Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Gilbert Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Gilbert Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Gilbert Lake, MN
- How big is Gilbert Lake?
- How deep is Gilbert Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Gilbert Lake?
- Are there fishing guides or charters for Gilbert Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Gilbert Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Gilbert Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Gilbert Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Gilbert Lake?
- What are the fishing regulations for Gilbert Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Gilbert Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Gilbert Lake?
How big is Gilbert Lake?
How deep is Gilbert Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Gilbert Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Johnny Darter, Spottail Shiner and White Sucker.
Are there fishing guides or charters for Gilbert Lake?
What are the closest cities to Gilbert Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Gilbert Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Gilbert Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Gilbert Lake?
What are the fishing regulations for Gilbert Lake?
What aquatic invasive species are found in Gilbert Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Gilbert Lake is a 369 acre lake located on the north side of Brainerd in Crow Wing County. The Lake reaches depths of 45', with 61% being 15' deep or less. Gilbert is highly developed, except for the western basin which is in public ownership. A public access is located on the north side of the lake. Water clarity is good in the eastern basin with a secchi reading of 16.0'. The western basin is more "bog stained", and has a secchi reading of 8.5'. Gilbert has a diverse aquatic plant community. Protection of aquatic vegetation, especially emergent vegetation, is important for maintaining good water quality. Aquatic vegetation is critical for fish spawning areas as well as providing habitat for fish and other aquatic life.
The northern pike gillnet catch was average compared to similar lakes at 7.7/net. Average size was 18.4" and 1.4 lbs. Northern pike over 24" made up 9% of the catch. Voluntary catch and release of these larger fish will help keep a balanced northern population.
Gilbert has had a special 5 fish bag limit for both black crappies and sunfish in place since 2005. The black crappie gillnet and trapnet catches were both below average at 0.2 and 0.6 respectively. Average length was 10.2" for gillnets and 7.1" for trapnet caught fish. For both gears combined 33% of black crappies were at least 9" in length. The bluegill catch of 2.9/trapnet was below average. Bluegills had an average length of 5.4" and 19% measured at least 7" in length.
A spring electrofishing survey targeting largemouth bass had a catch rate of 101.5/hr. run time. Average length was 11.9" and 51% measured 12" or greater. Largemouth bass were captured in average numbers in gillnets. Average length was 14.4".
Zebra mussels were discovered in Gilbert in 2014. Lake users are required to inspect and remove any aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and trailers as well as pull the plug and drain all water from the watercraft, including bilges, livewells and baitwells.
What is the average air temp for Gilbert Lake?
Are there any state parks near Gilbert Lake?
Crow Wing State Park
Pillsbury State Forest
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Crow Wing State Forest
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Gilbert Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Rice Lake | 1.4 mi | 400 | 25 ft |
Wise Lake | 3.3 mi | 135 | 44 ft |
North Long Lake | 4.4 mi | 6,144 | 97 ft |
Red Sand Lake | 4.6 mi | 515 | 23 ft |
Perch Lake | 4.6 mi | 266 | 40 ft |
Carlson Lake | 4.8 mi | 92 | 37 ft |
White Sand Lake | 5.0 mi | 413 | 27 ft |
Sorenson Lake | 5.1 mi | 92 | 46 ft |
Green Lake | 5.1 mi | 11 | 22 ft |
Hartley Lake | 5.7 mi | 136 | 20 ft |