Little Bass
A 51-acre lake near Elbow Lake Village in Clearwater County — best known for panfish and pike. Last surveyed 1977.
Fish Species (8)
Above-normal numbers
Trap-net survey · surveyed Aug 1977
Last surveyed 1977 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 10.3 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 10, 1977 | 3.00 | - | 0.12 lbs |
| Aug 10, 1977 | 10.25 | - | 0.08 lbs |
Above-normal numbers
Trap-net survey · surveyed Aug 1977
Last surveyed 1977 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 44.0 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 10, 1977 | 44.00 | - | 0.09 lbs |
| Aug 10, 1977 | 45.00 | - | 0.08 lbs |
Above-normal numbers
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1977
Last surveyed 1977 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 6.0 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 10, 1977 | 6.00 | - | 0.14 lbs |
| Aug 10, 1977 | 4.00 | - | 0.17 lbs |
Above-normal numbers
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1977
Last surveyed 1977 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 9.0 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 10, 1977 | 1.50 | - | 0.12 lbs |
| Aug 10, 1977 | 9.00 | - | 0.08 lbs |
Typical numbers
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1977
Last surveyed 1977 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 7.5 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 10, 1977 | 7.50 | - | 1.46 lbs |
| Aug 10, 1977 | 0.25 | - | 0.20 lbs |
Trap-net survey · surveyed Aug 1977
Last surveyed 1977 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 1.8 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 10, 1977 | 1.75 | - | 0.33 lbs |
Other species in this lake (2)
Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.
Above-normal numbers
Trap-net survey · surveyed Aug 1977
Last surveyed 1977 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 4.0 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 10, 1977 | 17.00 | - | 0.32 lbs |
| Aug 10, 1977 | 4.00 | - | 0.74 lbs |
Trap-net survey · surveyed Aug 1977
Last surveyed 1977 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.5 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 10, 1977 | 0.50 | - | 1.80 lbs |
Fishing Regulations
Statewide limits
Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.
Northern Pike
Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
North-central zone
Angling: 10 (not more than 2 over 26". All from 22-26" must be immediatley released).
Largemouth Bass
Season: Mar 1, 2026 – May 22, 2026
Largemouth bass in the Southern and North-central zones
Catch-and-release only
Largemouth Bass
Season: May 23, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
Largemouth bass in the Southern and North-central zones
6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth (when smallmouth season is open)
Crappie
10 combined total
Sunfish
20 combined total
Perch
20 daily and 40 in possession
More statewide rules (spearing, rough fish)
Northern Pike
Season: Nov 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
North-central zone
Darkhouse spearing: 10 (only 1 between 22-26" and 1 over 26"; or, only 2 over 26").
Bowfin, buffalo, carp, carpsuckers, freshwater drum, goldeneye, redhorse, and suckers
no limit
Bullhead
100
Biologist Notes
August 10, 1977N Pike pop. twice the region mean. Yel Perch lower than region mean. LM Bass 3 times state average. Panfish population quite high but fish are small.
N Pike pop. twice the region mean. Yel Perch lower than region mean. LM Bass 3 times state average. Panfish population quite high but fish are small.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Little Bass?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Northern Pike in Little Bass. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Little Bass?
We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Little Bass. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.
How deep is Little Bass?
Little Bass has a maximum depth of 35 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Little Bass last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Little Bass is from 1977. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does Little Bass have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Little Bass in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Bass?
No — Little Bass has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide sunfish limit is: 20 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.
More lakes in Clearwater County
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Lake Details
- Surface Area
- 50.54 acres
- Max Depth
- 35 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.58 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed