Mooneye Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 7 lakes across 1 state
Mooneye is a rough-fish species — typically common in productive, nutrient-rich lakes, sometimes treated as a management nuisance by anglers targeting game-fish. 7 lakes carry documentation. Mooneye is narrowly distributed — only 7 lakes in Minnesota have a documented record. The constraint is usually habitat: cold water, specific depth profile, or river connection.
Rough-fish-dominant lakes are worth checking the phosphorus and chlorophyll-a readings on: a rough-fish-heavy fishery often reflects an underlying nutrient-loading problem in the watershed. Cross-reference the Mooneye lake list below against each lake's clarity, phosphorus and algae readings: lakes with low nutrient readings and Mooneye documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best Mooneye Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with mooneye, ranked on nutrient and algae readings.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake St Croix | Pierce | MN | 78 ft | 36 |
| 2 | Pool | Washington | MN | 78 ft | 36 |
| 3 | Pool of Lake St Croix | Washington | MN | 78 ft | 36 |
| 4 | Winona Lake | Winona | MN | 38 ft | 24 |
| 5 | Sand Point Lake | St. Louis | MN | 184 ft | 21 |
| 6 | Pepin Lake | Pepin | MN | 60 ft | 47 |
| 7 | Spring Lake | Dakota | MN | 17 ft | 21 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have mooneye?
Mooneye are documented in 7 lakes: 7 in Minnesota.
What are the best lakes for mooneye?
The best mooneye lakes by water quality are Lake St Croix, Pool, Pool of Lake St Croix, Winona Lake, Sand Point Lake. These lakes carry the lowest nutrient and algae readings among all lakes where mooneye have been documented by state DNR surveys.
What other fish are found with mooneye?
Mooneye are most commonly found alongside black crappie, bluegill, mooneye, northern pike, walleye. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Mooneye Lakes
Found together in 7 lakes · 1,386 total
Found together in 7 lakes · 1,550 total
Found together in 7 lakes · 2,386 total
Found together in 7 lakes · 1,884 total
Found together in 6 lakes · 911 total
Found together in 6 lakes · 487 total
Fish species from state agency survey, stocking, and public fishing-access records; water-quality readings from the EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys. Species profiles are general reference; always check current state regulations before fishing.