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Gladstone Lake

lakeCrow Wing County, Minnesota · near Nisswa437 acres58 out of 100 Lake Score Lake Score

About Gladstone Lake

Gladstone Lake is a 437-acre lake near Nisswa in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 36 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.6 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 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.

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 8, based on 9 years of DNR ice-out records.

Plan Your Visit to Gladstone Lake

What to Know Before You Go
  • 437 acres, up to 36 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, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
  • Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
  • Average water clarity around 12 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
Minnesota DNR

Conditions

Surface area
437 acres
Max depth
36 ft
Shoreline
3.6 mi
Water clarity
12 ft
Shallows (under 15 ft)
244 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
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
15
Game fish
8
Stocked
No
Last DNR survey
2024
Special regulations
Yes
Fishing pier
No
Ice fishing
Yes
Boat launch
Yes

Special regulations on this lake

  • 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 8
Years of record
9
Earliest
March 27, 2016
Latest
May 1, 2022
Most recent
April 30, 2023

See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.

Activities

FishingIce FishingBoatingPaddling

Amenities

Boat Ramp

Fish Species

WalleyeNorthern PikeLargemouth BassBlack CrappieBluegillPumpkinseedYellow PerchRock BassBowfinBrown BullheadCommon CarpGreen SunfishHybrid SunfishWhite SuckerYellow Bullhead

Plan your trip to Gladstone Lake

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Gladstone Lake?

Gladstone Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Nisswa. It covers 437 acres and reaches 36 feet deep.

How big and how deep is Gladstone Lake?

Gladstone Lake covers 437 acres with about 3.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 36 feet.

What fish can you catch at Gladstone Lake?

Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, 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 Gladstone Lake?

Yes. Gladstone Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.

Can you swim at Gladstone Lake?

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

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

Are there special fishing regulations on Gladstone Lake?

Yes. Daily limit five.

When does the ice go out on Gladstone Lake?

The median ice-out date is April 8, from 9 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 27, 2016 and the latest is May 1, 2022.

Does Gladstone Lake have invasive species?

Yes. The DNR lists Gladstone 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.