Minnesota · ranked from DNR surveys
Best smallmouth bass lakes in Lake County
The DNR has surveyed smallmouth bass in 75 lakes in Lake County. Of those, 48 earn a grade on this site, and the top 10 are ranked below. Grades come from survey catch rates, fish size and trophy history, scored the same way for every lake on the live map.
Newton Lake is first at B. Its biggest smallmouth bass in the survey was 20 inches. Fall Lake is second at B. 100% of its smallmouth bass measured over 15 inches. Basswood Lake is third at B, and its biggest smallmouth bass was 20 inches.
| # | Lake | Grade | Acres | Survey catch rate | Over 15" | Biggest Surveyed | Avg wt | Surveyed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newton Lake | B | 516 | — | 53% | 20" | 1.9 lb | 2025 |
| 2 | Fall Lake | B | 2,259 | — | 100% | 20" | 4.1 lb | 2022 |
| 3 | Basswood Lake | B | 25,953 | — | 55% | 20" | 2 lb | 2025 |
| 4 | Knife Lake | B | 4,920 | — | 73% | 20" | 2.7 lb | 2025 |
| 5 | Little Knife Lake | B− | 700 | — | 50% | 19" | 1.8 lb | 2025 |
| 6 | Crooked Lake | B− | 10,360 | — | 26% | 19" | 1.9 lb | 2025 |
| 7 | Triangle Lake | B− | 300 | — | 33% | 19" | 1.9 lb | 2020 |
| 8 | Wind Lake | B− | 926 | — | 27% | 19" | 1.5 lb | 2011 |
| 9 | Moose Lake | B− | 1,301 | — | 24% | 19" | 1.3 lb | 2025 |
| 10 | Delay Lake | B− | 102 | — | 23% | 18" | 1 lb | 2025 |
Also ranked in Lake County: Walleye · Northern pike · Largemouth bass · Crappie · Bluegill · Yellow perch
All of Minnesota: Best smallmouth bass lakes in Minnesota
Grades are based on Minnesota DNR survey data: how many fish the DNR caught (scaled by lake size), how many reached quality size, and the biggest fish measured. Each lake's page has the numbers behind its grade. The table shows each lake's most recent survey year.