Upper Gull Lake
About Upper Gull Lake
Upper Gull Lake is a 422-acre lake near Nisswa in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 54 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. Special fishing regulations apply to northern pike, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 21, based on 7 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Upper Gull Lake
- 422 acres, up to 54 feet deep, near Nisswa
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 9 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 422 acres
- Max depth
- 54 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 154 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
- A trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
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
- 20
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- No
- 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
- 7
- Earliest
- April 11, 2015
- Latest
- May 11, 2008
- Most recent
- April 16, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Upper Gull Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Ray Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Nisswa143 acres
0.7 miles away
Roy Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa320 acres
1.2 miles away
Edna Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa156 acres
1.6 miles away
Margaret Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Nisswa251 acres
2.2 miles away
Nisswa Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa219 acres
2.3 miles away
West Twin Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa127 acres
2.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Upper Gull Lake?
Upper Gull Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Nisswa. It covers 422 acres and reaches 54 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Upper Gull Lake?
Upper Gull Lake covers 422 acres with about 8.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 54 feet.
What fish can you catch at Upper Gull Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Brown Trout and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Upper Gull Lake?
Yes. Upper Gull Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Upper Gull Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Upper Gull 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 Upper Gull Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Upper Gull Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Upper 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 Upper Gull Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 21, from 7 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 11, 2015 and the latest is May 11, 2008.
Does Upper Gull Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Upper Gull Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.