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Gull Lake

reservoirCook County, Minnesota · near Grand Marais168 acres64 out of 100 Lake Score Lake Score

About Gull Lake

Gull Lake is a 168-acre reservoir near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 40 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. Special fishing regulations apply to walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2017.

There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. Trail's End Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

Plan Your Visit to Gull Lake

What to Know Before You Go
  • 168 acres, up to 40 feet deep, near Grand Marais
  • 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
  • Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
  • Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
  • Average water clarity around 12 feet — very clear
  • Camping close to the water at Trail's End Campground

Access & Fees

Public access
1 public boat launch (concrete)
Launch fee
Free at DNR accesses
Managed by
US Forest Service

Conditions

Surface area
168 acres
Max depth
40 ft
Shoreline
7.2 mi
Water clarity
12 ft
Shallows (under 15 ft)
109 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)
  • Camping: Trail's End Campground

Best For

  • Walleye fishing
  • Lakeside camping
  • Quiet paddling
  • Ice fishing
Know Before You Go
  • Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake

Angler's Report

Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
Species on survey
11
Game fish
9
Stocked
No
Last DNR survey
2017
Special regulations
Yes
Fishing pier
No
Ice fishing
Yes
Boat launch
Yes

Special regulations on this lake

  • Walleye: Possession limit three, only one over 20".
  • Closed to fishing from April 1, 2017 through May 26, 2017.
View on DNR LakeFinder Buy a Minnesota fishing license

Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.

Camping & Reservations

Trail's End 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.

RV sites

Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.

Activities

FishingIce FishingBoatingPaddlingCamping

Amenities

Boat RampCampground

Fish Species

WalleyeNorthern PikeSmallmouth BassBlack CrappieBluegillPumpkinseedYellow PerchBurbotLake WhitefishGreen SunfishWhite Sucker

Plan your trip to Gull Lake

Compare Gull Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.

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Nearby Lakes

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Larch Lake

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Gneiss Lake

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Gull Lake?

Gull Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 168 acres and reaches 40 feet deep.

How big and how deep is Gull Lake?

Gull Lake covers 168 acres with about 7.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 40 feet.

What fish can you catch at Gull Lake?

Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Burbot, and Lake Whitefish 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 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.

Can you swim at Gull Lake?

There is no mapped public swim beach at 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 Gull Lake stocked?

The DNR has no stocking report on file for Gull Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.

Are there special fishing regulations on Gull Lake?

Yes. Possession limit three, only one over 20". Closed to fishing from April 1, 2017 through May 26, 2017.

Can you camp at Gull Lake?

Yes. Trail's End Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.