St. Louis River Estuary vs Gilbert Pit
Two of the top-scoring lakes in St. Louis County, Minnesota, side by side.
St. Louis River Estuary is the larger of the two at 10,255 acres against 243 for Gilbert Pit. On our rankings, St. Louis River Estuary comes out ahead for fishing, Gilbert Pit comes out ahead for swimming, St. Louis River Estuary comes out ahead for boating, Gilbert Pit comes out ahead for camping, Gilbert Pit comes out ahead for paddling, and Gilbert Pit comes out ahead for ice fishing.
| Measure | St. Louis River Estuary | Gilbert Pit |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Score | 82 / 100 | 82 / 100 |
| Nearest town | Duluth | Gilbert |
| Surface area | 10,255 acres | 243 acres |
| Max depth | 55 ft | 443 ft |
| Shoreline | 195.5 mi | 5.8 mi |
| Water clarity | — | 22.8 ft |
| Public access | 4 public boat launches (concrete) | 1 public boat launch (concrete) |
| Fish species | 33 | 10 |
| Game fish | Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass | Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill |
| Stocked | Yes | Yes |
| Special regulations | No | No |
| Swim beach | Yes | Yes |
| Camping | Yes | Yes |
| Invasive species | None listed | Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel |
Which lake is better for…
- FishingSt. Louis River Estuary
- SwimmingGilbert Pit
- BoatingSt. Louis River Estuary
- CampingGilbert Pit
- PaddlingGilbert Pit
- Ice FishingGilbert Pit
The lakes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, St. Louis River Estuary or Gilbert Pit?
St. Louis River Estuary is bigger at 10,255 acres; Gilbert Pit covers 243 acres.
Which is deeper, St. Louis River Estuary or Gilbert Pit?
Gilbert Pit is deeper, with a maximum depth of 443 feet against 55 feet.
Is St. Louis River Estuary or Gilbert Pit better for fishing?
St. Louis River Estuary ranks higher for fishing in this directory, based on game species, lake size, access and stocking. St. Louis River Estuary lists 33 species and Gilbert Pit lists 10.