Moon Lake is a 115-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Barnes County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 54 feet (24-foot average). Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2020. The lake supports 5 documented fish species including Yellow Perch, Walleye, and Rainbow Trout. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 3 other monitored lakes in Barnes County, Moon Lake ranks #3 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2020-10-02. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Moon Lake water quality
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Murky, only visible to about 4.4 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 8.5 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 54.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 4.4 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 8.5 µg/L | B |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 54 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 54.3 ft |
| Average Depth | 23.9 ft |
| Surface Area | 115 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 2 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Moon Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Moon Lake
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Moon Lake averages about 63°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 65°F) and coldest in Oct (about 51°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 12 field readings (2020–2020) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Moon Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #3 of 4 lakes in Barnes County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Moon Lake holds Grade C. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ASpiritwood LakeStutsman County · 25.1 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- BLake AshtabulaBarnes County · 14.5 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BLake AshtabulaBarnes County · 25.8 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BJamestown ReservoirStutsman County · 27.9 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Barnes County
Explore Moon Lake across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across North Dakota
Fish species and best lakes in Barnes County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at North Dakota's top lakes, each with its grade
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
North Dakota's cleanest and most-polluted lakes, ranked
More North Dakota Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in North Dakota
Eutrophic Lakes in North Dakota
More records, surveys & data sources
Lake Size & Watershed
Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS). Mean depth is a modeled estimate.
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Depth, fish, and access data from North Dakota Game & Fish
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2020-10-02
Monitoring stations: 1