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 from tannin stain and normal clarity is about 5-7 feet. There is a public access located on 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, the population is currently abundant. While slower growing, fish over 10 inches are sampled regularly. Gill net catch rates for Black Crappie have ranged from 2 to 30 per gill net and the long-term average is 10.5 per gill net. The catch rate for Black Crappie in 2023 was 21.3 per gill net, which was an increase from the last survey in 2019 (13.4 per gill net).

The Bluegill population is characterized as having low abundance and good growth compared to other area lakes. The sample of Bluegills from trap net catches averaged only 6 inches long, however, size structure is reasonable with 26% measuring greater than 7 inches and fish over 8 inches available for anglers to catch. Selective harvest of Bluegill is encouraged to protect the quality component of the fishery, as it is difficult to restore Bluegill size structure once it is lost. Currently, a special sunfish regulation of 10 fish per day exists to help maintain the quality size structure.

Walleye stocking has occurred regularly since the 1960's using a variety of sizes, frequencies, and densities of fish, with only limited success. The gill net catch rate in 2023 was 2 per gill net and is the highest that has been observed in 25 years; a doubling since the 2019 survey. It appears that the change in management strategy from high density stocking in alternate years (2-3 pounds per littoral acre), to stocking a more modest number of fingerlings (0.5 pounds per littoral acre) annually, may be working as new year classes of Walleye are now evident in the population. Yellow Perch numbers also appear to have rebounded and are a good source of food for both the Walleye and Northern Pike in Gun Lake.

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. Largemouth Bass have been consistently present in surveys at low numbers since 2003. Spring night time bass electrofishing was conducted in 2023 to try and gain a better understanding of the abundance and size structure of the population. A total of 14 Largemouth Bass were sampled, equating to a modest catch rate of 8.2 per hour. Sizes ranged from 8.7 to 18.6 inches, with an average size of 12.8 inches. Overall, this was a fairly low catch rate for this area, yet similar to past surveys on Gun Lake. Additionally, one adult Smallmouth Bass was observed in Gun Lake, which is the first observed in all previous surveys.

Northern Pike abundance decreased to 4.8 per gill net from a high of 6.4 per gill net in 2019. Their sizes ranged from 18.9 to 32.3 inches, averaged 25.1 inches long and 3.6 pounds, and had 60% greater than 24 inches. Those metrics indicate a quality size structure. Larger pike play an important role in regulating survival and growth of various species. Anglers are encouraged to release larger Pike and harvest smaller ones 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?