Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Big Bass Lake (east basin) with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Big Bass Lake (east basin).
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Bass Lake (east basin), MN
- How big is Big Bass Lake (east basin)?
- How deep is Big Bass Lake (east basin)?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Big Bass Lake (east basin)?
- What are the closest cities to Big Bass Lake (east basin)?
- Are there places to stay in the Big Bass Lake (east basin) area?
- Are there boat launches on Big Bass Lake (east basin)?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Big Bass Lake (east basin)?
- What are the fishing regulations for Big Bass Lake (east basin)?
- What is the average air temp for Big Bass Lake (east basin)?
- Are there any state parks near Big Bass Lake (east basin)?
How big is Big Bass Lake (east basin)?
How deep is Big Bass Lake (east basin)?
What kind of fish can you catch in Big Bass Lake (east basin)?
Other fish species in the lake include Blackchin Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Spottail Shiner, Tadpole Madtom and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Big Bass Lake (east basin)?
Are there places to stay in the Big Bass Lake (east basin) area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Big Bass Lake (east basin)?
Are there places to eat and drink near Big Bass Lake (east basin)?
What are the fishing regulations for Big Bass Lake (east basin)?
There are specific fishing regulations Big Bass Lake (east basin) that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?
Explore the Big Bass Lake (east basin) area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
History & Status of the Fishery
Big Bass Lake is a 380-acre lake with a maximum depth of 17 feet located 6 miles northeast of Bemidji in southern Beltrami County. A DNR public water access is located on the south shore of the lake off of Tall Pines Road. The shoreline is intensively developed with lake homes and cabins. There is a special catch and release regulation in effect for largemouth bass. Statewide fishing regulations apply to all other species.
Largemouth bass and bluegill are the primary management species on Big Bass Lake. Bass anglers can expect steady action for largemouth bass in the 12 to 16-inch size range. Big Bass Lake contains abundant submerged aquatic vegetation that provides good habitat for largemouth bass.
Big Bass Lake has also been known to produce quality bluegill fishing, although the 2012 assessment showed a population that is currently dominated by smaller fish. A large proportion of the bluegill sample was between 6.0 and 7.0 inches in length, and these fish have the potential to provide angling opportunity for quality-size bluegill in the near future.
Northern pike were abundant in the 2012 population assessment, with an impressive average length and weight of 23.9 inches and 3.0 pounds, respectively. Forty two percent of the northern pike sample was greater than 24 inches, with pike up to 33 inches in length present.
Big Bass Lake is also managed for walleye, which are stocked as fingerlings. The 2012 walleye catch rate of 1.67/GN was within the normal range for class 35 lakes but fell below the long-term average. Walleye captured in the assessment ranged up to 21.6 inches in length, with an average size of 16.6 inches and 1.65 pounds.
Black crappie numbers in Big Bass Lake have increased since the most recent assessment in 2007. The black crappie catch rate of 5.67 fish/trap net is greater than the normal range for class 35 lakes. Five consecutive year classes of black crappie were identified in the 2012 sample, compared to two year classes in the 2007 population assessment. Young black crappie from the 2011 age class were particularly abundant in the sample, and anglers will start to notice these fish within the next few years.
Other fish species captured in 2012 included pumpkinseed sunfish, white sucker, yellow perch, and brown bullhead.
What is the average air temp for Big Bass Lake (east basin)?
Are there any state parks near Big Bass Lake (east basin)?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Big Bass Lake (east basin)...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Little Bass Lake | 1.4 mi | 363 | 22 ft |
| Buck Lake | 2.7 mi | 271 | 40 ft |
| Stump Lake | 3.3 mi | 323 | 24 ft |
| Lake Bemidji | 3.6 mi | 6,595 | 76 ft |
| Little Gnat Lake | 3.6 mi | 34 | 30 ft |
| Turtle River | 4.1 mi | 1,740 | 63 ft |
| Turtle River | 4.5 mi | 1,740 | 63 ft |
| Beltrami Lake | 4.5 mi | 726 | 50 ft |
| Long Lake | 4.9 mi | 412 | 87 ft |
| Movil Lake | 5.3 mi | 853 | 50 ft |
