It is a headwater lake which drains through a dam at Gull Creek into Crotch Lake. The lake is home to a warm water fishery which produces a number of species including Lake Whitefish, Lake Herring, Northern Pike, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, and Walleye.

Walleye in particular require some care to maintain their population. Since their spawning areas of rocky shoals are limited, the lake waters are maintained at a high enough level to cover the shoals during spawning season.

The lake can be accessed on both ends. On the east end the access point is just off of Ardoch Road. On the west there are two access points, one off of Gull Lake Road, and another to the south off of Veley Road.

A Brief History

European settlement of what would become North Frontenac began in the 1800’s. One of the earlier examples of this settlement can be found on Big Gull Lake: a pre-confederation cabin known as Viking Lodge. It dates back to the late 1800s and despite its age still stands to this day.

A resort that has been on Big Gull Lake for over 80 years, Kirk Kove, once hosted a water ski show in the 50s and 60s. The resort’s summer staff doubled as performers, trained by professional water-skiers and co-owners Guy and Bonnie Weese.

The couple competed in tournaments and were performers at water-skiing “Capital of the World” Cypress Gardens before bringing their show to Frontenac. Hundreds would gather to watch the duo and their staff form human pyramids, barefoot ski, make jumps, and more, right up until the show ended in the 60s.

Instead of big shows, today’s Big Gull Lake hosts cottagers, residences, and resorts.