Loon
A 231-acre lake near Grand Rapids in Itasca County — best known for bass and pike. Last surveyed 2017.
Fish Species (14)
Above-normal numbers · large fish
Electrofishing survey · surveyed Jun 2017
Last surveyed 2017 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 101.3 · Electrofishing survey
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 5, 2017 | 3.20 | 10.1" | 1.01 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2017 | 0.33 | 10.1" | 0.73 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2017 | 101.25 | 10.1" | 0.79 lbs |
Typical numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 2017
Last surveyed 2017 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 5.4 per gill net · typical 2.2–8.7 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 5, 2017 | 5.40 | 27.1" | 5.57 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2017 | 0.11 | 27.1" | 0.83 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2006 | 6.17 | 21.7" | 2.53 lbs |
Above-normal numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 2017
Last surveyed 2017 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 6.4 per gill net · typical 0.3–1.7 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 5, 2017 | 6.40 | 5.4" | 0.12 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2017 | 0.56 | 5.4" | 0.20 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2006 | 0.17 | 7.0" | 0.03 lbs |
Typical numbers · average-size fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 2017
Last surveyed 2017 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.67 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 5, 2017 | 0.67 | 7.0" | 0.40 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2017 | 0.20 | 7.0" | 0.43 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2006 | 0.11 | 5.0" | 0.11 lbs |
Above-normal numbers · small fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 2017
Last surveyed 2017 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 58.9 per trap net · typical 7.7–43.4 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 5, 2017 | 10.60 | 5.9" | 0.10 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2017 | 58.89 | 5.9" | 0.11 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2006 | 5.17 | 4.8" | 0.08 lbs |
Below-normal numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 2017
Last surveyed 2017 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.2 per gill net · typical 1–5 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 5, 2017 | 0.20 | 26.0" | 5.95 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2006 | 0.33 | 23.0" | 4.06 lbs |
| Jun 7, 1999 | 0.11 | 21.0" | 3.20 lbs |
Below-normal numbers · small fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 2017
Last surveyed 2017 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.78 per trap net · typical 0.8–3.7 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 5, 2017 | 0.60 | 6.0" | 0.13 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2017 | 0.78 | 6.0" | 0.30 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2006 | 3.67 | 5.7" | 0.17 lbs |
Typical numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 2017
Last surveyed 2017 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 6.8 per gill net · typical 1.5–13.8 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 5, 2017 | 6.80 | 6.4" | 0.14 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2006 | 0.44 | 5.9" | 0.12 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2006 | 5.17 | 5.9" | 0.11 lbs |
Typical numbers · small fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 2017
Last surveyed 2017 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 3.0 per trap net · typical 1.4–5.9 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 5, 2017 | 2.40 | 5.8" | 0.16 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2017 | 3.00 | 5.8" | 0.29 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2006 | 1.67 | 5.3" | 0.09 lbs |
Other species in this lake (5)
Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.
Above-normal numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 2017
Last surveyed 2017 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.8 per gill net · typical 0.3–0.8 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 5, 2017 | 0.80 | 5.8" | 0.08 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2006 | 0.11 | 5.0" | 0.07 lbs |
| Jun 7, 1999 | 0.11 | 5.0" | 0.03 lbs |
Below-normal numbers · average-size fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 2017
Last surveyed 2017 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.67 per trap net · typical 1–5.3 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 5, 2017 | 0.20 | 10.1" | 0.67 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2017 | 0.67 | 10.1" | 0.76 lbs |
| Jun 5, 2006 | 1.67 | 8.9" | 0.31 lbs |
Average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1987
Last surveyed 1987 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.2 per gill net · typical 0.3–1.9 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 10, 1987 | 0.20 | - | 0.30 lbs |
Below-normal numbers · average-size fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1992
Last surveyed 1992 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.22 per trap net · typical 0.3–1 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 7, 1999 | 0.17 | 10.0" | 0.77 lbs |
| Jun 8, 1992 | 0.22 | - | 0.80 lbs |
| Jun 8, 1992 | 0.17 | - | 0.40 lbs |
Below-normal numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1992
Last surveyed 1992 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.17 per gill net · typical 0.5–2 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 8, 1992 | 0.17 | - | 2.50 lbs |
| Jun 10, 1987 | 0.40 | - | 1.95 lbs |
Fishing Regulations
Statewide limits
Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.
Walleye and Sauger
Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
6 combined, not more than one walleye over 20"
Northern Pike
Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
North-central zone
Angling: 10 (not more than 2 over 26". All from 22-26" must be immediatley released).
Largemouth Bass
Season: Mar 1, 2026 – May 22, 2026
Largemouth bass in the Southern and North-central zones
Catch-and-release only
Largemouth Bass
Season: May 23, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
Largemouth bass in the Southern and North-central zones
6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth (when smallmouth season is open)
Crappie
10 combined total
Sunfish
20 combined total
Perch
20 daily and 40 in possession
More statewide rules (spearing, rough fish)
Northern Pike
Season: Nov 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
North-central zone
Darkhouse spearing: 10 (only 1 between 22-26" and 1 over 26"; or, only 2 over 26").
Rock Bass
30
Bowfin, buffalo, carp, carpsuckers, freshwater drum, goldeneye, redhorse, and suckers
no limit
Bullhead
100
Biologist Notes
August 6, 2025Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Loon Lake on August 6th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity an…
Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Loon Lake on August 6th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. During the summer, Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth 68.9 feet), the water temperature decreased below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 16.8 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 22.0 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 5.1 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 15.1 degrees C (59.2 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Cisco at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 2023 also indicates suitable oxythermal habitat, as the suitable oxythermal habitat layer was 8.8 feet thick. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.
August 6, 2025Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Loon Lake on August 6th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity an…
Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Loon Lake on August 6th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. During the summer, Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth 68.9 feet), the water temperature decreased below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 16.8 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 22.0 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 5.1 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 15.1 degrees C (59.2 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Cisco at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 2023 also indicates suitable oxythermal habitat, as the suitable oxythermal habitat layer was 8.8 feet thick. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.
August 6, 2025Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Loon Lake on August 6th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity an…
Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Loon Lake on August 6th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. During the summer, Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth 68.9 feet), the water temperature decreased below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 16.8 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 22.0 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 5.1 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 15.1 degrees C (59.2 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Cisco at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 2023 also indicates suitable oxythermal habitat, as the suitable oxythermal habitat layer was 8.8 feet thick. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Loon?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Hybrid Sunfish, and Bluegill in Loon. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Loon?
Minnesota DNR records list public access for Loon. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.
How deep is Loon?
Loon has a maximum depth of 69 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Loon last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Loon is from 2017. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does Loon have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Loon in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
Are there special fishing regulations on Loon?
No — Loon has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide crappie limit is: 10 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.
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Lake Details
- Surface Area
- 230.99 acres
- Max Depth
- 69 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.61 mi
- Public Access
- Yes