Gilbert Pit
About Gilbert Pit
Gilbert Pit is a 243-acre mine pit lake near Gilbert in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 443 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 22.8 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and yellow perch. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Sherwood Forest Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Gilbert Pit
- 243 acres, up to 443 feet deep, near Gilbert
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 22.8 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Sherwood Forest Campground
- 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
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 243 acres
- Max depth
- 443 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 22.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 19 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)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Sherwood Forest Campground
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Mine pit lakes drop off steeply right from shore and stay cold at depth
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 10
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Sherwood Forest Campground is mapped on or near Gilbert Pit. 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.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Gilbert Pit
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Nearby Lakes
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2.2 miles away
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Silver Lake
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Manganika Lake
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Cedar Island Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gilbert Pit?
Gilbert Pit is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Gilbert. It covers 243 acres and reaches 443 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Gilbert Pit?
Gilbert Pit covers 243 acres with about 5.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 443 feet.
What fish can you catch at Gilbert Pit?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, 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 Pit?
Yes. Gilbert Pit has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Gilbert Pit?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Gilbert Pit stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Gilbert Pit; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Gilbert Pit?
Yes. Sherwood Forest Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Gilbert Pit have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Gilbert Pit 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.