Gilstad Lake
About Gilstad Lake
Gilstad Lake is a 257-acre lake near Blackduck in Beltrami County, Minnesota. It reaches 55 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service.
Plan Your Visit to Gilstad Lake
- 257 acres, up to 55 feet deep, near Blackduck
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 9 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 257 acres
- Max depth
- 55 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 112 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 15
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Gilstad Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Rabideau Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Blackduck680 acres
2.2 miles away
Webster Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Blackduck47 acres
4.5 miles away
Blackduck Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Blackduck2,711 acres
5.9 miles away
North Twin Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Turtle River326 acres
6.1 miles away
Decker Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Rosy325 acres
6.3 miles away
South Twin Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreBeltrami · Bemidji222 acres
6.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gilstad Lake?
Gilstad Lake is in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Blackduck. It covers 257 acres and reaches 55 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Gilstad Lake?
Gilstad Lake covers 257 acres with about 3.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 55 feet.
What fish can you catch at Gilstad Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Gilstad Lake?
Yes. Gilstad Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Gilstad Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Gilstad Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Gilstad Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Gilstad Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.