What Gull Lake offers anglers

Gull Lake is a 2,100-acre walleye and northern pike fishery about 15 miles northeast of Brainerd, known for consistent walleye populations and a strong pike bite in spring and fall. The lake sits in a chain with Whitefish Lake to the north, and both are fed by the Gull River system. Unlike some of the shallower, weedier lakes around Brainerd, Gull has deeper structure—the main basin reaches 60 feet—which makes it a different kind of hunt than the nearby Mille Lacs chain.

The walleye here respond well to live bait presentations in spring and fall, and to jigging and trolling during summer. Pike fishing can be excellent in the shallows early in the season and again in October when the water cools. The lake also holds smallmouth bass and bluegill, though most anglers target the walleye and pike.

Key Takeaways

  • Gull Lake reaches 60 feet deep and holds walleye year-round, with the best bite in spring (April–May) and fall (September–October).
  • Northern pike fishing peaks in April and May in the shallows, and again in October when water temperature drops.
  • Public access is available at the Gull Lake State Wayside on the south shore, with a boat launch, parking, and facilities.
  • Summer walleye fishing requires deeper presentations—jigging and trolling work better than shallow live bait setups.
  • The lake is surrounded by resorts and private property, so respect posted land and use only public access points.

Spring walleye fishing (April through May)

Spring is the most reliable season on Gull Lake. Walleye move shallow to spawn in April and early May, and they feed aggressively before and after the spawn. Focus on the transition zones where the lake bottom drops from 8 to 15 feet—these edges hold fish moving between shallow spawning areas and deeper water.

Live minnows (shiners or fatheads, 3 to 4 inches) under a slip bobber work well in 6 to 12 feet of water. If you prefer to cover more water, troll crankbaits along the same depth breaks. The north end of the lake, near the inlet from Whitefish Lake, often holds concentrations of fish in spring. Water temperature in May typically ranges from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and walleye bite throughout the day, though dawn and dusk are still most productive.

Summer jigging and trolling (June through August)

Once the water warms above 65 degrees, walleye move deeper and become more nocturnal. Daytime fishing requires you to follow them. The main basin—the deepest part of the lake, roughly in the center—holds walleye suspended 25 to 45 feet down during the day. Vertical jigging with a 1/2-ounce jig and a live minnow or plastic body is the most efficient approach.

Early morning and evening, walleye move shallower and feed more actively. If you want to fish during daylight hours, troll crankbaits that reach 20 to 30 feet along the deeper structure. The south shore, where the state wayside sits, has a gradual drop-off that holds fish in summer. Night fishing—either jigging or live bait under lights—is productive but requires a boat and experience navigating in darkness.

Fall pike and walleye (September through October)

Fall is the second-best season on Gull Lake. Water temperature drops from 70 degrees in early September to 50 degrees by late October, and both walleye and pike feed heavily in preparation for winter. Pike move back into the shallows—especially around weed edges and rocky points—and respond to large swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures.

Walleye also move shallower as the water cools, and you can return to spring-like presentations: live bait under a bobber in 8 to 15 feet of water, or casting crankbaits along the shoreline. The transition from September to October is often the most active period. The north end of the lake, where Whitefish Lake feeds in, is a natural funnel for migrating fish and worth extra attention.

Public access and facilities

The Gull Lake State Wayside on the south shore is the primary public access point. It has a concrete boat launch, parking for roughly 20 vehicles with trailers, a vault toilet, and a picnic area. The wayside is open year-round, though the launch is not plowed in winter. There is no fee to launch.

The lake is surrounded by resorts, cabins, and private residential property. Do not trespass on private land, and do not launch from resort docks unless you are a guest. If you want to fish from shore, the state wayside has a small beach area, though most anglers fish from boats. The nearest services—gas, bait, tackle, and food—are in Brainerd, about 15 miles south.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring a depth finder if you have one; the deeper structure on Gull Lake is harder to locate by sight alone than on shallower lakes. A GPS unit or mapping app loaded with lake contours will help you find the 15- to 25-foot transition zones where walleye often hold. Live bait (shiners or fatheads) is available at tackle shops in Brainerd; bring a bait bucket with an aerator if you plan to fish for more than a few hours.

In spring and fall, water temperature can change rapidly, so dress in layers. A personal flotation device is required by law for anyone in a boat, and the lake can develop chop quickly if wind picks up. Check the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website for current fishing regulations, including daily limits and size restrictions for walleye and pike—these can change year to year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the walleye size limit on Gull Lake?

Minnesota's statewide walleye limit is 15 inches minimum length, with a daily limit of six fish. However, regulations can change, so check the current Minnesota DNR fishing guide before you go. Some lakes in the region have special regulations, though Gull Lake typically follows the statewide rule.

Can I fish Gull Lake in winter?

Yes, Gull Lake is open to ice fishing from December through February. Walleye and pike both bite through the ice, though you will need an auger, a shelter, and proper safety gear. The state wayside parking lot is not plowed, so you may need to park on the road and walk to the ice.

Is there a size limit for northern pike?

Minnesota's pike minimum is 24 inches, with a daily limit of one fish. This regulation protects larger breeding fish and is designed to maintain a healthy pike population. Check the current DNR guide to confirm, as regulations can shift.

What is the best time of day to fish Gull Lake?

In spring and fall, dawn and dusk are most productive, but walleye bite throughout the day. In summer, early morning (before 9 a.m.) and evening (after 7 p.m.) are best for shallow presentations. Night fishing is productive but requires experience and proper lighting.

How deep is Gull Lake?

The main basin reaches approximately 60 feet deep, making it one of the deeper lakes in the Brainerd area. Most of the lake is 15 to 40 feet deep, with shallower bays and shoreline areas ranging from 3 to 10 feet. A depth finder will help you locate the structure walleye prefer.