Moose

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Moose Lake on August 7th, 2025. This was done to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake (Cisco, also known as 'Tullibee', are also present). Lake Whitefish require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on data collected from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth was 64.9 feet), the water temperature decreased to 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) at 21.2 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 38.0 feet at the time of sampling. This layer in the water column was 16.9 feet, indicating oxythermal habitat for Lake Whitefish was present. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 8.7 degrees C (47.7 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Lake Whitefish at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 2010, 2018, 2024 also indicated suitable oxythermal habitat in all years surveyed, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2010 when the suitable oxythermal habitat layer was 1.6 feet thick. When adequate oxythermal habitat is not available, Lake Whitefish are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress. In fisheries surveys since 1972, Lake Whitefish catches have been minimal or absent in 15 surveys.

Moose Lake is a 1,301-acre lake located approximately 15 miles northeast of Ely. Most boaters and canoeists reach the lake through one of two ways. The U.S. Forest Service maintains a public access, on the East shore, that has a double concrete boat ramp and canoe landing area with ample parking. Other boaters and canoeists go through private shoreline on the Southwest corner of the lake, including several canoe outfitters, seasonal cabins, and permanent residences. The lake is in the Superior National Forest, and although roughly 60% of the lake is located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), outboard motors up to 25 hp are allowed. The U.S. Forest Service maintains five campsites and visitors must have appropriate permits, issues by the U.S. Forest Service, to visit this portion of the lake. The southwest portion of the lake has no campsites or motor restrictions. The lake has a maximum depth of 65 feet and moderately clear water that is subject to algae blooms later in the summer. Moose Lake was thermally stratified on August 5, 2024. Water temperatures were 74 F at the surface and dropped to 49 F near the bottom, with adequate oxygen levels for species in the lake to a depth of about 40 feet. There are numerous small inlets around the lake, with all water flowing northeast to the other two lakes, Newfound and Sucker, that combine with Moose to make up the Moose Lake Chain. The Moose Lake Chain flows into Basswood Lake at Prairie Portage, and this connection is a primary reason that Moose Lake is one of the most used BWCAW entry points. Lake bottom substrates along the shoreline are mostly ledge rock, rubble, and gravel. Aquatic plants are rare, except for a few shallow bays where vegetation is concentrated. The overall gillnet catch rate was 21.2 fish/net which was slightly below average compared to past catches for the lake. Fish species sampled in gillnets included walleye, white sucker, rock bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, burbot, and yellow perch. The overall trap net catch rate was 10.3 fish/net, which was also slightly below average for the lake. Species sampled in trap nets included bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, and white sucker. Walleye numbers in 2024 (10.7 fish/gillnet) were the highest ever recorded for a survey on Moose Lake and ranked above average for lakes within the Tower area. Lengths ranged from 8 to over 28 inches with an average of 16 inches, which was slightly larger than previous surveys. Growth was fast compared to other lakes in the area, as it took less than 4 years for the average walleye to reach 15 inches. Ages ranged from 2 to 12 years. Recruitment was remarkably consistent for this naturally reproducing population. Northern pike numbers in 2024 (1.3 fish/gillnet) were below average for the lake. Lengths ranged from 18 to 27 inches with an average of 22 inches, which was slightly smaller than previous surveys. Although not present in this survey, Moose Lake has a history of producing large pike, with the largest fish in a survey measuring 42 inches. Smallmouth bass numbers in 2024 (1.6 fish/gillnet) were the highest of any survey on Moose Lake. Lengths ranged from 7 to over 19 inches, which was the largest smallmouth ever sampled from the lake. Smallmouth averaged about 12 inches in length, which is slightly larger than previous surveys. Bluegill numbers in 2024 (7.2 fish/trap net) were above average for the lake. Lengths ranged from 4 to 8 inches with an average of about 6 inches, which was about average for the lake. Bluegill grew relatively fast compared to other area lakes, with the average fish reaching 6 inches in 4 to 5 years. Rusty crayfish are a non-native invasive species that were first documented in the Moose Chain in 1989. They were likely introduced in anglers' bait buckets. In 2024, the rusty crayfish catch rate was 64 crayfish/gillnet. This catch rate was similar compared to past surveys.

Moose Lake is located approximately 17 miles northeast of Ely. Approximately 50% of the lake lies within the BWCAW where a 25 hp maximum motor exists. Other BWCAW regulations apply and visitors should be familiar with them. Moose Lake is one of three connected lakes often referred to locally as the Moose Lake Chain. There is a double concrete ramp with a center dock located near the southeast shore of the lake off the Moose Lake Road for public access. Another carry-down access is nearby for visitors using canoes. There are several designated US Forest Service campsites on the lake for overnight use. Moose Lake is the most heavily used entry point in the BWCAW with visitors often heading towards Basswood Lake and points beyond. Walleye (29%) and northern pike (28%) were the most common gamefish species sampled during the 2018 survey on Moose Lake. White sucker (29%) were also common in the catch. Other species sampled in 2018 include bluegill, largemouth bass, rock bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Walleye numbers in 2018 (5.4/gill net) were above the historic average (4.4/gill net) for this lake and below average (6.2/gill net) when compared to other area lakes that are similar. The average walleye sampled was 15.9 inches long and about 4 years old. Approximately 72% of the walleye sampled were 12 inches or larger. The largest walleye sampled in 2018 measured 27.4 inches. Northern pike numbers in 2018 (5.3/gill net) were above the historic average (4.5/gill net) for this lake and above average (2.1/gill net) compared to other similar area lakes. The average pike sampled was 24.2 inches long. Approximately 34% of the pike sampled in 2018 were 24 inches or larger with a maximum length of 37.1 inches recorded.

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

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

Moose has a maximum depth of 65 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Moose is from 2024.

No invasive species are on record for Moose in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.