Bass

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Big Bass Lake was conducted on August 8, 2022 by Detroit Lakes Area Fisheries Staff. Data collected during this nearshore survey were combined with trap net and gill net data to calculate a Fish-based IBI (FIBI) score for the lake. The FIBI Tool-4 was used for scoring and resulted in a FIBI score of 57. The previous score for Big Bass Lake was 50 in July 2013. The impairment threshold score is 38, suggesting that the fish population in Big Bass Lake meets expectations for lakes of similar characteristics, and the lake is likely not biologically impaired. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Wild Rice River Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website.

Big Bass Lake's fish community, like most lakes, continues to change. Climate patterns, fishing pressure, shoreline development, fish stocking, and other factors may play a part in the change. Some changes in fish populations are explainable while others are not. With continued tribal stocking and some sporadic natural reproduction, Walleye numbers have recently increased from the long-term low in 2005 to a more typical 5.1 fish per net. Northern Pike numbers remain high despite the discontinuation of pike stocking in 1978. Recent high water levels are likely expanding Northern Pike spawning habitat while inundating good Walleye spawning habitat. In addition, greater numbers of pike are likely feeding upon both stocked and naturally reproduced Walleyes. Large Northern Pike and Walleye are still available to Big Bass Lake anglers, though small pike dominate the fish community. In 2013, the average pike in Big Bass was 19.1 inches in length while the average Walleye was 15.4 inches in length. Both Largemouth and Smallmouth bass catches have declined since the 1960's. Standard summer test netting in 2013 did not adequately sample bass populations but several of each were caught in test nets. This was the second survey of the seven studies done since 1969 in which no smallmouth were sampled in trap nets. High water may have detrimentally affected bass and panfish spawning habitat. Bluegills continued to be small and slow growing, though the number of fish over seven inches was higher than in 2005. All lakes, but particularly small ones with increasing shoreline development, require responsible protection by riparian owners. Protecting shorelines and fish habitats like bulrushes, cattails, and other aquatic vegetation can help to maintain water quality, fish populations, and property values.

Big Bass Lake's fish community, like many lakes, has undergone change. Climate patterns, fishing pressure, shoreline development, fish stocking, and other factors may play a part in the change. Some changes in fish populations are explainable while others are not.Walleye numbers have recently decreased despite tribal walleye fryling stocking during three consecutive years of 1992 through 1994, tribal walleye fingerling stocking in 2003, and a history of walleye natural reproduction. Conversely, northern pike numbers are up despite the discontinuation of pike stocking in 1978. Recent high water levels are likely expanding northern pike spawning habitat while inundating good walleye spawning habitat. In addition, greater numbers of pike are likely feeding upon both stocked and naturally reproduced walleyes. Large northern pike and walleye are still available to Big Bass Lake anglers, though small pike dominate the fish community. In 2005, the average pike in Big Bass was 20.6 inches in length while the average walleye was 21.4 inches in length.Standard summer test netting did not adequately sample bass populations but abundances of both species (largemouth and smallmouth) seemed to be down. This was the first survey of the six studies done since 1969, in which no smallmouth were sampled. High water may have detrimentally affected bass and panfish spawning habitat. Bluegills were small and slow growing, and a large proportion of the population consisted of older fish indicating stunting. This is consistent with past studies in this lake.All lakes, but particularly small ones with increasing shoreline development, require responsible protection by riparian owners. Protecting shorelines and fish habitats like bulrushes, cattails, and other aquatic vegetation can help to maintain water quality, fish populations, and property values.

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

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Bass. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Bass has a maximum depth of 26 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Bass is from 2022.

No invasive species are on record for Bass in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.