Gale Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Bigfork. DNR lake ID 31051300.
Gale Lake is an 85.9-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Bigfork. Its deepest point reaches 50 ft, and about 43% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 17.1 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Gale 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 | 31051300 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Bigfork |
| Surface area | 85.9 acres |
| Maximum depth | 50 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 43% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 17.1 ft through 2022 |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2022: clarity 17.1 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Gale Lake rates as oligotrophic.
Fishing on Gale Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2008 (18 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 | 4.0 | 2.8 to 8.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.2 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.33 | 1.5 to 23.0 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.2 | 0.5 to 3.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.0 | 0.5 to 2.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 2.0 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 13.0 | 5.7 to 40.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.8 | 1.3 to 6.3 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.4 | 0.5 to 2.8 |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 27.0 in (2008).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Northern pike, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Rock bass, Yellow 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
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Bass Lake 0.6 mi, Itasca County
- Erickson Lake 1.0 mi, Itasca County
- Homestad Lake 1.6 mi, Itasca County
- Anderson Lake 1.8 mi, Itasca County
- Brush Shanty Lake 2.0 mi, Itasca County
- La Barge Lake 2.9 mi, Itasca County
- Alice Lake 3.2 mi, Itasca County
- Lake of Isles 3.5 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Gale Lake
How deep is Gale Lake?
Gale Lake reaches a maximum depth of 50 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 43% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Gale Lake?
Gale Lake covers about 85.9 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Gale Lake?
Summer water clarity on Gale Lake averages 17.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2022. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Gale Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Gale 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 Gale Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, rock bass, yellow bullhead in Gale Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2008.
Are there lake homes for sale on Gale Lake?
Homes on Gale 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 Gale Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Gale Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 43% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 17.1 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Gale Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Gale Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Gale Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2008), 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.