Loon Lake
About Loon Lake
Loon Lake is a 1,095-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 202 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 14.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 17 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, lake trout, and rock bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR. Loon Lake camp site and Crab Lake are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Loon Lake
- 1,095 acres, up to 202 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, lake trout, and rock bass
- Average water clarity around 17 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at Loon Lake camp site and Crab Lake
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,095 acres
- Max depth
- 202 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 17 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 137 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
- A trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
Facilities
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Camping: Loon Lake camp site and Crab Lake
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 9
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Loon Lake camp site and Crab Lake are mapped on or near Loon 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 Loon Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Gunflint Lake
86 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais4,009 acres
1.4 miles away
Tucker Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais147 acres
1.5 miles away
Little Iron Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais115 acres
2.4 miles away
Banadad Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Maple Hill178 acres
3 miles away
Magnetic Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Maple Hill447 acres
3.5 miles away
Rush Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Maple Hill261 acres
4.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Loon Lake?
Loon Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 1,095 acres and reaches 202 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Loon Lake?
Loon Lake covers 1,095 acres with about 14.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 202 feet.
What fish can you catch at Loon Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Lake Trout, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Loon Lake?
Yes. Loon Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Loon Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Loon Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Loon Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Loon Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Loon Lake?
Yes. Loon Lake camp site and Crab Lake are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.