Big Basswood Lake

The LakeGrade rubric puts Big Basswood Lake at a C: clarity at 3.1 ft, 14 µg/L of phosphorus, and a TSI of 51 signal an intermediate trophic state. Secchi readings are the weakest of the three parameters, suggesting suspended sediment or algal biomass dominates the optical signal.

At a TSI of 51, Big Basswood Lake reads as eutrophic — nutrient-rich enough that summer algal growth and reduced clarity are expected, not unusual. The lake's maximum depth is not yet documented in state morphometric records — context for its physical structure remains limited. The lake's surface area is not consistently recorded across state datasets — physical context remains partial. Within the 93 graded lakes of Becker County, Big Basswood Lake sits at rank 75, near the bottom of the county list.

No invasive species are currently listed at Big Basswood Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Big Basswood Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. Public access is available — the lake is on the Minnesota PCA public-access list. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.