Status of the Fishery from the DNR (as of 07/16/2001)
Gull Lake is a 9,418 acre lake located six miles north of Brainerd.
It is part of the Gull Lake Reservoir chain of lakes. The lake has a
maximum depth of 80 feet and about 30% of the lake is shallower than 15
feet. Water clarity is excellent. It is an extremely popular lake for
both angling and other water-based recreational activities.
The 2001 population assessment found northern pike present in good
numbers. Size ranged from 17.5-39.8 inches and 52.3% of pike sampled
were at least 24 inches in length. Pike growth was good.
The walleye
catch of 6.87/gill net is typical for the lake type and similar to the
catch rate from 1996. Historically, walleye catches have ranged from
2.88-8.21/net. Sixteen age classes were sampled in 2001. The 1999 (age
2) year class averaged 11.6 inches long in mid-July, 2001 and
contributed 33% of the catch. Fall electrofishing indicated a strong
class of young-of-the-year was present in 2001. Walleyes as large as
29.2 inches were sampled and 27% of the catch were at least 20 inches in
length. Fish aged 8 and older also conprised 33% of the walleye catch.
Fry stocked the past three years, along with natural reproduction has
created an excellent outlook for walleye fishing in the future. Fry
stocking began in 1999 and has produced two strong year classes in the
three years of stocking to date.
Largemouth bass catches were typical for both the lake type and Gull
Lake. Size ranged from 5.3-17.6 inches, with numerous age classes
present. Black crappie numbers remain high and bluegill numbers
moderate. Recent catch rates are similar to 1996 results. Yellow perch
and tullibee remain abundant and catch rates were similar to those of
1996. These two species provide an important and varied forage base for
northern pike and walleyes and are responsible for their continued good
growth rates. If anglers use some restraint in harvest, the lake should
provide excellent fishing for a variety of species for some time to
come. |
