Gilchrist Lake
About Gilchrist Lake
Gilchrist Lake is a 336-acre lake near Terrace in Pope County, Minnesota. It reaches 24 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 10 feet, and has roughly 5.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 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 Minnesota DNR. 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 10, based on 16 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Gilchrist Lake
- 336 acres, up to 24 feet deep, near Terrace
- 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 5.9 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and 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
- 336 acres
- Max depth
- 24 ft
- Average depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 209 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
- 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
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 10
- Years of record
- 16
- Earliest
- March 1, 2007
- Latest
- May 4, 2013
- Most recent
- March 14, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Gilchrist Lake
Compare Gilchrist Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Gilchrist Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Gilchrist Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Gilchrist Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Gilchrist Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Linka Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Terrace178 acres
1 miles away
Scandinavian Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Terrace417 acres
1.9 miles away
Goose Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Terrace324 acres
2.9 miles away
Nelson Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Terrace293 acres
5 miles away
Camp Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreSwift · Swift Falls230 acres
5 miles away
Lake Johanna
59 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Brooten1,399 acres
7.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gilchrist Lake?
Gilchrist Lake is in Pope County, Minnesota, near Terrace. It covers 336 acres and reaches 24 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Gilchrist Lake?
Gilchrist Lake covers 336 acres with about 5.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 24 feet and its average depth is about 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Gilchrist Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth 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 Gilchrist Lake?
Yes. Gilchrist Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Gilchrist Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Gilchrist 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 Gilchrist Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Gilchrist Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Gilchrist Lake?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
When does the ice go out on Gilchrist Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 10, from 16 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 1, 2007 and the latest is May 4, 2013.
Does Gilchrist Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Gilchrist 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.