Bass Lake Fishing guide

Bass Lake has historically produced low numbers of medium sized Black Crappies. Since 1981, Black Crappie relative abundance has varied from 0.1/trap net in 2002 and 2013 to 65.6/trap net in 1993. Relative abundance of Black Crappie in 2024 was the second highest on record at 44.8/trap net, which was an increase from 2018 (16.3/trap net) and was above the third quartile for class 38 lakes (24.1/trap net). Black Crappies were also sampled with gill nets and were captured at a rate of 4.3/gill net, exceeding the lower quartile for class 38 lakes (1.7/gill net). Black Crappie scales and otoliths were used to estimate age and indicated the presence of 4 year classes in the Bass Lake sample (2015, 2019, 2021, and 2022). Age-2 (2022 year class) Black Crappies were the most abundant, accounting for 58% of Black Crappies sampled. Black Crappie size structure was small, PSD values in trap nets were 40 and PSD-P was 0, indicative of a sample dominated by young fish. Black Crappie ranged from 3.5 to 8.7 inches and averaged 4.3 inches in trap nets. PSD values in trap nets were 40 and PSD-P was 0. Gill nets sampled slightly larger Black Crappies that ranged from 4.1 to 14.8 inches and averaged 5.8 inches.

Bluegill relative abundance has been variable in Bass Lake ranging from 0.2/trap net in 2013 to 109.2/trap net in 1993. Bluegills were sampled at a rate of 8.8/trap net in 2024. The 2024 catch rate was between the lower quartile (3.5/net) and the median (15.9/trap net) for class 38 lakes. Bluegills ranged from 3.4 to 9.9 inches in length and averaged 6.4 inches in 2024. Bluegill PSD was 64 and PSD-P was 6, indicating a small size structure. Only four year classes of Bluegill were sampled in 2024 (2015, 2020-2022). Most Bluegills aged (61%) were from the 2021 year class (age-3). This is a young population growing at a fast pace (6.8 inches at age-3).

The relative abundance of Walleye in Bass lake has typically been around 5.0/gill net. During 2024 Walleye were sampled at the second highest on record - 10.5/gillnet. Relative abundance decreased from the 2018 survey catch rate of 13.0/gill net. The 2024 relative abundance of 10.5 Walleye per gill net was well above the 3rd quartile of 3.8/gill net for class 38 lakes. Walleye ages were estimated using scales and otoliths. Six year classes of Walleye were present (2016, 2018, 2020-2023). Walleye size structure was skewed toward smaller fish. PSD values of Walleye in gill nets was 18 and PSD-P was 15. Walleyes ranged from 8.3 to 24.4 inches and averaged 14.8 inches in gill nets. Another 16 Walleye were sampled in trap nets. These fish ranged from 11.5 to 26.9 inches and averaged 17.3 inches in length. Walleye growth was fast in Bass Lake as fish averaged 20 inches at age-3.

Largemouth bass were assessed using day-time electrofishing. Relative abundance of Largemouth Bass was 4.2/hour on-time, which was far less than the 2018 sample (68.2/hour on-time). Bass lake was in a very clear water state during the electrofishing sample. Largemouth Bass were observed avoiding the electrofishing boat. Mean length of Largemouth Bass sampled in 2024 was 16.7 inches and ranged from 15.9 to 17.9 inches. Scales were used to estimate ages of Largemouth Bass, two year classes were sampled (2020, and 2021).

Northern Pike have historically had a moderate relative abundance in Bass Lake. That trend continued in 2024 with a relative abundance of 2.3/gill net which was above the lower quartile (2.0/gill net) for class 38 lakes. Northern Pike sampled with gill nets ranged from 22.6 to 32.8 inches in length and averaged 26.7 inches. The PSD value was 100 and PSD-P value was 33. Approximately 63% of all Northern Pike sampled were larger than the 24-inch minimum size limit necessary to harvest Northern Pike in the Southern Minnesota zone.

The 2024 Yellow Perch relative abundance (18.3/gill net) decreased slightly from 2018 (23.5/gill net) and was slightly below the 3rd quartile (22.3) for class 38 lakes. Yellow Perch exhibited fair size structure but no fish exceeding 10.0 inches. Yellow Perch ranged in length from 5.5 to 9.8 inches and averaged 7.9 inches.

Channel Catfish are listed as a secondary management species in Bass Lake. Three Channel Catfish were sampled in gillnets and three in trap nets during the 2024 survey. The fish ranged from 20.1 to 32.4 inches in length.

Common Carp, White Crappie, White Sucker and Yellow Bullheads were also present but occurred in low numbers.