---
type: lake
name: "Loon Lake"
county: "St. Louis"
nearest_town: "Crane Lake"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 2498
max_depth_ft: 76
latitude: 48.25679
longitude: -92.29762
lake_score: 59
dnr_lake_id: "69047000"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/loon-lake
---

# Loon Lake

Lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Crane Lake

- **Surface Area**: 2,498 acres
- **Max Depth**: 76 ft
- **Shoreline**: 48.9 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 8 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 59/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)
- **Border Water**: shared with Canada

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR, US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 11
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2022
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Burbot, Lake Whitefish, Rock Bass, White Sucker

## Invasive Species

spiny waterflea. Clean, drain and dry boats and gear before leaving.

## Nearby Lakes

- [Little Loon Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/little-loon-lake) - 2.2 miles, 167 acres
- [Fat Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/fat-lake) - 4 miles, 108 acres
- [Heritage Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/heritage-lake) - 4.3 miles, 207 acres
- [Upper Pauness Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/upper-pauness-lake) - 4.8 miles, 192 acres
- [Eugene Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/eugene-lake) - 4.9 miles, 181 acres
- [Lower Pauness Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/lower-pauness-lake) - 5 miles, 171 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.25679,-92.29762)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=69047000)
- [All lakes in St. Louis County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/loon-lake)*