Loon Lake is a 1,048-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in north-central Otter Tail County. The town of Vergas, MN abuts the northeast shoreline of the lake. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The lake has a maximum depth of 105 feet; however, 56% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The lake contains several distinct basins, all connected by narrow passages. The shoreline length is 15.5 miles. The secchi disc reading for this survey was 9.5 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 6.8 to 14.5 feet. Shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. A DNR owned concrete public access is located off of County Road 35 along the northeast shoreline of the lake. Emergent plants (hardstem bulrush, common cattail, and wild rice) are prevalent throughout Loon Lake. Emergent plants are important because they provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat and are critical for maintaining good water quality. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish species such as northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish. They are also important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological importance, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit. Loon Lake can be ecologically classified as a bass-panfish type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Northern pike, largemouth bass, and bluegill are the dominant gamefish species in the fish community. The prolificacy of these species can be attributed to the quality and quantity of suitable habitat that is available for these species. A high-density northern pike population exists. Northern pike abundance has historically been high. The average size of pike is small and growth rates are slow. Only ten percent of the northern pike were 24.0 inches or greater in length. Pike ranged in length from 12.0 to 30.9 inches with an average length and weight of 18.9 inches and 1.5 pounds. Northern pike attain an average length of 18.3 inches at four years of age. Data from a spring electrofishing assessment indicate that a moderate density largemouth bass population exists. Age data indicate that bass reproduction is consistently good. Bass ranged in length from 6.1 to 15.7 inches. Bass attain an average length of 12.9 inches at four years of age. The bluegill test-net catch rate was within the normal range for this class of lake. Bluegill abundance has historically remained at a moderate to high level. Bluegill size structure remains poor with only nine percent of the sample exceeding 7.0 inches in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 6.6 inches at seven years of age. Walleye abundance has historically been low. Walleyes ranged in length from 13.2 to 27.8 inches with an average length and weight of 20.6 inches and 3.2 pounds. Walleye attain an average length of 14.9 inches at three years of age.