Moosehead Lake

Moosehead Lake earns a D — measurements through 2024 show persistent nutrient pressure that limits clarity through the summer.

A TSI in the eutrophic range signals a lake doing what nutrient-loaded waters do — supporting an active algal community at the cost of clear water. Moosehead Lake reaches 18 ft at its deepest point — typical for Minnesota mid-sized lakes, with seasonal stratification but limited cold-water refuge. At 279 acres, Moosehead Lake fits the Minnesota median for monitored lakes, with 3.2 miles of shoreline. Moosehead Lake ranks 29 of 33 in Carlton County — at the lower end of the locally monitored distribution.

No invasive species are currently listed at Moosehead Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. The fishery includes walleye among the lake's 14 documented species — a notable draw for Minnesota anglers. A documented public access point at Moosehead Lake makes the lake usable for shore fishing, paddle craft, and trailered boats. The lake has a long ice-out record — 32 observations on file, with a median ice-out around Apr 19. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.