Bass Lake
About Bass Lake
Bass Lake is a 244-acre lake near Soudan in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 17 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Bass Lake
- 244 acres, up to 17 feet deep, near Soudan
- 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, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 8.5 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 244 acres
- Max depth
- 17 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 231 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
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
- 8
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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
Pine Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Soudan830 acres
4.4 miles away
Mud Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely176 acres
4.8 miles away
Six Mile Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Eagles Nest109 acres
4.8 miles away
Five Mile Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Murray104 acres
4.9 miles away
Western Lake
14 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Burntside Lake131 acres
5.7 miles away
Buck Lake
16 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Burntside Lake208 acres
5.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bass Lake?
Bass Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Soudan. It covers 244 acres and reaches 17 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bass Lake?
Bass Lake covers 244 acres with about 4.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 17 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bass Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, 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.