Moosehead Lake

How big is Moosehead Lake?

How deep is Moosehead Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Moosehead Lake?

What are the closest cities to Moosehead Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Moosehead Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Moosehead Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Moosehead Lake

Are there boat launches on Moosehead Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Moosehead Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Moosehead Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Moosehead Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

Moosehead is a 292 acre lake with 261 (89%) acres of littoral area and a maximum depth of 18 feet. The lake is located immediately east of Moose Lake, MN and has a city administered, concrete, back-in access. A public swimming beach is adjacent to the access. Moosehead Lake has not been actively managed with fish stocking since 1985. Moosehead Lake was surveyed in 2014 to update information on fish populations and aquatic habitat.

Walleye abundance of 1.7 per gillnet lift was down from 2006 (3.3) but still average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Walleye abundance has ranged from 2.5 to 3.3 per lift during four previous investigations from 1972 through 2006. Average size was 16.6 inches and growth was average compared to other Duluth Area lakes. Age analysis revealed inconsistent recruitment with six missing year-classes from 2002-2013.

Black Crappie abundance of 8.7 per trapnet lift was up from 2006 (1.7) and above average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Average size of 8.6 inches was large and growth was average compared to other Duluth Area lakes. Age analysis revealed a strong 2010 year-class and consistent recruitment with all year-classes from 2006 through 2012 represented.

Bluegill abundance of 8.4 per trapnet lift was up from 2006 (5.1) and above average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Average size was 6.7 inches and growth was average compared to other Duluth Area lakes. Age analysis revealed strong 2007 and 2011 year-classes and all year-classes from 2005 through 2012 were represented.

A total of 5 Largemouth Bass were sampled with electrofishing equipment. Bass electrofishing was not attempted in previous investigations but Largemouth Bass were sampled with regular assessment gear in 1977 and 1989. The Largemouth Bass catch rate of 4.1 fish per hour of electrofishing on-time was below average compared to other Duluth Area populations. Largemouth Bass average length was 15.8 inches. Not enough individuals were captured to evaluate stock density or growth, but recruitment appears sporadic with two missing year-classes from 2004-2010.

Northern Pike abundance of 6.0 per gillnet lift was down from 2006 (9.0) and average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Average size was 21.6 inches. Northern Pike were not aged for this assessment.

Yellow Perch abundance of 11.0 was up from 2006 (7.0) but was still average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Average size was 6.1 inches. Yellow Perch were not aged for this assessment.

Lake Sturgeon have been documented in gillnet samples from investigations conducted in 1989 and 1999. There are also anecdotal reports of spawning activity in the Moosehead River near the Highway #61 Bridge at the outlet of Moosehead Lake. Anglers have reported catching large Lake Sturgeon in Moosehead Lake. No Lake Sturgeon were encountered during this survey.

Other fish species sampled during this investigation include Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Shorthead Redhorse, Silver Redhorse, White Sucker and Yellow Bullhead.

A substantial percentage (31%) of lakeshore homeowners on Moosehead Lake have open yards extending to the shoreline. Lakeshore owners can prevent excessive nutrient loading which leads to excessive plant growth and poor water quality by avoiding lawn fertilization, limiting aquatic vegetation removal, and implementing riparian best management practices. Results of laboratory water analysis indicate Moosehead is a slightly acidic, moderately hard water lake of low fertility.

Information was also collected on aquatic vegetation. Thirty-five aquatic plant species or species groups were identified along 134 sampling points. Water (wild) celery was the most frequently found plant (17% of stations sampled) followed by clasping-leaf pondweed (15%) and bushy pondweed (14%). One invasive plant was identified at low abundance (reed canary grass) but this species is common in emergent wetland plant communities and has become well-established in Minnesota. These data can be compared to future aquatic plant surveys of Moosehead Lake to estimate how the plant community may be changing.

What is the average air temp for Moosehead Lake?

Are there any state parks near Moosehead Lake?