Moose Lake
About Moose Lake
Moose Lake is a 1,273-acre lake near Deer River in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 61 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.6 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the city and Minnesota DNR. Bowstring State F -orest Moose Lake and Moose Lake Campground are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Moose Lake
- 1,273 acres, up to 61 feet deep, near Deer River
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 8.6 feet
- Camping close to the water at Bowstring State F -orest Moose Lake and Moose Lake Campground
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,273 acres
- Max depth
- 61 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 345 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
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Camping: Bowstring State F -orest Moose Lake and Moose Lake Campground
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
- 17
- Game fish
- 13
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Walleye: All from 20-24" must be immediately released. One over 24" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Bowstring State F -orest Moose Lake and Moose Lake Campground are mapped on or near Moose 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 Moose Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Fawn Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Suomi190 acres
1.3 miles away
Little Moose Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids289 acres
1.5 miles away
Deer Lake
72 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River4,093 acres
1.7 miles away
Little Deer Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River67 acres
2.2 miles away
Cottonwood Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Suomi133 acres
2.3 miles away
Island Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Deer River285 acres
2.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Moose Lake?
Moose Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Deer River. It covers 1,273 acres and reaches 61 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Moose Lake?
Moose Lake covers 1,273 acres with about 7.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 61 feet.
What fish can you catch at Moose Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Moose Lake?
Yes. Moose Lake has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Moose Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Moose 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 Moose Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Moose Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Moose Lake?
Yes. All from 20-24" must be immediately released. One over 24" allowed in possession.
Can you camp at Moose Lake?
Yes. Bowstring State F -orest Moose Lake and Moose Lake Campground are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Moose Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Moose Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.