Physical Features
Elevation: 1,515 feet
Area: 41.2 acres
Shoreline Length: 1.2 miles
Length: 0.46 miles
Max Depth: 20 feet
Mean Depth: 9.3 feet
County and Town: Otsego County, Town of Laurens
Aquatic Plant Life
Limited rooted aquatic vegetation.
Access
Gilbert Lake is in the Gilbert Lake State Park and is open for day use, year-round. There is a $7 vehicle entrance fee from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
No gas-powered boats permitted, electric trolling motor or paddle-propelled vessels only.
Boats can be launched on the beach near the Beach Pavilion and on the opposite end of the lake near the Briggs Pavilion and fishing dock. If using the drop-off loops to bring boat(s) closer to the water, please move vehicles to a designated parking area before setting out on the lake. To leave a boat at the Gilbert Lake beach from April-November, there is a $10 seasonal boat permit available at the Main Office. For more information on this launch including Google Maps driving directions, visit the Boat Launch Sites for Otsego County page. There is hike-in/portage only access to Lake of the Twin Fawns, Ice Pond, and Spring Pond.
Fish Species
In Gilbert Lake: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Golden Shiner, Creek Chub, White Sucker, Brown Bullhead, Pumpkinseed, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch
In Lake of the Twin Fawns and Ice Pond: Golden Shiner, Creek Chub, White Sucker, Brown Bullhead, Pumpkinseed, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Pickerel
In Spring Pond: Unknown fish populations
Fishing
The lake is in a popular state campground for summer campers. Fishing is permitted all around the lake except for the sandy beach/swimming area.
This lake sees most of its pressure from April 1 throughout the summer from those targeting the trout. Some impressive largemouth bass have been reported in recent years. Stocked annually with approximately 100 brown trout 12-15" in length and 600 rainbow trout 8" in length.
Ice Fishing
Permitted, no gas-powered augers allowed.
