Gilstad Lake
Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Blackduck. DNR lake ID 04002400.
Gilstad Lake is a 256.8-acre lake in Beltrami County, Minnesota, near Blackduck. Its deepest point reaches 55 ft, and about 44% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 6.2 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 04002400 |
|---|---|
| County | Beltrami County, near Blackduck |
| Surface area | 256.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 55 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 44% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 6.2 ft through 2024 |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2024: clarity 6.2 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Gilstad Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on Gilstad Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 0.83 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.27 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 16.0 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.82 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 26.83 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 2.27 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 3.17 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 2.64 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.17 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 7.45 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.5 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.09 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 3.67 | 0.7 to 6.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.5 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.55 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.09 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 29.0 in (2022), Walleye 22.0 in (2022), Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Gilsted Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 6 trailer spaces. From Blackduck, 4.5 miles south on CSAH 39, then east 1.2 miles on Cedar Point Road NE. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Benjamin Lake 2.1 mi, Beltrami County
- Rabideau Lake 2.2 mi, Beltrami County
- Hanson Lake 3.4 mi, Beltrami County
- Anderson Lake 3.8 mi, Beltrami County
- Nelson Lake 4.4 mi, Beltrami County
- Rice Pond 4.5 mi, Beltrami County
- Dutchman Lake 4.5 mi, Beltrami County
- Webster Lake 4.5 mi, Beltrami County
Questions about Gilstad Lake
How deep is Gilstad Lake?
Gilstad Lake reaches a maximum depth of 55 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 44% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Gilstad Lake?
Gilstad Lake covers about 256.8 acres in Beltrami County, Minnesota.
How clear is Gilstad Lake?
Summer water clarity on Gilstad Lake averages 6.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2024. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Gilstad Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Gilstad Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Gilstad Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Gilstad Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Gilstad Lake?
Gilstad Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Gilsted Lake.
How is the walleye population on Gilstad Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2022, walleye numbers on Gilstad Lake ran mostly below the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Gilstad Lake?
Homes on Gilstad Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Gilstad Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Gilstad Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 44% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 6.2 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Gilstad Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Gilstad Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Gilstad Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Beltrami County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2022), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.