Bluegill is recorded in 67 of the 60 spots within 75 minutes of Brainerd. Below are the strongest of them by our score: drive time, depth data, species and public access.
By our bite calendar, Bluegill peaks around Brainerd in April, May, June, July, August, and September. In November the calendar puts it at “Slow”.
Where to catch Bluegill near Brainerd
1. Gull Lake
Gull Lake is a 16-minute drive from downtown Brainerd. Launch at Gull Lake, Government Point Public Water Access Site, the public ramp on Gull Lake closest to downtown (≈ 8.5 mi). Public access on Gull Lake: 3 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 80 ft. Recorded here: Common Carp, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Rock Bass.
2. Mille Lacs Lake
Mille Lacs Lake is a 35-minute drive from downtown Brainerd. Launch at Mille Lacs Lake, Pike Point, Garrison Public Water Access Site, the public ramp on Mille Lacs Lake closest to downtown (≈ 18.8 mi). Public access on Mille Lacs Lake: 12 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 40 ft. Recorded here: Northern Pike, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, and Yellow Perch.
3. North Long Lake
North Long Lake is a 12-minute drive from downtown Brainerd. Launch at North Long Lake (S) Public Water Access Site, the public ramp on North Long Lake closest to downtown (≈ 6.3 mi). Public access on North Long Lake: 3 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 90 ft. Recorded here: Common Carp, Black Bullhead, Black Crappie, and Bluegill.
4. Pelican Lake
Pelican Lake is a 21-minute drive from downtown Brainerd. Launch at Pelican Lake, Jones Bay Public Water Access Site, the public ramp on Pelican Lake closest to downtown (≈ 12.9 mi). Public access on Pelican Lake: 5 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 100 ft. Recorded here: Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, and Rock Bass.
5. Red Sand Lake
Red Sand Lake is a 10-minute drive from downtown Brainerd. Launch at Red Sand Lake Public Water Access Site, the public ramp on Red Sand Lake closest to downtown (≈ 4.4 mi). Public access on Red Sand Lake: 1 boat ramp. Surveyed depths reach 14 ft. Recorded here: Black Bullhead, Bluegill, Bowfin, and Brown Bullhead.
6. Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake is a 17-minute drive from downtown Brainerd. Launch at Dade Lake Public Water Access Site, the public ramp on Sylvan Lake closest to downtown (≈ 8.2 mi). Public access on Sylvan Lake: 2 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 50 ft. Recorded here: Black Bullhead, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Bowfin.
