Bass Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Merrifield. DNR lake ID 18030600.
Bass Lake is a 399.1-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Merrifield. Its deepest point reaches 38 ft, and about 99% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.9 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 18030600 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Merrifield |
| Surface area | 399.1 acres |
| Maximum depth | 38 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 99% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.9 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 19.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.9 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 14.9 ft, phosphorus 19.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.9 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Bass Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Bass Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2015 (11 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 0.11 | 0.8 to 3.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 19.22 | 2.0 to 10.8 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.38 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 4.33 | 2.0 to 22.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 3.89 | 1.7 to 17.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.38 | 2.1 to 24.1 |
| Bluegill | gill | 23.0 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 12.25 | 3.5 to 57.1 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 2.22 | 0.3 to 0.6 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.62 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 4.22 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.5 | 0.7 to 6.5 |
| Rock bass | gill | 2.11 | 0.3 to 1.5 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.62 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 3.0 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 2.25 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2015), Northern pike 33.0 in (2015), Walleye 25.0 in (2015).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Brown bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Bass Lake, Turkey: carry-in or shore access, 8 trailer spaces. 3 mi N of Merrifield on Co Rd 3, then 1 mi E on Co Rd 19, then 0.5 mi S & 0.5 mi E on Center Twp Rd. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Silver Lake 1.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- Fawn Lake 1.5 mi, Crow Wing County
- Edward Lake 1.5 mi, Crow Wing County
- Taylor Lake 2.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Mollie Lake 2.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Half Moon Lake 2.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Perch Lake 2.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Sorenson Lake 2.7 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Bass Lake
How deep is Bass Lake?
Bass Lake reaches a maximum depth of 38 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 99% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Bass Lake?
Bass Lake covers about 399.1 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Bass Lake?
Summer water clarity on Bass Lake averages 14.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Bass Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Bass Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Bass Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, brown bullhead in Bass Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2015.
Where is the public boat access on Bass Lake?
Bass Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Bass Lake, Turkey.
How is the walleye population on Bass Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1992 to 2015, walleye numbers on Bass Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Bass Lake?
Homes on Bass Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Bass Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Bass Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 99% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.9 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Bass Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Bass Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Bass Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Crow Wing County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2015), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.