Bass Lake
About Bass Lake
Bass Lake is a 2,715-acre lake near Cohasset in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 76 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 24.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.3 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 19 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the county and Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 23, based on 20 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Bass Lake
- 2,715 acres, up to 76 feet deep, near Cohasset
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the county and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 13.3 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,715 acres
- Max depth
- 76 ft
- Shoreline
- 24.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 13.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,254 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
- 3 public boat launches (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
- 19
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 23
- Years of record
- 20
- Earliest
- March 28, 2012
- Latest
- May 14, 2013
- Most recent
- May 5, 2023
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.
See how Bass Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Bass Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Bass Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Bass Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Little Bass Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cohasset161 acres
3 miles away
Blackwater Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cohasset601 acres
3.8 miles away
Shoal Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cohasset676 acres
3.9 miles away
McAvity Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cohasset147 acres
4.7 miles away
Deer Lake
72 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River4,093 acres
4.7 miles away
Jay Gould Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cohasset552 acres
4.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bass Lake?
Bass Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Cohasset. It covers 2,715 acres and reaches 76 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bass Lake?
Bass Lake covers 2,715 acres with about 24.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 76 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bass Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Burbot and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Bass Lake?
Yes. Bass Lake has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the county and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
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?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Bass Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Bass Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Bass Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 23, from 20 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 28, 2012 and the latest is May 14, 2013.
Does Bass Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Bass Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.