Loon Lake
About Loon Lake
Loon Lake is a 2,498-acre lake near Crane Lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 76 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 48.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8 feet. The lake is a border water shared with Canada, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side. 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 11 fish species here, including walleye, sauger, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 6 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Loon Lake
- 2,498 acres, up to 76 feet deep, near Crane Lake
- Portage access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, sauger, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 8 feet
- Camping close to the water
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
- Border water with Canada — know which side of the line you are fishing on
- Listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Portage access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,498 acres
- Max depth
- 76 ft
- Shoreline
- 48.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 8 ft
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
- Border-water seasons and limits with Canada differ from Minnesota inland rules
Facilities
- 5 portage accesses
- Camping (6 mapped)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Canoe tripping
- 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
- 11
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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
6 campgrounds 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
Compare Loon Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Loon Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Little Loon Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake167 acres
2.2 miles away
Fat Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake108 acres
4 miles away
Heritage Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake207 acres
4.3 miles away
Upper Pauness Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake192 acres
4.8 miles away
Eugene Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake181 acres
4.9 miles away
Lower Pauness Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Crane Lake171 acres
5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Loon Lake?
Loon Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Crane Lake. It covers 2,498 acres and reaches 76 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Loon Lake?
Loon Lake covers 2,498 acres with about 48.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 76 feet.
What fish can you catch at Loon Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Burbot, and Lake Whitefish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Loon Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: portage access only.
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. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Loon Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Loon Lake as infested with spiny waterflea. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.