Peterson Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Talmoon. DNR lake ID 31079100.
Peterson Lake is a 162.7-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Talmoon. Its deepest point reaches 55 ft, and about 58% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 7.9 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31079100 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Talmoon |
| Surface area | 162.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 55 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 58% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 7.9 ft through 2017 |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2017: clarity 7.9 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Peterson Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Peterson Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2015 (11 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 0.25 | 0.5 to 2.3 |
| Northern pike | gill | 7.75 | 3.5 to 8.9 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.22 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 3.5 | 1.0 to 10.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.33 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Black crappie | gill | 5.0 | 1.0 to 3.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.22 | 0.8 to 4.0 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.25 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 17.89 | 9.5 to 57.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.5 | 0.4 to 1.6 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 7.0 | 1.5 to 6.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 1.44 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Smallmouth bass 17.0 in (2000), Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2015), Walleye 22.0 in (2015), Northern pike 30.0 in (2020).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Brown bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Peterson Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 2 trailer spaces. 17 miles northwest of the city of Deer River, on MN Highway #46, on Cut Foot Sioux Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- South Ackerman Lake 0.4 mi, Itasca County
- Spring Lake 1.3 mi, Itasca County
- Little Spring Lake 1.5 mi, Itasca County
- La Croix Lake 2.2 mi, Itasca County
- East Lake 2.4 mi, Itasca County
- Big Too Much Lake 2.5 mi, Itasca County
- Crooked Lake 3.1 mi, Itasca County
- Four Towns Lake 3.1 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Peterson Lake
How deep is Peterson Lake?
Peterson Lake reaches a maximum depth of 55 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 58% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Peterson Lake?
Peterson Lake covers about 162.7 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Peterson Lake?
Summer water clarity on Peterson Lake averages 7.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2017. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Peterson Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Peterson Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Peterson Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, brown bullhead in Peterson Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2015.
Where is the public boat access on Peterson Lake?
Peterson Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Peterson Lake.
How is the walleye population on Peterson Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2000 to 2015, walleye numbers on Peterson Lake ran mostly below the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Peterson Lake?
Homes on Peterson Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Peterson Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Peterson Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 58% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 7.9 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Peterson Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Peterson Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Peterson Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2015), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.