Gladstone

Gladstone is a 407 acre lake located 10 miles north of Brainerd in Crow Wing County. Gladstone reaches depths of 36 feet, with 60% of the lake less than 15 feet deep. Emergent vegetation such as cattails and bulrush beds are located around the lake. Protection of aquatic vegetation, especially emergent vegetation, is important for maintaining good water quality. Aquatic vegetation is critical for fish spawning areas as well as providing habitat for fish and other aquatic life. Water clarity was good with a Secchi disk reading of 11 feet. Largemouth Bass were sampled by a spring electrofishing survey at a rate of 100.0/hour run time suggesting relatively high numbers. Average length was 13.3 inches, with 43% measuring at least 14 inches with fish up to 17.8 inches sampled. Largemouth Bass were sampled in average numbers in gill nets, when compared to similar lakes, at 1.0/net. Average length was 14.5 inches. Northern Pike were sampled in high numbers at 20.3/gill net. Most were on the smaller side with an average length of 19.1 inches. Northern Pike over 26 inches made up 7% of the catch, with fish up to 37.6 inches sampled suggesting at least some angling opportunities exist for large pike. Voluntary catch and release of these larger fish will help create a balanced population. Anglers are reminded that all pike between 22 and 26 inches must be immediately released under the northcentral pike zone regulation. In 2021, a new regulation was adopted that reduced the Black Crappie and Sunfish daily limit to 5 each to maintain or improve quality panfish sizes in Gladstone Lake. Black Crappies were sampled in average numbers in both gill nets (2.6/net) and trap nets (3.3/net). Average length was 6.5 inches for gill nets and 7.3 inches for trap nets. For both gear types combined, only 10% of Black Crappies measured at least 9 inches in length but this may improve as fish from the relatively strong 2020 and 2022 year classes grow to desirable sizes. Bluegills were also sampled in average numbers at 38.1/trap net. Average length was 5.3 inches, with 10% measuring at least 7 inches in length. Relatively few fish over 8 inches were sampled but some fish exceeding 9 inches were present. It is likely that larger Bluegill had vacated the shallows before the standard survey or that larger males were on nests and not easily sampled. Spring sampling often better represents Bluegill size quality. A spring trap net survey found that 12% of the Bluegill were at least 8 inches and suggested a quality size structure. Bluegill in Gladstone have moderate growth rates. It appears that Gladstone may produce large Bluegill, but it takes a long time given the moderate growth rate of about one inch per year. It is hoped that the 5 fish limit will contribute to a population with more opportunities for larger Bluegill. In 2023 Zebra Mussels were discovered in Gladstone Lake. Before and after launching lake-users should 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, live wells and bait wells.

Gladstone Lake was sampled with single frame 3/4-inch trap nets May 13-15, 2024, to monitor Black Crappie and Bluegill populations. Since 2005, Gladstone was a reference lake for Goodrich Lake which has special regulations limiting the daily possession to five sunfish and five crappies. In 2021, this same special regulation was applied to Gladstone. Black Crappies ranged in length from 4.5" to 12.2". Average length was 6.9" and 17% of the Black Crappies measured 9" or longer. Bluegills ranged in length from 3.7" to 8.8". Average length was 7.0" and 48% of the Bluegills measured 7" or longer and 12% were at least 8' suggesting a quality size structure. Bluegill length has been generally consistent over the eight spring surveys from 2005 through this survey in 2024.

Gladstone Lake was netted with single frame 3/4-inch trap nets May 17-20, 2021, to monitor Black Crappie and Bluegill populations. Gladstone Lake was a reference lake for Goodrich Lake which has special regulations limiting the daily possession to five sunfish and five crappies. In 2021, this same special regulation was applied to Gladstone itself. Black crappies ranged in length from 6.9 to 13.7 inches. Average length was 9.3 inches and 50% of the crappies measured 9 inches or longer. Bluegills ranged in length from 3.5 to 8.6 inches. Average length was 7.5 inches and 88% of the bluegills measured 7 inches or longer.

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

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

Gladstone has a maximum depth of 36 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Gladstone is from 2024.

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