Gunflint Lake

How big is Gunflint Lake?

How deep is Gunflint Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Gunflint Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Gunflint 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 Gunflint Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Gunflint Lake East

Gunflint Lake West

Are there boat launches on Gunflint Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Gunflint Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Gunflint Lake?

Gunflint is a 4009 acre lake located 48 miles northwest of Grand Marais. A public boat landing can be found in the southwestern corner of the lake. Gunflint is primarily managed for lake trout and walleye. The 2023 survey of Gunflint Lake was the second of three surveys scheduled to evaluate the lake trout and walleye populations.

Lake trout abundance was similar to historical catches and met the current management goal and is above average for similar area lakes. Lake trout ranged from 7.8 to 27.2 inches with a mean length of 18.5 inches. Aging results found 12 different naturally reproduced year classes with the oldest fish being 26 years old. Naturally reproducing lake trout populations are unique in Minnesota lakes, anglers targeting lake trout should consider catch and release practices with safe handling procedures.

Walleye gill net catches were similar to recent surveys but fell slightly below average and did not meet the current management goal. Walleye ranged from 8.9 to 27.9 inches with a mean length of 16.1 inches. Aging results showed individuals from 9 different year classes present in the population. The largest year class (3-year-old fish) coincides with the walleye fingerling stocking of 2020. The oldest fish collected was 17 years old. Back calculated growth rates appear to be relatively fast compared to other area lakes, with walleyes reaching 17.2 inches at age 5. Some large sized walleye exist in Gunflint Lake.

Northern pike catches were somewhat low but similar to surveys conducted since 2011. Northern pike were relatively large and ranged from 18.2 to 43.9 inches with a mean length of 25.1 inches. Gunflint Lake has the potential to produce trophy northern pike.

The smallmouth bass catch is above average for similar area lakes, and in the normal range for Gunflint Lake. Smallmouth bass collected ranged from 8.8 to 17.8 inches with a mean length of 14.2 inches. Overall, good numbers of smallmouth bass with many large sized fish should be of interest to anglers.

Rock bass numbers are relatively good in Gunflint Lake but have been slowly declining since their peak in 2011. Yellow perch catch rates were similar to historic levels. Rainbow smelt were first seen in Gunflint Lake in the 1970s. Catches in small-mesh gill nets designed to sample smelt have varied considerably in this lake but were considered low in 2023. Although smelt are an excellent source of forage, their naturalization has also been associated with reproductive failures among cisco, walleye, and lake trout. Catch rates of cisco were slightly above average for Gunflint Lake but comparable to surveys since 2003.

Cook County, Minnesota lakes continue to be susceptible to aquatic invasive species introductions and Gunflint does have spiny water flea prevalent within the lake. Invasive species have the potential to significantly alter fish communities and overall lake health. Anglers should clean watercraft and fishing gear, drain all water, and dispose of unused bait in the trash to prevent accidental introductions.