Moose Lake

How big is Moose Lake?

How deep is Moose Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Moose Lake?

What are the closest cities to Moose Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Moose 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 Moose Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Moose Lake

Are there boat launches on Moose Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Moose Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Moose Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Moose 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?

Moose Lake is primarily managed for Walleye and Muskellunge with Northern Pike being considered a secondary management species. The 2019 lake management plan had a goal of maintaining a Walleye gill net catch rate of 3.3 to 8.8/net, the expected range for lakes with similar habitats. Muskellunge and Northern Pike are passively managed with goals of maintaining low numbers with quality size structure. To help maintain the Walleye fishery, a 17 to 26 inch protected slot with one over 26" was established in 2005 and later modified to a 20 to 24 inch protected slot in 2020. Natural reproduction had maintained the Walleye population since 1991 but catches for juveniles had steadily decreased in recent surveys. Annual Walleye fry stocking was programmed in 2019 at a rate of 1,000/littoral acre. Fry were not available in 2020 due to COVID-19 guidelines, but private growers were able to deliver 343 pounds of fingerlings for stocking.

Moose Lake has a long history of Walleye catches that are comparable to similar lakes but had been steadily declining since 2006. The 2018 catch was as low as it's been since 1975. The 2023 survey showed some promise with an increase to a more normal catch for this type of lake and fell within the management plan goal. Size structure was decent from an angling standpoint with an average size of 17.4 inches and good numbers of keeper size fish under the protected slot. Recruitment appeared limited with seven age classes present between age 3 to 16. Age 3 was dominant, comprising 82% of the sample and correlated to the fingerling stocking in 2020. Growth was similar to the statewide average. Walleye averaged almost 17 inches by age 4.

Muskellunge are not sampled well in summer surveys and as a result three were caught that ranged from about 35 to 41 inches. Targeted spring sampling for Muskellunge was last conducted in 2018 and will be conducted in the future as needed to evaluate the population.

Northern Pike are not abundant and typically sampled below the expected range for similar lakes. The low catches are likely related to limited spawning habitat. The 2023 catch was one of the highest observed, yet still below what is expected. Low density is conducive to quality size structure. Lengths ranged from 16.4 to 33.1 inches with an average length of 24.5 inches. Fish within the protected slot (22-26 inches) of the North-Central zone regulation comprised 42% of the sample. Recruitment was relatively consistent. Growth was similar or above the statewide average. Pike averaged 25 inches by age 4.

Black Crappie are often caught in relatively low numbers in lakes with similar habitat to Moose Lake. Catches appeared to be increasing in recent surveys. The gill net size structure was favorable with an average of 9.3 inches and fish up to 14.7 inches sampled. A high proportion of the sample was age 1 and 2. Growth was favorable with crappie averaging 10 inches by age 4.

The Bluegill catch was the second highest observed but moderate compared to other lakes with similar habitat. Size structure was poor with no fish over 8 inches and an average length of 5.0 inches.

Yellow Perch showed improved abundance from the previous survey and were sampled at a rate within the expected range. Size structure was poor with an average size of 6.7 inches. Yellow Perch are likely more important as prey because very few fish would be of interest to anglers. Tullibee are also present and are an important prey species. Their catches were near the long-term average for the lake.

Other species sampled included Bowfin, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass Smallmouth Bass and White Sucker.

What is the average air temp for Moose Lake?

Are there any state parks near Moose Lake?