Bass Lake (South) Access

Fishing and boating fun on Bass Lake.

NPS credit

Quick Facts

Location:

Trail End, Honor, MI 49640

Amenities

7 listed

Beach/Water Access, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Dock/Pier, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Wheelchair Accessible

Bass Lake in the Platte Plains area is probably the best-known all-purpose lake in the park for hiking, canoeing, and fishing. Surrounded by aspen, white pine, and cedar, the calm lake is protected from the winds off Lake Michigan and is a great starter lake for teaching kids about fishing, hiking, or boating. Kids love to fish and swim off of the sturdy dock; while others enjoy sitting on the dock's bench, watching the water and listening to bird song.

Bass lake is accessed by taking Trails End Road to a parking area at the end of the road. There are restrooms near the parking area and a paved path leads to a fishing dock. The boat ramp is excellent and handicap accessible. You can easily carry your canoe or kayak to the ramp to get your paddle underway. Poke around the lake's perimeter to discover wildflowers and beaver-chewed tree stumps, or just float and soak in Bass Lake's quiet beauty.

Bass Lake is closed to power-driven vessels from April 1 through October 31 and limited to a two-horsepower motor the rest of the year.

Fishing? The following fish species have been collected from the lake: Bluntnose minnow, black bullhead, bluegill, largemouth bass, sunfish, pumpkinseed, rock bass, Iowa darter, Johnny darter, and yellow perch. Bluegill are the most common species, making up 73% of the population.

Hiking? Join the 3.5 mile Bass Lake Loop of the Platte Plains trail at the parking lot. You may also wish to add an optional, more strenuous .8-mile spur to Lake Michigan.

Paddle safe

Before going out for a paddle, check the weather. Have a boating plan and make sure others know it. Buddy up, don't go out alone. Check your boat and make sure it is safe for conditions. And always keep the shoreline in sight.

Wear It! 

The State of Michigan requires all vessels have a life jacket or personal flotation device for every person on board or being towed.

Clean Your Boats

Please clean, drain, and dry your boat after you leave any body of water, especially Lake Michigan, to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. This is especially important for our inland lakes.

For more information on aquatic invasive species and their impacts to lakes, streams, and how we recreate please visit the following websites:
www.protectyourwaters.net
www.nps.gov/slbe/naturescience/nonnativespecies.htm