Mukooda Lake

How big is Mukooda Lake?

How deep is Mukooda Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Mukooda Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Mukooda Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Mukooda Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Mukooda 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?

Mukooda Lake is a 774 acre lake located within Voyageurs National Park. The lake is accessed from Sand Point Lake, where the National Park Service maintains a dock at the beginning of the short portage into Mukooda Lake. This isolated lake can also be accessed via snowmobile trails in the winter. The National Park Service maintains several campsites as well as boats available for rental on Mukooda Lake. This diverse fishery supports populations of several species of gamefish that may be of interest to anglers. The deep, cold water supports fish such as Lake Trout and Cisco, while the warmer waters hold quality populations of Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and several other species. To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and exotic viruses, anglers are only allowed to use artificial baits. In addition, no privately-owned watercraft (boats, canoes, kayaks, etc.) or float planes are allowed in interior lakes such as Mukooda Lake. A fish population survey was completed on Mukooda Lake in 2022 as part of a regular rotation of investigational surveys.

Special regulations protecting Lake Trout were implemented in January of 2014. The regulation prohibits harvest of Lake trout, while still allowing catch and release angling during the open fishing season. No Lake Trout are allowed in possession while fishing on Mukooda Lake. The regulation does allow transport of Lake Trout across Mukooda Lake (taking the most direct route and not fishing) if the Lake Trout were legally taken from connected waters. All other species present in Mukooda Lake follow the statewide regulations for inland waters.

Lake Trout abundance was 0.6 fish per net, which was similar to other recent surveys, but below the historical average on Mukooda Lake. Length ranged from 19.7 to 28.3 inches, with an average of 24.0 inches. Average weight 5.1 pounds, which was above the average weight of Lake Trout caught in recent surveys. A total of three year-classes were present, and ranged from 8-16 years. Although present in low numbers, Lake Trout in Mukooda Lake provide a unique fishing opportunity.

Walleye abundance was 1.2 fish per net, which was similar to other recent surveys on Mukooda Lake. Length ranged from 18.2 to 29.5 inches, with an average of 23.0 inches. Average weight was 4.3 pounds, which was above the average weight of Walleye caught in recent surveys. A total of five year-classes were present, and ranged from 3-19 years. Although Walleye abundance is lower than similar lakes, growth is exceptional, providing anglers with a shot at a trophy Walleye.

Northern Pike abundance was 3.6 fish per net in shallow gill nets, which was below average compared to other recent surveys on Mukooda Lake. Total length in shallow gill nets ranged from 21.1 to 33.7 inches, with an average of 26.1 inches. Average weight in shallow gill nets was 4.0 pounds, which was slightly below the average weight of Northern Pike caught in 2017. A total of eight year-classes were present, and ranged from 2-9 years. Northern Pike abundance in Mukooda Lake has increased over time, and have become fairly abundant. Unlike most lakes with a high abundance of Northern Pike, Mukooda Lake has the potential to produce trophy fish.

Largemouth bass abundance was 9.8 fish per net, which was above average compared to recent surveys on Mukooda Lake. Total length ranged from 7.2 to 16.4 inches, with an average of 11.7 inches. Average weight was 1.0 pounds, which was similar to the average weight of Largemouth Bass in recent surveys. A total of 12 year-classes were present, and ranged from 2-24 years. There are good numbers of Largemouth Bass greater than 12" providing good fishing opportunity.

Smallmouth bass abundance was 2.2 fish per net in shallow gill nets, which was slightly below average compared to recent surveys on Mukooda Lake. Total length in shallow gill nets ranged from 10.9 to 19.6 inches, with an average of 14.9 inches. Average weight in shallow gill nets was 2.0 pounds, which was similar to the average weight of Smallmouth Bass caught in recent surveys. A total of six year-classes were present, and ranged from 3-18 years. Overall, the Smallmouth Bass population in Mukooda Lake looks healthy. There are good numbers of 12" - 20" Smallmouth Bass present providing good fishing opportunity.

Black Crappie abundance was 2.0 fish per net, which was below average compared to recent surveys on Mukooda Lake. Total length ranged from 4.6 to 13.7 inches, with an average of 9.6 inches. Average weight was 0.7 pounds, which was similar to the average weight of Black Crappie caught in recent surveys. A total of six year-classes were present, and ranged from 2-11 years. There are decent numbers of Black Crappie greater than 7" providing good fishing opportunities with the potential of catching a Crappie over 13".

Bluegill abundance was 13.6 fish per net, which was well above average compared to recent surveys on Mukooda Lake. Total length ranged from 3.8 to 9.5 inches, with an average of 4.7 inches. Average weight was 0.1 pounds, which was similar to the average weight of Bluegill caught in 2017. A total of five year-classes were present, and ranged from 4-18 years. Although bluegill abundance is high, average size is low. Anglers looking to harvest Bluegill will likely have to sort through lots of small individuals, but the potential for larger Bluegill is present in Mukooda Lake.

Yellow Perch abundance was 5.6 fish per net, which was above average compared to other recent surveys on Mukooda Lake. Total length ranged from 6.4 to 12.6 inches, with a mean of 9.0 inches. Mean weight was 0.3 pounds, which was above the average weight of Yellow Perch caught in recent surveys. There are good numbers of Yellow Perch present providing good fishing opportunity.

Yellow Perch, Cisco, and White Sucker provide quality forage for top predators within Mukooda Lake.

What is the average air temp for Mukooda Lake?