Gilbert

A trap net assessment was conducted on Gilbert Lake on 15-17, 2023, to monitor the Black Crappie and Bluegill populations. Gilbert Lake has a special regulation limiting the daily possession to five Sunfish and five Crappies. The reduced daily limit began in 2005. Black Crappies ranged in length from 5.4 to 14.5 inches. Average length was 9.6 inches and 66% of the Crappies measured 9 inches or longer. Bluegills ranged in length from 5.7 to 9.7 inches. Average length was 7.7 inches and 83% of the Bluegills measured 7 inches or longer. The five Crappie and five Sunfish daily limits have been successful in maintaining the quality panfish angling opportunities in Gilbert Lake.

Gilbert Lake is a 369 acre lake located on the north side of Brainerd in Crow Wing County. The lake is essentially split into two separate basins with a channel in between. Water clarity is good in the eastern basin, with visibility to 23 feet. The western basin is almost entirely surround by undeveloped, public land and is more "bog stained", with a visibility of 11 feet during the survey. The Northern Pike catch was average compared to similar lakes at 5.8/gill net. Average size was 20.5" and 62% of the fish were below the 22-26" protected slot. Gilbert has had a special 5 fish bag limit for both Black Crappies and Sunfish in place since 2005. The numbers of both Black Crappies (0.3/trap net) and Bluegills (3.8/trap net) were below average for this type of lake. Mean length of the Bluegills was 5.9", with 42% measuring 7" or longer. Mean length of the Crappies was 8.1". A larger amount of Crappies were caught in gill nets (1.2/net). The average length of these fish was 7.5", with 36% measuring 8" or larger. An electrofishing survey targeting Largemouth Bass was not completed this survey. Largemouth Bass were captured in average numbers in gill nets (0.4/net). Average length was 11.3". Zebra mussels were discovered in Gilbert in 2014. Lake users are required to inspect and remove any aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and trailers as well as pull the plug and drain all water from the watercraft, including bilges, livewells and baitwells.

A trap net assessment was conducted on Gilbert Lake on May 16-19, 2017 to monitor the black crappie and bluegill populations. Gilbert Lake has a special regulation limiting the daily possession to five sunfish and five crappies. The reduced daily limit began in 2005. Black crappies ranged in length from 6.5 to 13.2 inches. Average length was 9.5 inches and 70% of the crappies measured 9 inches or longer. Bluegills ranged in length from 3.0 to 9.5 inches. Average length was 6.9 inches and 49% of the bluegills measured 7 inches or longer. The five crappie and five sunfish daily limits have been successful in maintaining the quality panfish angling opportunities in Gilbert Lake.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Black Crappie, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Hybrid Sunfish, and Walleye in Gilbert. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Gilbert. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Gilbert has a maximum depth of 45 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Gilbert is from 2021.

Yes — Gilbert has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.