712 acres in size, Gun Lake has a maximum depth of 44 feet. A public access, complete with boat ramp and dock, is located on the west side on 427th Lane.

Area: 711.9 acres
Littoral Area: 292 acres
Shore Length: 8.68 miles
Mean Depth: 18 feet
Maximum Depth: 44 feet

For a topical map of Gun Lake, visit the MN DNR.

Great progress was observed this year in combating Curly-Leaf Pondweed (CLP) on Gun Lake. A total of 1.5 acres required treatment this spring (down from 4.28 acres in 2025). A major reduction considering conditions 10+ years ago.
 
Treatment this year was optional but given our history with this invasive plant, the lake was treated this spring with Flumioxazin, a new, more effective product. 

CLP was found at the sites where we have treated it over the years. The plants were rooted which suggests they sprouted last winter. Plants were mature with leaves 3 to 4 inches long with curled margins. Plants growing in the south bay were 3 to 10 inches tall. Heights of some CLP plants throughout the lake, however, exceeded 18 inches. CLP was found at depths from 3 to 9 feet. 

Donations of $200 are requested and can be made here or sent to our Treasurer, Dayna Stuber at 7507 - 113th Ave N; Champlin, MN 55316. All contributions are tax deductive; please include your property address.

We've been battling Curly-leaf Pondweed for nearly 20 years in Gun Lake with annual treatments. Each spring, the Minnesota DNR surveys and maps the location of CLP in Gun Lake. With the assistance of Lake Restoration Inc., we treat the infested areas identified by a DNR survey early in the spring by spraying the CLP as soon as the water warms up to the optimal temperature. The strategy is to treat CLP before the native plants begin growing which helps return the lake to its natural plant mix.

The board is asking members to donate $100 to the CLP fund this year in order to continue this vital service and ensure Gun Lake remains healthy. Payments can be made here or sent to our Treasurer, Dayna Stuber at 7507 - 113th Ave N; Champlin, MN 55316. All contributions are tax deductible.

New this year, "We love Gun Lake" signs will be given to all members who support the CLP fund. Get your sign today and do your part to preserve Gun Lake for future generations. 

Look for signs around the lake signifying members who financially support combating Curly-Leaf Pondweed. Your donations definitely make a difference!

The Gun Lake Association is dedicated to safeguarding the long‑term health of Gun Lake through proactive education and community engagement. Curly‑Leaf Pondweed (CLPW) remains our most significant annual expense. The Gun Lake Association applied for an AIS education grant through Aitkin County and we were awarded $2,100. The grant request supports a prevention‑focused education initiative designed to reduce that financial and ecological burden by increasing public awareness, promoting responsible prevention practices, and highlighting the risks posed by this invasive species. By equipping shoreline owners, residents, and visitors with the knowledge to help limit its spread, we strengthen our shared stewardship of Gun Lake and support a healthier, more resilient ecosystem. At its peak, CLPW occupied more than 50 acres of Gun Lake. Ongoing management efforts have successfully reduced CLPW coverage to approximately 1.5 acres!

We’ve all heard the Minnesota DNR mantra before: Clean. Drain. Dispose. That means removing plants from your watercraft, draining all water, and tossing unwanted bait in the trash. It’s also illegal to transport prohibited invasive species — including CLPW — into or out of Minnesota waters.

So, what can we do as Gun Lake neighbors to help stop the spread?

CLPW spreads through tiny “turions” — tough little winter buds that hitch rides on boats, trailers, and equipment, especially in spring and early summer. The good news? A few simple habits can make a big difference:

• Give your gear a quick once-over. Even if your boat never leaves the lake, remove visible plant fragments from props, trolling motors, anchors, and trailers. This helps prevent spreading CLPW from one bay to another.
• Steer clear of thick, shallow weed beds. Running through them can chop plants into fragments, and each little piece can start a brand-new patch somewhere else.
• Keep watch while you’re out enjoying the lake. If you notice a new dense patch of weeds, let the Gun Lake Association know. Early detection and removal are some of the best tools we have.

Working together, we can help keep Gun Lake healthy and ready for lake memories for years to come!

Gun Lake water levels can change dramatically, challenging dock and boat lift heights. Check out the historic changes and learn more at the MN DNR.

Follow the top five DNR boating safety tips to stay safe while enjoying the lake:

• Wear your life jacket and make sure children wear theirs.
• Stay sober. Booze and boating don’t mix. Alcohol is the #1 factor in boating fatalities.
• Tell a friend. Tell someone where you’re going and when you will be back. If you’re not back, they should call 911. Bring a phone or VHF radio.
• Be aware of the weather and don’t let a storm sneak up on you. Delay your trip or head to shore if weather does crop up. And, go slow in rough water to avoid capsizing.
• Boat smart by taking a boating safety course. Know your boat. Always stay alert while scanning for dangers. Stay seated and low in the boat to prevent falls overboard.

Wake Responsibly

Stay 150 feet away from shoreline, docks, or other structures and minimize repetitive passes on any portion of shoreline.

For upcoming boating classes, current laws and regulations check out the MN DNR. 

Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including Black Bullhead, Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Rock Bass, Walleye, Yellow Bullhead, Yellow Perch, Pumpkin seed. Current fishing regs and limits can be found here.

Walleye stocking

The DNR routinely stocks Gun Lake with walleye and have stocked 140+ pounds of walleye fingerlings annually in Gun Lake since 2017. In 2024, they increased the size of the walleye being stocked to yearlings but continue to stock the same 140 pounds of the larger fish.

For historical walleye stocking visit the MN DNR.

Game species

Local game species include Deer, Sharp tail Grouse, Pheasants, Waterfowl, Turkey and Doves.