Bass

Bass Lake is a 116 acre lake located about 5 miles east of Jenkins. The lake is part of a chain of lakes characterized as having hard water, low fertility, and very good water clarity. The maximum depth is approximately 47 feet and about 58% of the lake is less than 15 feet deep. Northern pike, the lakes primary game fish species, were sampled at a rate of 6.0 per gill net. This was higher than the three previous fish surveys performed on the lake. Aging identified several year classes and found growth of pike to be good. Fish between 14.0 to 32.9 inches were captured and average size was 22.7" and 3.1 pounds. Largemouth bass, another important game fish species for this lake, were captured at a rate of 1.0 per gill net and 0.4 per trap net. These values are within the expected range for this type of lake, and are similar to catches from previous surveys. Growth of bass was average. Popular panfish species sampled during the survey include bluegill and black crappie. The bluegill catch of 25.0 per trap net was average compared to similar lakes and previous surveys, but growth was slow with only 7% measuring over seven inches long. Black crappie were captured in high numbers in gill nets and low numbers in trap nets. Fish averaged 8.5" and growth was average. Additional sampling for nearshore fish was also conducted using shoreline seining and backpack electrofishing. Least Darter, a species of special concern in Minnesota, was collected along with a variety of other darter, shiner, and minnow species. Combining all methods, the 2010 survey identified 22 fish species in the lake.

Bass Lake is 116 acres in size and is located about five miles east of Jenkins. The lake is in the upper portion of the Ossawinnamakee Lake chain. It is classified as a hardwater lake, has low phosphorus fertility and very good water clarity for the area. About 58% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Shallow water soils are mostly muck, sand and gravel. Marl is also present. The aquatic plant community is diverse. Emergent species such as bulrush often indicate preferred spawning locations for bass and panfish species, especially when bottom soils are primarily "soft." Submergent species grow to a depth of about 20 feet in the lake. These plants provide cover and feeding areas for a wide variety of fish species.Northern pike was the most abundant gamefish in the 1994 netting. Compared to similar type lakes, its abundance was "low." The '94 catch was similar to that seen in previous nettings of this lake. Six northerns were sampled, four age classes were present and growth appeared to be good. Average size was 18 inches and 1.8 lbs..One walleye was sampled in '94. One largemouth bass was also sampled, however a reasonable number of young bass were sampled by shoreline seine.The bluegill catch was "average" compared to similar type lakes and was also similar to catches in previous nettings. Six age classes were present and growth was slow. Other sunfish species found in '94 included pumpkinseeds, hybrid sunfish and rock bass. Black crappies were captured in "average" numbers, but were only caught in gillnets.The yellow perch catch was "average" compared to similar type lakes and to previous nettings. The white sucker catch bordered on "low." The most abundant forage fish was the tullibee. Compared to similar type lakes its abundance was "high." The same was true for past nettings. Other species sampled in '94 included bowfin (dogfish), yellow bullheads and brown bullheads, all found in "low" numbers compared to similar type lakes.

Walleyes are not present in large numbers but size of individuals is quite large. Natural reproduction is not adequate to support a large population. The northern pike population is also small, probably due to lack of suitable spawning sites. No suitable areas for improvement as spawning areas were observed.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Rock Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Hybrid Sunfish, and Black Crappie in Bass. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Bass. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Bass has a maximum depth of 47 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Bass is from 2010. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Yes — Bass has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.