Fishing Gull Lake
Great Fishing Experiences on Gull Lake
Gull Lake covers 2240 acres with 11.5 miles of shoreline.
You will find Walleye, Northern, Sunfish, Bluegill, Crappie, Perch, and Largemouth Bass. Shaped like a three-leaf cloverleaf, the lake is full of bays, points, and structure, mostly 6 to 15 feet deep with a handful of 30-foot holes and healthy weed beds lining much of the shoreline. That mix gives most species excellent habitat for spawning and feeding.
Gull Lake is best known for its panfish. Guests routinely tell us the bluegills they pull here are noticeably bigger than anything they catch on lakes back home.
Fishing the weed lines for Walleye and Northern is a good bet if you’re okay with back trolling, drifting, or even up to some bobber fishing with a jig minnow combo. Keep in mind the lake is actually managed for Walleye. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports the lake has a fair number of “good sized” walleyes, with a good range of sizes and year classes.
In 2006, the DNR also lowered the daily limit of Sunfish and Bluegill to 5 in an effort to maintain quality of pan fish is currently holds. Gull Lake is now one of Minnesota’s premier pan fish lakes with daily limits of the biggest “pannies” most have ever seen.
The water stays comfortable to fish, too. Gull Lake draws more anglers than water skiers, so it rarely feels crowded.
When to Fish Gull Lake
- Walleye opener is mid-May, but the bite really turns on from late May through mid-June, depending on the weather.
- Bluegill and Northern bite reliably all summer long.
- Walleye slow down in the peak summer heat, then pick back up from late August into September.
- Late September and early fall are a prime window. As the seasons change the bite heats up, and many guests plan their trips around it.
Clean your catch in our spacious fish cleaning room!
A Gull Lake Fishing Tradition
For many of our guests, the loyalty runs to Gull Lake first and Eagle Ridge Resort second. Some families have fished these waters for generations, and one longtime guest has been fishing Gull Lake for nearly 80 years. Where the lake once had around 13 resorts, only three resorts and one campground remain today, making a stay here part of an increasingly rare North Woods tradition.
Fishing Gallery
Lodging
Eagle Ridge Resort offers seven lakefront cabins in the Bemidji lakes area
, with lodging options for groups of all sizes. From a cozy one-bedroom cabin to spacious accommodations for up to 18 people. You can also park your camper or RV at our
Bemidji area campsites.
Boat & Motor Rentals
- 22′ Weeres Fishing Pontoon - Seats 10 people, equipped with a fish finder, livewell, canopy, vinyl floor, cushioned seats, and large fishing deck.
- 22′ Cruising Pontoon - Seats 16 people, featuring a canopy, carpet floor, and cushioned seats.
- 20′ Palm Beach Pontoon - Seats 10 people, comes with a fish finder, livewell, canopy, carpet, and cushioned seats.
- Crestliner 18′ Fishing boat - comes with 60hp motor, fish finder, livewell, and cushioned fishing seats.
- 16′ Alumacraft Deluxe Fishing boat - comes with 60hp motor, trolling motor, console steering, fish finder, livewell, and cushioned fishing seats.
- 16′ Alumacraft Fishing boat - comes with a 25hp motor, fish finder, livewell, and cushioned fishing seats.
- 14′ Fishing boat - comes with 9.9hp motor and aluminum bench seating.
- 14′ Fishing boat - without motor and aluminum bench seating.
Dock Space & Boat Launch
Eagle Ridge Resort offers a complimentary dock slip with a week-long cabin rental. For additional boats or campground guests, a dock slip is available for $25/day or $125/week. Docks come out after October 1st, but the fall bite is still well worth it. Anglers can continue fishing Gull Lake from the public access landing.
Gull Lake Contour Map
View the map below or download a detailed contour map of Gull Lake from the MN DNR.
Guide Services
It never hurts to go with a pro! Eagle Ridge’s Guide Service is led by Todd Imdieke.
Best known for his ability to adapt to the situation, Todd always seems to bring his guests back with great catches. Todd is a diverse fisherman who last year helped our guests return with many limits of pan fish, walleye, northern, bass, and photos and memories of a wonderful fishing experience.
Todd and his Skeeter boat are available for full and ½ day outings. Todd loves boating fish. He guides because he enjoys helping others experience the joy of successful fishing trips. He is not only an excellent fishermen but are also a great coach for those new to fishing Northern Minnesota. Todd knows the area well and has a daily pulse on the local fishing. Ask ahead of your trip up, or check in when you get here. We’ll be happy to help you get the most out of your fishing time.
Book a guided trip and fill your limits. Schedules fill quickly, so book ahead if you can.
Eagle Ridge guest rates:
- Full day – $300 per 2 people
- Half day – $180 per 2 people
Non-Eagle Ridge guest rates:
- Full day – $350 per 2 people
- Half day – $225 per 2 people
Bring appropriate clothing, snacks, sunscreen and beverages.
Fishing gear is optional. Guides can furnish rods, tackle, and bait upon request.
You can reach Todd at 218-835-5519.