yellow bass Lakes in Minnesota
Found in 8 Minnesota lakes
Rough fish like yellow bass are often associated with eutrophic, nutrient-loaded waters. Their presence — documented in 8 Minnesota lakes — is often a signal of how the rest of the fishery is functioning. yellow bass is narrowly distributed — only 8 Minnesota lakes and 0 Wisconsin lakes have a documented record. The constraint is usually habitat: cold water, specific depth profile, or river connection.
Rough-fish-dominant lakes are worth checking the grade on: a rough-fish-heavy fishery often reflects an underlying nutrient-loading problem in the watershed. Cross-reference the yellow bass lake list below against the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and yellow bass documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best yellow bass Lakes in Minnesota
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clear Lake | Jackson | D | 1.5 ft | 9 ft |
| 2 | Budd Lake | Martin | F | 2.6 ft | 23 ft |
| 3 | George Lake | Martin | F | 1.6 ft | 11 ft |
| 4 | Hall Lake | Martin | F | 2.6 ft | 27 ft |
| 5 | Sisseton Lake | Martin | F | 2.5 ft | 19 ft |
| 6 | Loon Lake | Jackson | F | 0.9 ft | 8 ft |
| 7 | Amber Lake | Martin | F | 2 ft | 19 ft |
| 8 | Mountain Lake | Cottonwood | F | 1.2 ft | 8 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Minnesota lakes have yellow bass?
yellow bass are found in 8 lakes in Minnesota. The average water quality grade of these lakes is F (Very Poor).
What are the best yellow bass lakes in Minnesota?
The best yellow bass lakes in Minnesota by water quality are Clear Lake, Budd Lake, George Lake, Hall Lake, Sisseton Lake.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.