Gull Lake
About Gull Lake
Gull Lake is a 10,010-acre reservoir near Nisswa in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 80 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 46 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 134 Cass County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.2 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 21 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to northern pike, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 4 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the city, Minnesota DNR, and US Army Corps of Engineers. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Gulf Lake- Cor of Engineers Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 21, based on 98 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Gull Lake
- 10,010 acres, up to 80 feet deep, near Nisswa
- 4 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city, Minnesota DNR, and US Army Corps of Engineers
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 14.2 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Gulf Lake- Cor of Engineers Campground
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city, Minnesota DNR, US Army Corps of Engineers
Conditions
- Surface area
- 10,010 acres
- Max depth
- 80 ft
- Shoreline
- 46 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 2,825 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
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Gulf Lake- Cor of Engineers Campground
- Marina: Madden's On Gull Lake Resort Marina
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 21
- Game fish
- 12
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Northern Pike: All from 30-40" must be immediately released. Possession limit two, only one over 40".
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 21
- Years of record
- 98
- Earliest
- March 17, 2024
- Latest
- May 18, 1950
- Most recent
- April 18, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Gulf Lake- Cor of Engineers Campground is mapped on or near Gull Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Gull Lake
Compare Gull Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Gull Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Gull Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Agate Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Lake Shore157 acres
0.9 miles away
Margaret Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Nisswa251 acres
3.2 miles away
Hartley Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · East Gull Lake136 acres
3.2 miles away
Round Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa1,650 acres
3.6 miles away
Green Bass Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · East Gull Lake44 acres
4.7 miles away
Dade Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · East Gull Lake99 acres
4.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gull Lake?
Gull Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Nisswa. It covers 10,010 acres and reaches 80 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Gull Lake?
Gull Lake covers 10,010 acres with about 46 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 80 feet.
What fish can you catch at Gull Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Gull Lake?
Yes. Gull Lake has 4 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city, Minnesota DNR, and US Army Corps of Engineers. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Gull Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Gull Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Gull Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Gull Lake?
Yes. All from 30-40" must be immediately released. Possession limit two, only one over 40".
When does the ice go out on Gull Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 21, from 98 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 17, 2024 and the latest is May 18, 1950.
Can you camp at Gull Lake?
Yes. Gulf Lake- Cor of Engineers Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Gull Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Gull Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.