Moose Lake
About Moose Lake
Moose Lake is a 1,301-acre lake near Ely in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 65 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 21.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.6 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. BSA Northern Tier Charles L Sommers Canoe Base is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Moose Lake
- 1,301 acres, up to 65 feet deep, near Ely
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 12.6 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at BSA Northern Tier Charles L Sommers Canoe Base
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,301 acres
- Max depth
- 65 ft
- Shoreline
- 21.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 262 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- 2 carry-in accesses
- Camping: BSA Northern Tier Charles L Sommers Canoe Base
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
- 10
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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
BSA Northern Tier Charles L Sommers Canoe Base is 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
Wind Lake
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1.9 miles away
Jasper Lake
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Newfound Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely643 acres
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Ojibway Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Ely367 acres
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Manomin Lake
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Wood Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake · Prairie Portage617 acres
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Moose Lake?
Moose Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 1,301 acres and reaches 65 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Moose Lake?
Moose Lake covers 1,301 acres with about 21.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 65 feet.
What fish can you catch at Moose Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Burbot, and Rock Bass 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 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. 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?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Moose Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Moose Lake?
Yes. BSA Northern Tier Charles L Sommers Canoe Base is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.