Gull Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Nisswa. DNR lake ID 11030500.
Gull Lake is a 10,010-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Nisswa. Its deepest point reaches 80 ft, and about 28% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 15.1 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is part of the Gull Lake Chain. The DNR lists it for Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 11030500 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Nisswa |
| Surface area | 10,010 acres |
| Maximum depth | 80 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 28% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 15.1 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 13.8 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.4 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Murkier (2016 to 2025) |
| Boating chain | Gull Lake Chain |
| Invasive species | Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 3 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 15.1 ft, phosphorus 13.8 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.4 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Gull Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: murkier.
Fishing on Gull Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 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 | 4.93 | 4.0 to 9.6 |
| Northern pike | gill | 3.2 | 3.0 to 7.9 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 12.13 | 7.1 to 33.9 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.13 | 0.2 to 1.1 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.4 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.33 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.4 | 0.2 to 0.9 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 2.0 | 0.5 to 5.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.27 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.53 | 1.0 to 6.6 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 1.4 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 16.0 in (2021), Northern pike 37.0 in (2021), Walleye 24.0 in (2022), Smallmouth bass 17.0 in (2021), Muskellunge 19.0 in (2017).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Burbot, Bowfin, Common carp, 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
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: Eurasian watermilfoil (listed 2026), zebra mussel (listed 2010).
Public boat access
- Gull Lake (E): 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 2 docks, 27 trailer spaces. 2 mi S of downtown Nisswa on Hwy. 371, then right on Co. Rd. 115 to jct. with Gull Lake Drive. Directions
- Gull Lake, Gull Narrows: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 2 docks, 25 trailer spaces. From the junction of MN Hwy. 371 and Co. Rd. #77, then West 2 miles on Co. Rd. #77. Directions
- Gull Lake, Government Point: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 2 docks, 58 trailer spaces. On Government Point, inGull Lake Recreation Area, on west side of Gull Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Gull Lake Chain
Gull Lake and the lakes linked to it by channels, including the no-wake narrows between Gull and Upper Gull. Listed here are the lakes that both published chain descriptions and DNR connection records agree on.
Upper Gull Lake, Margaret Lake, Ray Lake, Nisswa Lake, Roy Lake
Around the lake
Waterfront dining: Bar Harbor Supper Club, supper club on the channel between Gull and Upper Gull; dock up and walk in; Ernie’s on Gull, lakeside pub and patio in East Gull Lake; Quarterdeck Resort, grill with boat docking steps from the water; Cragun’s Resort, lakehouse Bar + Kitchen and Legacy Grill on the resort grounds.
On-water fuel: Gull Lake Marina, full-service marina with a gas dock, 8089 Lost Lake Rd, Nisswa; Ernie’s Marina, 24-hour pay-at-the-pump gas on the south side of Squaw Point; Madden’s Marina, gas, bait, ice, and snacks at Madden’s on Gull Lake. Confirm hours before heading out.
Nearby lakes
- Agate Lake 0.8 mi, Cass County
- Ruth Lake 1.9 mi, Cass County
- Love Lake 1.9 mi, Crow Wing County
- Margaret Lake 3.2 mi, Cass County
- Hartley Lake 3.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Shafer Lake 3.4 mi, Cass County
- Round Lake 3.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Hole-in-the-Day Lake 3.9 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Gull Lake
How deep is Gull Lake?
Gull Lake reaches a maximum depth of 80 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 28% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Gull Lake?
Gull Lake covers about 10,010 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Gull Lake?
Summer water clarity on Gull Lake averages 15.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Gull Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Gull Lake for Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel.
What fish are in Gull Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish in Gull Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Gull Lake?
Gull Lake has 3 public water access sites on DNR record: Gull Lake (E); Gull Lake, Gull Narrows; Gull Lake, Government Point.
How is the walleye population on Gull Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2013 to 2021, walleye numbers on Gull Lake ran mostly within 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 Gull Lake?
Homes on Gull 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 Gull Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Gull Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 28% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 15.1 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Gull Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Gull Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Gull Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Cass County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2021), 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.