Gilbert Lake
About Gilbert Lake
Gilbert Lake is a 357-acre lake near Brainerd in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 45 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.5 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. Special fishing regulations apply to black and white crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county. 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 17, based on 48 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Gilbert Lake
- 357 acres, up to 45 feet deep, near Brainerd
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 14.5 feet — very clear
- 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
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 357 acres
- Max depth
- 45 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 226 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
- Northern Pike fishing
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Black and White Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 17
- Years of record
- 48
- Earliest
- March 11, 2024
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- April 13, 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 Gilbert Lake
Compare Gilbert Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Gilbert Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Rice Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Brainerd418 acres
1.6 miles away
Wise Lake
11 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Legionville135 acres
3.4 miles away
North Long Lake
75 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Merrifield6,190 acres
4.5 miles away
Red Sand Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Brainerd521 acres
4.7 miles away
Perch Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Baxter266 acres
4.7 miles away
White Sand Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Baxter415 acres
5.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gilbert Lake?
Gilbert Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Brainerd. It covers 357 acres and reaches 45 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Gilbert Lake?
Gilbert Lake covers 357 acres with about 7.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 45 feet.
What fish can you catch at Gilbert Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Gilbert Lake?
Yes. Gilbert Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Gilbert Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Gilbert 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 Gilbert Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Gilbert Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Gilbert Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Gilbert Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 17, from 48 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 11, 2024 and the latest is May 11, 2013.
Does Gilbert Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Gilbert 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.