Loon Lake

Loon Lake is one of the 14 lakes of the Whitefish Chain and one of the least known. The DNR lists it separately (lake ID 18026800) but doesn't publish its own size or depth figures; for fisheries work it surveys Loon together with Island Lake as "Island-Loon."

So for fish and water quality, the best guide is the Island-Loon survey: deep, clear coldwater habitat with lake whitefish and cisco, connected to Whitefish Lake.

Where it sits on the chain

Loon sits beside Island Lake off the southwest side of the Whitefish basin and is reached by water through Island. That makes it one of the more tucked-away corners of the chain.

Because the DNR doesn't publish separate figures for Loon, if you are looking at a property here, ask for a depth map of the frontage or measure it yourself before you buy.

Fishing: what the DNR found (Island-Loon)

In the 2024 Island-Loon survey, northern pike were average in number, averaging about 21 inches with 15% at 26 inches or longer. One large 27-inch walleye was caught; walleye move in from the stocked Whitefish basin.

Lake whitefish (average 19.3 inches) and cisco (average 14 inches) were caught in average numbers, a sign of good coldwater habitat. Bluegill averaged 5.5 inches with some over 8 inches.

What it is like to own here

Loon is for buyers who want privacy and a small-lake setting with the chain still within reach. Expect lighter boat traffic than on the main lakes.

With limited published data, due diligence matters more: walk the shoreline, check the bottom and depth, and confirm how a property reaches the channel.

Getting on the water

No public launch. Loon is reached through Island Lake, which connects to Whitefish by channel.

Rules every owner on the chain should know

• Panfish limits: since 2021 the Whitefish Chain has a special daily limit of 5 sunfish and 5 crappie, to protect panfish size.
• Northern pike: the chain is in the DNR's north-central pike zone. All pike from 22 to 26 inches must be released right away, and you may keep no more than 2 over 26 inches (possession limit 10). Check the current regulations each season.
• Aquatic invasive species: zebra mussels are present in the chain. Before you leave any access, remove plants and animals from boats and trailers, pull the plug and drain all water, including bilges, livewells and bait wells. Plan to check docks, lifts and boat hulls when equipment comes out each fall.
• Building, docks and septic: shoreland setbacks, impervious-surface limits, vegetation and septic rules are set by Crow Wing County. Confirm what a specific lot allows with the county before you buy or plan a project.

Buying on Loon Lake: what to check

• Shore slope and stairs. Deep lakes often mean steeper lots; walk from the cabin to the dock before you fall for the view.
• Bottom type at the waterline: sand, rock, or soft bottom with plants. It decides how you will use the shore.
• Which way the frontage faces and how exposed it is to wind and wakes; west-facing lots get the sunsets.
• Boat access. There is no public launch on this lake, so plan where you will launch or keep a boat at your dock.
• Dock, lift and boat condition, including zebra mussel buildup, and what stays with the sale.
• Septic compliance, well, and what Crow Wing County allows for additions, garages or a new build on the lot.

Selling on Loon Lake

Lake homes sell on the water as much as on the house: frontage, bottom, depth off the dock, exposure and the view all move the price, and so does how the home is presented. If you are thinking about selling, start with a private valuation. It stays between us, and you decide how far the sale travels from there.

Questions about Loon Lake

More lakes on the chain