It is one of the largest lakes in the Brainerd, Minnesota-Baxter, Minnesota area and also one of the most popular for vacationing and for recreation.

There are 19 resorts on Gull Lake, including notably Cragun's, Madden's, and Grand View Lodge.

Colonel Francis R. Shunk and George Freeman designed Gull Lake dam.

The brown trout of Stony Brook were recently noticed as threatened by the recreational activity on Gull Lake.

The stream's natural habitat for trout has been a focus point of restoration work by local anglers and MDNR fisheries biologists.

[14] There are over 35 species of aquatic life in the water of Gull Lake, which help to maintain a large fish population.

Since 2003, at least 2,825,000 fry Walleye have been stocked into Gull Lake by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

As of 2007 the average length and weight of a walleye in Gull lake was 14.6 inches (37 cm) and 1.3 pounds (0.6 kg).

Another popular catch is Northern Pike, whose length and weight are, on average, 25.8 inches (66 cm) and 4.0 pounds (1.8 kg), respectively.