Loon

Loon is a 237 acre lake located two miles southwest of Pequot Lakes in Cass County. Loon is fairly shallow with 91% 15' deep or less. One small hole reaches 25' in depth. During winter months the lake association operates an aerator to try to keep the fish community alive. Winter travelers will need to use extra caution around the open hole, and obey thin ice signs. A public access is located in the southeastern corner of the lake. Water clarity is good, with a secchi disk reading of 14'. Northern pike were sampled in high numbers when compared to similar lakes at 12.7/gillnet. Northern pike ranged from 13.4"-32.9" in length. Average length was 22.3", with 39% at least 24" in length. Catch and release of these larger fish will help keep a balanced northern pike population. New northern pike regulations effective March 1st, 2018 include a possession limit of 10 fish. Only 2 may be over 26" and all fish between 22"-26" must be immediately released. The intent of the regulation is to improve the harvest opportunity for pike and improve the fish community composition. Panfish anglers should have a good time on Loon. Bluegills were sampled in high numbers when compared to similar lakes at 69.7/trapnet. Size was nice too, with an average length of 7.0". Black crappies were sampled in low numbers in gillnet at 0.3/net, and average numbers in trapnets at 5.9/net. For both gears combined 83% were at least 8" in length. Largemouth bass were sampled by a spring nighttime electrofishing survey at a rate of 33.6/hr run time. Most bass ran on the smaller side with an average length of 10.1". Largemouth over 12" made up 30% of the catch. Walleyes are occasionally stocked into Loon, and were sampled in low numbers when compared to similar lakes. The few walleyes sampled were nice, with an average length of 23.0". No invasive species have been discovered in Loon Lake, but they are located in the area. Lake users are required to inspect and remove any aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and trailers, as well as pull the plug and drain all water from the watercraft, including bilges, livewells and baitwells.

Loon is a 237 acre lake located about three miles southwest of Pequot Lakes. A public access is present on the southeast shore. The lake has moderately hard water, low phosphorus fertility and good water clarity. Aquatic plants are generally abundant and grow to a depth of about 18 feet. About 90% of the lake is less than 15 feet deep. Partial winterkills have occurred in more severe winters. A pump-and-baffle aeration system is used to reduce the impact on the lake's fish population.A partial winterkill occurred in 1993-'94. As a result, the fish catch in the summer, 1994, sampling was probably reduced. Northern pike were present in "average" numbers compared to similar type lakes. Age 2-5 fish were sampled and most were from the 1992 or '93 year classes. Northern pike growth was good. Largemouth bass were only sampled in shoreline seine hauls. Walleye catch was "low" for this type of lake. Bluegills were present in "average" numbers in 1994. Ages 3-6 were sampled and growth was slow. About 20% of measured bluegills were at least 7.0 inches long. Pumpkinseeds and black crappies were found in "low" numbers compared to similar lakes. Forage species like white suckers and yellow perch were present in "average" numbers and had good reproductive success in 1994. Black bullheads were found in "average" numbers and yellow bullheads in "low" numbers compared to similar type lakes.

Special Problems Affecting Fish and Fishing: Loon Lake is a winterkill lake which presently has an aeration system installed.Additional Field Notes: Observed two adult loons and one 10" snapping turtle.Present Fish Population Status: The northern pike and brown bullhead net catches indicate above average populations, these species catch rates exceed the third quartile of the area median. The northern pike age groups from 1 year to 6 years were represented with 34% being 3 years old. The northerns show an average weight of around 2 pounds and the pumpkinseed, bluegill and walleye indicate an average population status for the area and median.The brown bullheads average around .5 pound. The black bullheads, pumpkinseed, bluegill and walleye indicate an average population status for the area median.THe walleye age groups 3,4 and 5 were represented with 60% being 4 years old. The walleyes average in the 1.5 pound range with lengths running from 13.0 to 17.9 inches.The black bullheads were small in size.The pumpkinseed and bluegills are small in size with a few bluegills in the 8.0-8.9 length groups. Bluegill age groups from 1 year to 7 years were represented with 72% in the 1,2 and 3 year age groups.The white suckers and yellow perch indicate a below average population with the catch rate below the first quartile of the area median. The white suckers average 2.0 pounds. The yellow perch represent 2 age groups, 3 and 4. Six fish were 3 years old and 7 fish were 4 years old.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Bluegill, and Black Crappie in Loon. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Loon. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Loon has a maximum depth of 25 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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.

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.