles away
Eagle Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Maple Grove296 acres
1.7 miles away
Fish Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Maple Grove238 acres
3.1 miles away
Medicine Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Plymouth924 acres
3.2 miles away
Rice Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Maple Grove365 acres
4.5 miles away
Parkers Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Plymouth100 acres
4.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bass Lake?
Bass Lake is in Hennepin County, Minnesota, near Maple Grove. It covers 182 acres and reaches 31 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bass Lake?
Bass Lake covers 182 acres with about 3.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 31 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bass Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. 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: carry-in access only.
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.
When does the ice go out on Bass Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 2, from 15 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 3, 2024 and the latest is April 20, 2008.
Does Bass Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Bass Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.