Gun Lake

How big is Gun Lake?

How deep is Gun Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Gun Lake?

What are the closest cities to Gun Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Gun Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Gun Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Gun Lake

Are there boat launches on Gun Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Gun Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Gun Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Gun Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

Gun Lake is located about five miles south of Palisade in central Aitkin County. The lake has a variety of habitats that support a diverse fish community with angling opportunities for several popular game fish species. Sand is the primary substrate around much of the lake mixed in with areas of gravel, rubble, muck and silt. Aquatic vegetation is also diverse with a variety of emergent, floating-leaf, and submerged species present. Curly-leaf pond weed is also present. At 717 acres the lake is fairly large for Aitkin County. The water color is brown and normal clarity is about 5 feet. There is a public access located in the southwest portion of the lake.

Gun Lake anglers primarily target black crappie and bluegill. The abundance of black crappie has varied widely over time as is typical with black crappie populations, but in general the population is abundant and slower-growing, although fish over 10 inches are sampled regularly. Gill net catch rates for black crappie have ranged from 2-30/net and the long term average is 9.2/net. The catch rate for black crappie in 2016 was (15.5/gill net), marking an increase from the last survey in 2013. Several year classes of young fish through age 5 were represented in the survey, suggesting adequate recruitment in recent years.

The bluegill population is characterized as having low abundance and good growth compared to other area lakes. Size distribution is favorable with the trap net catch averaging 6.5 inches long and with 53% measuring greater than 7 inches. Selective harvest of bluegill is encouraged to protect the quality component of the fishery, as there are no proven techniques to restore bluegill size structure once it is lost.

Walleye stocking has occurred regularly since the 1960's using a variety of sizes, frequencies, and densities of fish, with only limited success. Historic walleye catches have been below the expected range for similar lakes in nine of the eleven assessments conducted to date. The current walleye stocking strategy calls for stocking walleye fingerlings annually beginning in 2017. This change was implemented after stocking fingerlings and fry at high rates had failed to achieve the management goals. Historically fry and natural reproduction had produced up to 4 fish/gill net. However, in recent years fry appear to no longer to survive in Gun Lake. Also, since both standard and high density alternate year fingerling stocking had produced only mediocre results, annual fingerling stocking is now being implemented to increase walleye abundance. The walleye catch rate was low again at 0.6/gill net and below the historic average (2.1/gill net) and the normal range for this lake type. Yellow perch, which is the preferred food source for walleye, have recently become more abundant and may contribute to improved walleye survival in the near future. Gun Lake will continue to be monitored on a regular basis to assess the walleye population.

Northern pike and largemouth bass are additional predator species found in the lake. While not sampled effectively in standard survey gear, largemouth bass over 15 inches are captured routinely. Northern pike abundance continues to be relatively low compared with similar lakes, but remained within the historic range for Gun Lake. Size from gill nets ranged from 18.5 to 28.5 inches. They averaged 22.9 inches long, and 2.6 pounds, with 45% greater than 24 inches, indicating a quality size structure. Larger pike play an important role in regulating survival and growth of various species. Anglers should consider releasing fish greater than 24" and harvesting smaller fish to help protect the vital function larger pike provide in the aquatic community, and to allow additional opportunities for others to share the experience of catching a quality gamefish.

What is the average air temp for Gun Lake?

Are there any state parks near Gun Lake?