---
type: lake
name: "Bass Lake"
county: "St. Louis"
nearest_town: "Ely"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 169
max_depth_ft: 36
latitude: 47.96078
longitude: -91.85336
lake_score: 59
dnr_lake_id: "69006300"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/bass-lake-ely
---

# Bass Lake

Lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely

- **Surface Area**: 169 acres
- **Max Depth**: 36 ft
- **Shoreline**: 3.6 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 16 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 59/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Bass Lake is a 169-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 36 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota. Access is by portage through Superior National Forest; most lakes reached this way lie in or beside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where an entry permit is required.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 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 2023.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 3 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 9
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2023
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Green Sunfish, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Hobo Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/hobo-lake) - 1.2 miles, 74 acres
- [High Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/high-lake) - 1.3 miles, 274 acres
- [Low Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/low-lake) - 1.9 miles, 316 acres
- [Little Long Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/little-long-lake) - 2.4 miles, 322 acres
- [Grassy Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/grassy-lake) - 2.8 miles, 257 acres
- [Cedar Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/cedar-lake) - 2.8 miles, 465 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.96078,-91.85336)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=69006300)
- [All lakes in St. Louis County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/bass-lake-ely)*