Moon Lake
About Moon Lake
Moon Lake is a 148-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 30 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.9 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state. Access is by portage through Superior National Forest; most lakes reached this way lie in or beside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where an entry permit is required.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 4 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2010.
Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. Moon Lake #1 and Moon Lake #2 are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Moon Lake
- 148 acres, up to 30 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- Portage access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 11.9 feet
- Camping close to the water at Moon Lake #1 and Moon Lake #2
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Portage access only
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 148 acres
- Max depth
- 30 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 82 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 BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 1 portage access
- Camping: Moon Lake #1, Moon Lake #2, and Moon Lake #3
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Canoe tripping
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 4
- Game fish
- 3
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2010
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Moon Lake #1, Moon Lake #2, Moon Lake #3, and Deer Lake #1 are mapped on or near Moon 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 Moon Lake
Compare Moon Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Moon Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
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See how Moon Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Caribou Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais462 acres
1.4 miles away
Crocodile Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais295 acres
1.6 miles away
Clearwater Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais1,344 acres
1.6 miles away
East Bearskin Lake
77 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais593 acres
1.7 miles away
Alder Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais529 acres
2 miles away
Flour Lake
83 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais330 acres
2.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Moon Lake?
Moon Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 148 acres and reaches 30 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Moon Lake?
Moon Lake covers 148 acres with about 3.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 30 feet.
What fish can you catch at Moon Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Moon Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: portage access only.
Can you swim at Moon Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Moon 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 Moon Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Moon Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Moon Lake?
Yes. Moon Lake #1, Moon Lake #2, and Moon Lake #3 are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.