Bassett Lake was constructed in 1942 in McGill to serve as a settling pond from copper mill tailings and Kennecott Copper Corporation presently owns the lake. Its primary source of water comes from Tailings Creek, however, water management in recent years has changed resulting in lower than normal water levels in both the creek and reservoir. Bassett Lake and its associated tributaries were chemically treated in 2015 to remove northern pike and carp.
- Region
- Eastern
- County
- White Pine
- Type of water
- Lake or Reservoir
Stocking Updates
| Stocked | Species | Date Stocked | Year to Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 966 | Rainbow | 10-24-2019 | 3373 |
Pertinent Information
Bassett Lake covers 77 surface acres and has an average depth of 5 feet. Fishing for bass is best in early spring, following ice-off, to early summer. Largemouth bass occur in the lake, but shore fishing can be difficult, so a boat or float tube/pontoon boat is recommended. There are two unimproved boat launches, one on each side of the lake. During the summer, biting insects and a thick mat of aquatic vegetation render the lake nearly unbearable and unfishable. The typical tackle works for largemouth bass and weedless or surface lures are suggested. Tailings Creek produced trophy-sized trout in the past, but recent low flows have halted all stocking activities. Camping is not allowed and no restrooms are available. Roads will be very muddy and difficult to drive when wet.