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Bass Lake, Michigan, USA

Most of the lakes in the northwest region of Michigan are glacial in origin, and Bass Lake is no exception. The lake has 344 surface acres of water with a maximum depth of 28 feet. Sandy beaches ring the tree-lined shore, and the bottom of the lake is sandy as well, making it a great lake for families and swimming. It is considered an “all sports” lake…
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    • All About Bass Lake, MI

    Lake Locations: USA - US Midwest Region - Michigan - Northwest Michigan -

    Most of the lakes in the northwest region of Michigan are glacial in origin, and Bass Lake is no exception. The lake has 344 surface acres of water with a maximum depth of 28 feet. Sandy beaches ring the tree-lined shore, and the bottom of the lake is sandy as well, making it a great lake for families and swimming. It is considered an “all sports” lake with more than enough water for boating, water skiing and fishing. In fact, Bass Lake is a favorite fishing lake with the locals. Plentiful populations of rock bass, walleye and northern pike make their home in the lake. Anglers will also find healthy populations of bluegill and largemouth bass to challenge them. Bass Lake has public boat access at a Michigan Department of Natural Resources boat ramp. The Boardman River is a short drive from the lake and is known for its exceptional canoeing and trout fishing.

    Bass Lake is a quiet lake tucked away in the western part of Grand Traverse County. Real estate for sale and vacation rentals are available around many of the county’s lakes, including cabins nestled in the trees that surround Bass Lake’s shores. The lake has a very private, wild feeling. It is, however, just minutes from everything. The town of Grawn is near the lake, and Traverse City is only six miles away.

    Traverse City is known as the “Cherry Capital of the World.” It received the title because of the cherry orchards that grow along part of the Grand Traverse Bay off of Lake Michigan. Originally established as a port city, Traverse City is near the Manitou Passage. Historically the city supported the freighters that used the Manitou Passage, a busy and hazardous pass between the Manitou Islands and the mainland. Today visitors to Traverse City can spend the morning shopping in one the city’s charming stores and then have lunch in any one of a number of restaurants.

    In additions to the orchards, the area around Traverse City is known for its vineyards, and after a day on the water at Bass Lake there are several opportunities for wine tasting. In the winter, snow skiing and ice fishing are popular. Because of its proximity to Lake Michigan, the area has a rich maritime history. In fact, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse and Museum on the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula is one of the oldest on the Great Lakes. Visitors can explore five lighthouses, all within an easy drive of Bass Lake. Four of them are open for tours, and two even allow visitors to serve as volunteer lighthouse keepers.

    With the taste of wine and cherries and set against the backdrop of Lake Michigan’s lighthouses, Bass Lake is a northwest Michigan treat. Add in fishing even the locals covet, and Bass Lake is sure to call visitors to play in its water and hide in the cabins nestled along the wooded shoreline. Quiet and wild but close to everything, it is a lake with something for everyone.

    Things to Do at Bass Lake

    These are some activities in the Bass Lake, MI area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Ice Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Water Skiing
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Downhill Skiing
    • Museum
    • Shopping

    What Kind of Fish Are in Bass Lake?

    Bass Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Northern Pike
    • Perch
    • Pike
    • Sunfish
    • Trout
    • Walleye
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    Find Places to Stay at Bass Lake

    If you’re considering a Bass Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Bass Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Bass Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Bass Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Surface Area: 344 acres

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 882 feet

    Maximum Depth: 28 feet

    Bass Lake Map
    Local Weather Forecast

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