Gunn Lake

How big is Gunn Lake?

How deep is Gunn Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Gunn Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Gunn Lake?

Gunn Lake is located approximately seven miles east of Marcell, MN and is within the Big Fork River watershed. The 342 acre lake has 142 littoral acres, a 55 foot maximum depth and is lightly developed along the 5.9 mile shoreline. There is an unimproved, state owned public access located on the west central shore. Secchi disk transparency, a standard measure of water clarity, has averaged 12.3 feet over six surveys and ranged from 9.0 - 17.0 feet. The lake has inlets from Charlie and Highland Lakes, and it outlets to Fox Lake and eventually the Rice River.

The 2004 Lake Management Plan (LMP) lists Northern Pike as a primary management species due to angler interest and habitat suitability. The lake is also well suited for Largemouth Bass and Black Crappie, and these were listed as secondary species. The LMP goals were to: maintain the Northern Pike gill net catch rate at 4.0/net of which 40% were 21 inches or longer; maintain a Black Crappie trap net catch rate of 2.0/net and maintain a Largemouth Bass electrofishing catch rate of 30/hour.

A standard survey was conducted in July 2017 to assess the status and characteristics of the fish population using 12 trap nets and 12 gill nets. Gunn Lake consists of a series of connected basins which were treated separately in surveys prior to 1992 but have since been considered one water body for management purposes. Surveys were conducted in 1992 and 2002. A night electrofishing survey was conducted on June 8 to evaluate the Largemouth Bass population.

The Northern Pike gill net catch rate decreased from 5.0/net in 2002 to 3.6/net, which met the lake management goal. The Northern Pike gill net catch rate was within the range typical of lakes with similar habitats in the previous two surveys. Northern Pike from gill nets ranged from 15.9 - 34.1 inches with an average of 22.4 inches. Size structure was moderate as 51% of the Northern Pike from gill nets were greater than 21 inches and 19% were greater than 28 inches. This is the first survey in which Northern Pike greater than 34 inches were sampled. Northern Pike greater than 32 inches were also sampled in 1992 and 2002, showing that Gunn Lake is capable of producing large pike. Anglers are encouraged to release Northern Pike greater than 22 inches to help improve size quality. Growth rates were similar to the statewide average with an average length of 22.8 inches at age-5. Seven consecutive age classes were represented in the sample, ages 2 - 9.

The Black Crappie trap net catch rate decreased from 1.8/net in 2002 to 0.8/net, which did not meet the management goal but remained within the range typical of lakes with similar habitats. Black Crappie from trap nets ranged from 4.3 - 10.3 inches with an average of 8.6 inches. One Black Crappie was sampled in a gill net and measured 11.9 inches. Growth rates were similar to the statewide average with an average length of 9.4 inches at age-5. Five age classes were represented in the sample.

The Largemouth Bass electrofishing catch rate increased from 27.3/hour in 2002 to 39.3/hour, which exceeded the management goal. Largemouth Bass ranged from 5.2 - 16.9 inches with an average of 9.3 inches. Size structure was poor as only 6% of the Largemouth Bass were greater than 15 inches. Largemouth Bass growth rates were slower than the statewide average with an average length of 12.7 inches at age-5. Six consecutive age classes were sampled, ages 2 - 7.

Bluegill were sampled at a rate of 3.8/trap net, which was the lowest recorded and was below the range typical of lakes with similar habitats for the first time. The Bluegill trap net catch rate declined from 61.7/net in 1992 and 13.6/net in 2002. Size structure remained poor as 11% of the Bluegill sampled were greater than eight inches. Few Bluegill greater than eight inches have been sampled in any survey of Gunn Lake.

Walleye were sampled for the first time in 2017. One was sampled in a trap net and two in gill nets, ranging from 22.0 - 26.2 inches. There is no record of Walleye stocking in Gunn Lake, but due to the indirect connection of the lake to the Rice River, it is not surprising that Walleye would be present.

Only one Yellow Perch was sampled during the survey. Yellow Perch numbers have consistently been below the range typical of lakes with similar habitats. Yellow Perch are an important prey species for Walleye. Lack of suitable habitat and low numbers of Yellow Perch limit Walleye in Gunn Lake.

Other species sampled in this and previous surveys include: Brown Bullhead, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, Tullibee, White Sucker and Yellow Bullhead.

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Are there any state parks near Gunn Lake?