Gilbert Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Brainerd. DNR lake ID 18032000.
Gilbert Lake is a 356.6-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Brainerd. Its deepest point reaches 45 ft, and about 63% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 13.7 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Gilbert 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 | 18032000 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Brainerd |
| Surface area | 356.6 acres |
| Maximum depth | 45 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 63% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 13.7 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 12.5 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.7 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 13.7 ft, phosphorus 12.5 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.7 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Gilbert Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Gilbert 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 | gill | 5.78 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.62 | n/a |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.22 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.25 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 3.88 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.44 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.44 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.5 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 29.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2021), Walleye 24.0 in (2014).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Bowfin, Yellow bullhead, Brown 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 2014).
Public boat access
- Gilbert Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 2 trailer spaces. 3 mi N of Hwy 210 on Hwy 25, 1.5 mi W-SW on County Roads, on NW shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Rice Lake 1.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Mud Lake 2.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- Wise Lake 3.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- Horseshoe Lake 3.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- North Long Lake 4.5 mi, Crow Wing County
- Red Sand Lake 4.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Perch Lake 4.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- White Sand Lake 5.1 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Gilbert Lake
How deep is Gilbert Lake?
Gilbert Lake reaches a maximum depth of 45 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 63% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Gilbert Lake?
Gilbert Lake covers about 356.6 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Gilbert Lake?
Summer water clarity on Gilbert Lake averages 13.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Gilbert Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Gilbert Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Gilbert Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in Gilbert Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Gilbert Lake?
Gilbert Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Gilbert Lake.
How is the walleye population on Gilbert Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2004 to 2014, walleye numbers on Gilbert 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 Gilbert Lake?
Homes on Gilbert 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 Gilbert Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Gilbert Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 63% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 13.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Gilbert Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Gilbert Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Gilbert Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Crow Wing 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.