Moon

Cook County

Near Grand Marais

DOW: 16011700

Northern PikeGood · 72WalleyeGood · 65Yellow PerchPoor · 24

A 148-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County — best known for pike and walleye. Last surveyed 2010.

Fish Species (5)

Northern Pike

Good · 72

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 2010

Last surveyed 2010 — treat with caution

Avg Size

25.8"

Avg Weight

4.92 lbs

Catch rate: 1.2 per gill net · typical 2.3–5.1 for a lake like this

Size of catchable northern pike100% keeper-size (24"+)

All keeper-sizeLargest sampled 32"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 14, 2010	1.20	25.8"	4.92 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jun 13, 2000	1.17	28.1"	5.21 lbs	Standard gill nets

Walleye

Good · 65

Typical numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 2010

Last surveyed 2010 — treat with caution

Avg Size

16.7"

Avg Weight

2.02 lbs

Catch rate: 2.0 per gill net · typical 1–7.1 for a lake like this

Size of catchable walleye60% keeper-size (15"+)

10–14" · 40%Largest sampled 23"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 14, 2010	2.00	16.7"	2.02 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jun 13, 2000	1.83	13.7"	1.21 lbs	Standard gill nets

Yellow Perch

Poor · 24

Typical numbers · small fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 2010

Last surveyed 2010 — treat with caution

Avg Size

5.7"

Avg Weight

0.09 lbs

Catch rate: 2.2 per gill net · typical 1.3–10.3 for a lake like this

Size of catchable yellow perch0% keeper-size (9"+)

5–8" · 100%Largest sampled 8"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 14, 2010	2.20	5.7"	0.09 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jun 13, 2000	1.67	5.9"	0.13 lbs	Standard gill nets

Green Sunfish

Insufficient

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 2000

Last surveyed 2000 — treat with caution

Avg Size

1.7"

Avg Weight

0.01 lbs

Catch rate: 0.75 per trap net

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 13, 2000	0.75	1.7"	0.01 lbs	Minnow traps

Other species in this lake (1)

Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.

White Sucker

Good · 61

Typical numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 2010

Last surveyed 2010 — treat with caution

Avg Size

16.2"

Avg Weight

2.37 lbs

Catch rate: 5.0 per gill net · typical 1.7–12.5 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 14, 2010	5.00	16.2"	2.37 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jun 13, 2000	1.67	15.9"	2.01 lbs	Standard gill nets

Biologist Notes

June 14, 2010Walleye were present in average numbers, but were above-average in size in 2010. Several year classes, all naturally produced, contributed to the wall…

Walleye were present in average numbers, but were above-average in size in 2010. Several year classes, all naturally produced, contributed to the walleye catch, although none had been particularly strong. Walleye growth rates had apparently been average; five-year-old fish averaged 17.0 inches in length at the end of their fifth growing season, compared to an area average of 16.7 inches. Forage for walleye was provided by a modest yellow perch population. Northern pike numbers were low (as has usually been the case in this lake), but northern pike collected were above-average in size. Reproduction appeared to have been limited; only one fish under 25 in long was taken. All but one of the northern pike taken in 2010 were over three years of age. Northern pike growth had been fairly fast, with fish reaching a length of 26.7 inches at the end of their fourth year. The presence of fair numbers of small white sucker may have contributed to good northern pike growth rates observed in 2010. White sucker and yellow perch gill net catches were within normal ranges for the lake class, and were similar to catches observed in 2000. Although smallmouth bass were almost certainly present, none were taken in 2010.

June 13, 2000Walleye abundance in Moon Lake appeared to have been low in 2000. Many of the fish that were collected were two years old, and under 11 inches. Growth…

Walleye abundance in Moon Lake appeared to have been low in 2000. Many of the fish that were collected were two years old, and under 11 inches. Growth rates (for young fish) had been about average for the area, despite the fairly low number of yellow perch present. The northern pike catch was also low, apparently due to a poor year class in 1998. The fish that were taken were good-sized, and had exhibited excellent growth.No smallmouth bass were collected in 2000, but they were seen along shore, and were reported by anglers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Moon?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch in Moon. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Moon?

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Moon. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

How deep is Moon?

Moon has a maximum depth of 30 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Moon last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Moon is from 2010. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.