Fishing at Gull Lake, Minnesota
9,418-acre natural lake · Cass County · 1,200 ft elevation · 4 species stocked
Gull Lake sits at 1,200 feet in Cass County, Minnesota, covering 9,418 acres of natural lake water. The state stocked the lake most recently on February 28, 2026, with 461 muskellunge averaging 7.6 inches. It's been an active stocking water since at least 1985, and the recent records below tell you what's been planted and when.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 5 stocking events on record for Gull Lake:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 28, 2026 | 🐉 Muskellunge | 461 | 7.6″ |
| Aug 8, 2025 | 🐟 Yellow Perch | 32,365 | 6.5″ |
| Feb 5, 2025 | 🐠 Largemouth Bass | 2,322 | 5.7″ |
| Dec 24, 2024 | 🐠 Largemouth Bass | 2,105 | 12.4″ |
| Feb 21, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 710,583 | 3.1″ |
Species You Can Catch
- 🐉 Muskellunge — best in fall
- 🐟 Yellow Perch — best in winter, spring
- 🐠 Largemouth Bass — best in spring, summer
- 🐟 Walleye — best in spring, fall
Where to Catch Muskellunge in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Gull Lake, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Muskellunge lakes in Minnesota
- Top Yellow Perch lakes in Minnesota
- Top Largemouth Bass lakes in Minnesota
- Top Walleye lakes in Minnesota
Best Time to Fish Gull Lake
For muskellunge, the best fishing on Gull Lake is typically in fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 60–72°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with natural lake thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Gear Recommendations
Curated picks for the species stocked in Gull Lake. Links go to Amazon — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- rod: Heavy 8'6" musky rod
- reel: Heavy baitcasting reel
- rod: Light spinning rod 6'
- rig: Perch spreader rigs
- rod: Medium-heavy 7' baitcasting rod
- reel: Baitcasting reel 7.1:1
- rod: Medium-light 7' spinning rod (sensitive tip)
- lure: Jig heads 1/8 - 1/4 oz
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Gull Lake:
- Mille Lacs Lake — 37.2 mi (132,516 ac)
- Leech Lake — 49.5 mi (102,948 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Gull Lake. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Minnesota DNR. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Gull Lake?
Gull Lake has been stocked with Muskellunge, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Walleye.
When was Gull Lake last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Feb 28, 2026, when 461 muskellunge were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Gull Lake?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.