Loon Lake near Spirit Lake: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Loon Lake is a Jackson County water, in Minnesota. The water sits 1,398 feet up. At 699 acres this is proper open water rather than a pond. The edge covers about 5.7 miles, enough to hold several distinct areas. On our Jackson County list it sits near the top for size. The nearest place of any size is Spirit Lake, 7.9 miles away. The big place round here is Sioux Falls, 81 miles distant. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Loon Lake

  Recorded soundings reach about 6.9 feet at the deepest point. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Fish documented in Jackson County include common carp, walleye, black bullhead, black crappie and yellow perch. The county list is broader than any single water. At Loon Lake the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 72°F in July and bottom out at 13°F in January. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Break-up comes around early April, and the run that follows is short and strong. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about early April until roughly late November. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. Loon Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. There is a campsite half a mile from the water. There is a toilet block some 0.9 miles out. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Pearl Lake at 1.1 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at Loon Lake are worth checking on the day.