Gum Lake
Itasca County, MinnesotaLimited DataOligotrophic
Gum Lake carries a solid B grade — strong on most parameters, with measurements that hold up well across the summer season.
Trophically, Gum Lake reads as oligotrophic — nutrient-poor, clear, and ecologically more sensitive to disturbance than richer lakes. Gum Lake reaches 42 ft at its deepest point — typical for Minnesota mid-sized lakes, with seasonal stratification but limited cold-water refuge. At 193 acres, Gum Lake fits the Minnesota median for monitored lakes, with 4.2 miles of shoreline. Among the 141 graded lakes in Itasca County, Gum Lake sits at rank 70, above the county median.
No invasive species are currently listed at Gum Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Gum Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. The lake lacks a documented public access point, so visitor use is limited. Monitoring depth is thin here: the LakeGrade rubric is applied to a small number of sample years, and the grade will be revised as more data accumulates.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2022-09-01. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Good clarity, visible to about 14 ft. Trophic State Index: 39.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 14 ft | B |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 39 | Oligotrophic |
Low nutrients, clear water, excellent for swimming
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 42 ft |
| Surface Area | 192.82 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 4.2 mi |
| Littoral Zone | 46% |
| Public Access | No |
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 4 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -0.328 m/yr | 4 |
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #70 of 141 lakes in Itasca County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Gum Lake holds Grade B. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
Nearby Lakes in Itasca County
More Minnesota Lake Rankings
State Parks Near Gum Lake
Other Grade B Lakes in Minnesota
Oligotrophic Lakes in Minnesota
DNR Fisheries Survey Summary
2 surveys on file from MN DNR Fisheries. Most recent: 1987-06-17 (Standard Survey).
Top Species by Catch Rate
| Species | Avg CPUE | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | 21.00 | 0.17 lb |
| CRP | 13.88 | 0.36 lb |
| Rock Bass | 3.50 | 0.54 lb |
| Largemouth Bass | 3.00 | 1.25 lb |
| Northern Pike | 2.86 | 1.91 lb |
| Black Crappie | 2.10 | 0.32 lb |
CPUE = catch per unit effort, averaged across surveys (excludes juvenile shoreline seining). Higher CPUE = more abundant in standardized sampling.
From the 1987-06-17 survey
NORTHERN PIKE ABUNDANCE AND SIZE ARE GOOD. BLUEGILL ABUNDANT, BUT VERY SMALL. YELLOW PERCH POPULATION IS VERY LOW.
DNR Reports & Resources
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder publishes lake survey, fish stocking, water access, and aquatic plant data for Gum Lake. 1 report on file.
- —Fisheries Lake Survey — ElizabethFisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Lake details from Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
Most recent sample: 2022-09-01
Monitoring stations: 1