Moosehead Lake
About Moosehead Lake
Moosehead Lake is a 279-acre lake near Moose Lake in Carlton County, Minnesota. It reaches 18 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 12 feet, and has roughly 3.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Moose Lake City Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around April 19, based on 32 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Moosehead Lake
- 279 acres, up to 18 feet deep, near Moose Lake
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 4.4 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Moose Lake City Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 279 acres
- Max depth
- 18 ft
- Average depth
- 12 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 261 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Moose Lake City Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 14
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 19
- Years of record
- 32
- Earliest
- March 12, 2024
- Latest
- May 21, 2022
- Most recent
- April 14, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Moose Lake City Campground is mapped on or near Moosehead Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Moosehead Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Echo Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Moose Lake108 acres
1.5 miles away
Sand Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Moose Lake527 acres
2.5 miles away
Moose Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Moose Lake133 acres
2.6 miles away
Island Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Sturgeon Lake527 acres
2.8 miles away
Hanging Horn Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Barnum409 acres
3.6 miles away
Eleven Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Sturgeon Lake108 acres
4.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Moosehead Lake?
Moosehead Lake is in Carlton County, Minnesota, near Moose Lake. It covers 279 acres and reaches 18 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Moosehead Lake?
Moosehead Lake covers 279 acres with about 3.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 18 feet and its average depth is about 12 feet.
What fish can you catch at Moosehead Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Moosehead Lake?
Yes. Moosehead Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Moosehead Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Moosehead Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Moosehead Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Moosehead Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Moosehead Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 19, from 32 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 12, 2024 and the latest is May 21, 2022.
Can you camp at Moosehead Lake?
Yes. Moose Lake City Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.