Gun Lake overview
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.
Water quality & care
Curly-leaf Pondweed (CLP) grew from non-existent to being the most abundant weed in the lake, occupying 50+ acres at its height. The Gun Lake Association has been treating the lake to control the invasive CLP for over 15 years. The risk in not treating the lake to combat CLP was seen firsthand in 2010 when we did no treatments and found the invasive weed had spread 10 fold in 2011. It took many years and dollars to recover.
Learn more about Curly-leaf Pondweed here.
Curly-leaf Pondweed Treatments
On April 24, 2024, 3.2 acres were treated for Curly-leaf pondweed (CLP), up slightly (+ .2 aces) from last year. CLP treatment costs are exceeding funds raised the past several years so your help is needed more than ever! In 2024, treatment costs were $6860. Unfortunately, we did not receive any grant funds from the state of Minnesota to help cover the costs. Your support to combat this invasive species is critical to help ensure Gun Lake remains a healthy, functioning ecosystem. Please donate to the CLP fund today. Payments can be sent to our Treasurer, Dayna Stuber at 7507 - 113th Ave N; Champlin, MN 55316.
We've been battling Curly-leaf Pondweed for more than 17 years in Gun Lake with annual treatments. Each spring, the Minnesota DNR surveys and maps the location of CLP in Gun Lake. In 2020 and 2021, we found about 5 acres of the exotic, invasive weed while in 2022 - 2024 that amount was cut in half requiring only 2.62 to 3.2 acres to be treated. 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.
CLP treatment costs outpace donations
With only 48% of members contributing to the Curly-leaf Pondweed (CLP) fund, costs have exceeded funds raised over the past several years. This required the GLA to utilize dues from the general fund to support treating the lake to combat CLP.
Dues were increased to $35 to help offset this trend in 2024. ALL property owners are strongly encouraged to both pay dues and donate an additional $50+ to support the CLP fund.
Gun Lake Water Level Changes
Gun Lake water levels can change dramatically, challenging docks and lifts. Check out the historic changes and learn more at the MN DNR.
Shoreline care
We all want a lake with water that is safe for swimming and supplies food, cover and spawning areas for fish. A healthy lake is the result of shoreline property owners and others residing in the watershed area working to ensure the lake’s ecological health is maintained. Most fish and wildlife species don’t thrive along sandy swimming beaches or mowed lawn. Fish, songbirds, small mammals and other wildlife flourish in the natural aquatic weeds and shoreline brush that lakeshore owners frequently remove.
Let’s all take steps to ensure Gun Lake’s ecology remains a healthy, functioning ecosystem. Allow fish and wildlife to flourish by leaving your shoreline in its natural condition.
Buffer strip: Buffers keep water clean by filtering out phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment. Strive to maintain a 50- to 30-foot-wide buffer of native grasses, plants, shrubs and trees to allow aquatic plants to flourish.
Wood debris: Consider leaving fallen trees in the water to provide habitat for fish and wildlife.
Learn more about best practices to help fish and wildlife flourish as well as natural shoreline preservation here.
Boat safely
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.
Life jackets at landing
A Life Jacket Station is available at the Gun Lake public access. If you need a life jacket, please take one. If you have an extra, please leave one. The Palisade Lions help keep the station stocked with life jackets purchased by the Lions and donated by individuals, businesses and organizations.
Fishing & hunting
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.
For historical walleye stocking visit the MN DNR.
Game species
Local game species include Deer, Sharp tail Grouse, Pheasants, Waterfowl, Turkey and Doves.
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