Gunny Sack Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Bigfork. DNR lake ID 31026700.
Gunny Sack Lake is an 85.8-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Bigfork. Its deepest point reaches 13 ft, and about 100% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 5.0 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.
Buying or selling on Gunny Sack 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.
Tell us about your dream home on Gunny Sack LakeWhat’s my Gunny Sack Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31026700 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Bigfork |
| Surface area | 85.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 13 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 100% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 5.0 ft through 2016 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 27.0 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.4 µg/L |
| 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 2016: clarity 5.0 ft, phosphorus 27.0 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.4 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Gunny Sack Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on Gunny Sack Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2003 (23 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 | 0.33 | 1.0 to 4.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 8.67 | 2.8 to 10.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.56 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 22.0 | 2.5 to 23.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 2.22 | 0.5 to 5.2 |
| Black crappie | gill | 3.33 | 1.5 to 7.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 3.11 | 1.9 to 13.0 |
| Bluegill | trap | 13.78 | 3.1 to 24.9 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 1.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 2.56 | 0.8 to 7.2 |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 18.0 in (2003), Northern pike 25.0 in (2003), Largemouth bass 5.0 in (2003).
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
- Gunny Sack Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 2 trailer spaces. From Hwy 7 follow CR 345 east for 2.1 miles to the access Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Bluebill Lake 0.7 mi, Itasca County
- Long Lake 1.0 mi, Itasca County
- Long (Main Bay) 1.0 mi, Itasca County
- White Swan Lake 1.1 mi, Itasca County
- Round Lake 1.5 mi, Itasca County
- Buckman Lake 2.4 mi, Itasca County
- Bartlet Lake 2.4 mi, Itasca County
- Beaver Lake 2.5 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Gunny Sack Lake
How deep is Gunny Sack Lake?
Gunny Sack Lake reaches a maximum depth of 13 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 100% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Gunny Sack Lake?
Gunny Sack Lake covers about 85.8 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Gunny Sack Lake?
Summer water clarity on Gunny Sack Lake averages 5.0 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2016. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Gunny Sack Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Gunny Sack 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.
Where is the public boat access on Gunny Sack Lake?
Gunny Sack Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Gunny Sack Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Gunny Sack Lake?
Homes on Gunny Sack 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 Gunny Sack Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Gunny Sack Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 100% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 5.0 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Gunny Sack Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Gunny Sack Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Gunny Sack 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 2003), 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.