Basswood Lake
About Basswood Lake
Basswood Lake is a 25,953-acre lake near Ely in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 111 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 332.6 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Lake County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.7 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state. The lake is a border water shared with Canada, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. Special fishing regulations apply to northern pike and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. 125 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Basswood Lake
- 25,953 acres, up to 111 feet deep, near Ely
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- 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 10.7 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water
- Border water with Canada — know which side of the line you are fishing on
- Listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 25,953 acres
- Max depth
- 111 ft
- Shoreline
- 332.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 7,034 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
- Border-water seasons and limits with Canada differ from Minnesota inland rules
Facilities
- 3 carry-in accesses
- Swim beach
- Camping (125 mapped)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 14
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Special regulations on this lake
- Northern Pike: All from 30-40" must be immediately released. Possession limit two, only one over 40". Season is continuous.
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
125 campgrounds are mapped on or near Basswood Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Basswood Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Indiana Lake
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2.9 miles away
Good Lake
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3.5 miles away
Hula Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Prairie Portage131 acres
3.9 miles away
Wind Lake
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Ella Hall Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Silver Rapids379 acres
5.1 miles away
Wood Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Prairie Portage617 acres
5.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Basswood Lake?
Basswood Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 25,953 acres and reaches 111 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Basswood Lake?
Basswood Lake covers 25,953 acres with about 332.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 111 feet.
What fish can you catch at Basswood Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Basswood Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Basswood Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Basswood Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Basswood Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Basswood Lake?
Yes. All from 30-40" must be immediately released. Possession limit two, only one over 40". Season is continuous. Daily limit five.
Can you camp at Basswood Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Basswood Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Basswood Lake as infested with spiny waterflea. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.