GULL LAKE CHAIN

Location: Cass and Crow Wing counties

Area: 9,947 acres

Deepest point: 80 feet, 30 percent of the lake is 15 feet deep or less

Homes per shoreline: 27.8

Defining characteristics: The Gull Chain of Lakes, for which Gull Lake is the namesake and largest member, is a collection of a number of connected lakes and two bays: Gull Lake, Upper Gull Lake, Nisswa Lake, Roy Lake, Margaret Lake, Spider Lake, Spring Lake, Love Lake, Round Lake, Bass Lake, Steamboat Bay, Wilson’s Bay.

The chain collectively covers 13,000 acres and its shores host over 2,500 homes. The chain spans across Cass County, MN and Crow Wing County, MN.

Water quality: Mesotrophic - clear water with occasional algal blooms in late summer.

Number of aquatic plant species: Over 35 species

Invasive species: Zebra mussels

Fish: Panfish, largemouth & rock bass, northern pike, walleye, bluegill, crappie, tullibee, yellow perch

Public accesses: East shore off County Road 115; north end of Boomingout Bay near Upper Gull Lake; off County Road 70 near dam; on northwest side off County State Aid Highway 77.

Interesting fact: The Gull Chain of Lakes Association reports on its website that the chain consists of 8 lakes and connecting channels covering 13,000 acres. There are over 2,500 homes on the chain that are both year-round and seasonal. The Gull Lake Chain Association was formed in 1969.

Sources: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, minnesotalakes.net and Wikipedia

Lake Map Sponsored By:

Shannon’s Auto Body

124 8th Ave NE, Brainerd, MN

218-829-6764 shannonsautobody.com

FOR

Kathy and Mike Ruhland bought and refurbished an old pontoon boat — the Rainbow Bay Fun Ship — that matches the history of the resort property they renovated to host family and friends.

Contributed / Mike Ruhland