Upper Gull Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Nisswa. DNR lake ID 11021800.
Upper Gull Lake is a 421.8-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Nisswa. Its deepest point reaches 54 ft, and about 37% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 10.4 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 zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on Upper Gull Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 11021800 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Nisswa |
| Surface area | 421.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 54 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 37% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 10.4 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 20.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 8.6 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Boating chain | Gull Lake Chain |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 10.4 ft, phosphorus 20.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 8.6 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Upper Gull Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Upper 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | trap | 0.67 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | trap | 1.22 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.22 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | trap | 11.11 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.56 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 3.56 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.44 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.44 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 28.0 in (2019), Northern pike 21.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, 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: zebra mussel (listed 2010).
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
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.
Gull Lake, Margaret Lake, Ray Lake, Nisswa Lake, Roy Lake
Nearby lakes
- Ray Lake 0.6 mi, Cass County
- Roy Lake 1.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Fawn Lake 1.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- Edna Lake 1.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Margaret Lake 2.2 mi, Cass County
- Nisswa Lake 2.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- West Twin Lake 2.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Lower Cullen Lake 2.7 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Upper Gull Lake
How deep is Upper Gull Lake?
Upper Gull Lake reaches a maximum depth of 54 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 37% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Upper Gull Lake?
Upper Gull Lake covers about 421.8 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Upper Gull Lake?
Summer water clarity on Upper Gull Lake averages 10.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Upper Gull Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Upper Gull Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Upper Gull Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Upper Gull Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
How is the walleye population on Upper Gull Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1991 to 2019, walleye numbers on Upper Gull 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 Upper Gull Lake?
Homes on Upper 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 Upper Gull Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Upper Gull Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 37% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 10.4 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Upper Gull Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Upper Gull Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Upper 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.