Gull Lake Quality Organization

Gull Lake Quality Organization The GLQO's Mission is to protect water quality in Gull Lake and the surrounding watershed.

[This summer's Boat Wash Coordinator, Brenden Massa, on bass tournaments and healthy fisheries. As the boat wash will b...
09/03/2026

[This summer's Boat Wash Coordinator, Brenden Massa, on bass tournaments and healthy fisheries. As the boat wash will be winding down in the next week or two, stop by and say hello to our volunteers and thank them for their hard work!]

GULL LAKE BASS TOURNAMENTS: MORE THAN JUST FISHING!

Bass fishing tournaments are a major part of Gull Lake’s recreational fishery. Every week throughout the summer there are bass fishing competitions happening on the lake, and they are showing that they can benefit both anglers and the community!

Tournament anglers provide valuable information about the lake’s bass population through tournament reporting, giving fisheries managers another source of data to better understand the fishery. With Gull Lake hosting dozens of bass tournaments each year, it has become one of Michigan’s popular destinations.

Tournaments also bring anglers and their families to the area, supporting local businesses through spending on fuel, food, lodging, bait, tackle and other services. Most importantly, modern catch-and-release practices with proper care allow the majority of tournament-caught bass to return to Gull Lake. It is very important to note that when practicing catch-and-release fishing, properly handling the fish and doing your best to take care of the lake can keep this great fishery sustainable!

A healthy bass fishery creates opportunities for anglers while contributing to the local economy and increasing appreciation for Gull Lake’s natural resources.

SO, THE NEXT TIME YOU SEE A BASS TOURNAMENT ON GULL LAKE, REMEMBER—IT'S MORE THAN JUST A DAY OF FISHING. IT S RECREATION, CONSERVATION, DATA AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ALL COMING TOGETHER!

[Here is post #3 from this summer's Boat Wash Coordinator, Brenden Massa, on the Importance of Smelt and our Boat Wash ...
08/10/2026

[Here is post #3 from this summer's Boat Wash Coordinator, Brenden Massa, on the Importance of Smelt and our Boat Wash Duties]

Rainbow Smelt: Small Forage, Big Impact on Gull Lake Fisheries

If you’re an avid fisherman on Gull Lake, you know that having a healthy forage base is a large factor of having a healthy fishery. Rainbow smelt are one piece of that puzzle. These small, schooling fish provide an important source of prey for larger predatory fish and help move energy through Gull Lake’s food web.

For predatory species anglers (those fishing for bass, walleye, trout and pike, for example), protecting the overall health of Gull Lake’s forage base matters. A diverse, healthy ecosystem gives predators more opportunities to find and utilize available prey.

That’s where aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention comes in. Invasive plants and other AIS can alter habitat, compete with beneficial native vegetation, and negatively affect fisheries. Gull Lake currently has some AIS concerns, including Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussels and starry stonewort. All of which can disrupt Rainbow Smelt forage and other aquatic populations.

The GLQO boat wash at Prairieville Township Park has been operating to help prevent AIS from entering and leaving Gull Lake with success. With more than 3,500 boats launched there each year, cleaning boats and trailers is an important line of defense.

Remember: Healthy lake → Healthy forage → Healthy predators → Better fishing!

Smelt picture source: Chambers, C. (2023). Rainbow smelt confidential: An invasive species on the menu. Wisconsin People & Ideas. Wisconsin Academy

We have confirmation that both treatments will take place this coming Wednesday, the 12th.For both areas, we recommend a...
08/10/2026

We have confirmation that both treatments will take place this coming Wednesday, the 12th.

For both areas, we recommend a precautionary wait of 24 hours before swimming.

1) 1.75 acres just north/west of the Gull Lake Country Club (which itself will not be affected). Species found: starry stonewart. Treatment: Flumioxazin @ 150ppb + Copper Ethanolamine complex @ EGLE recommended levels

2) 0.5 acres north of the west entrance to the Channel. Species found: non-native milfoil. Treatment: Florpyrauxifen-benzyl @ 25.6 fl oz/acre

A heads up on two Invasive Species treatments occuring on Gull Lake next week (likely Wednesday). We'll post as soon as ...
08/07/2026

A heads up on two Invasive Species treatments occuring on Gull Lake next week (likely Wednesday). We'll post as soon as the day(s) are confirmed.

For both areas, we recommend a precautionary wait of 24 hours before swimming.

1) 1.75 acres just north/west of the Gull Lake Country Club (which itself will not be affected). Species found: starry stonewart. Treatment: Flumioxazin @ 150ppb + Copper Ethanolamine complex @ EGLE

2) 0.5 acres north of the west entrance to the Channel. Species found: non-native milfoil. Treatment: Florpyrauxifen-benzyl @ 25.6 fl oz/acre

Why we wash boats....from Brenden Massa, GLQO Boat Wash CoordinatorWorking with GLQO this summer has given me the opport...
07/22/2026

Why we wash boats....from Brenden Massa, GLQO Boat Wash Coordinator

Working with GLQO this summer has given me the opportunity to see firsthand the positive impact a boat wash can have in preventing the spread of invasive aquatic plants. At the BoatWash, we use high-pressure washers to remove vegetation, organisms, and other debris fromboats and trailers. While we primarily wash boats as they leave the lake, we also inspect boatsbefore they launch.

Earlier this summer, we discovered Eurasian watermilfoil attached to the trailer of a boat preparing to launch into Gull Lake. We were able to remove the invasive plant, properly disposeof it before it entered the lake, and let the boat owner know so they could be more aware in the future.

Small actions like cleaning boats and trailers are important to prevent the spread of invasivespecies into Gull Lake. So is educating boaters about these risks. Your support of GLQO helps with this important work to protect Gull Lake and keep it clean!

(Pictured is employee and new GLQO board member Wendell Wilke cleaning a boat at the GLQO Boat Wash station)

[AS WE START OUR SUMMER GUEST POSTINGS!]Summer greetings from Brenden Massa, Coordinator of the GLQO Boat Wash operation...
07/14/2026

[AS WE START OUR SUMMER GUEST POSTINGS!]

Summer greetings from Brenden Massa, Coordinator of the GLQO Boat Wash operation at the Prairieville Township Park (that's me on the right in the picture!). I am a senior at Michigan State University, majoring in Fisheries and Wildlife, and took this position to gain more experience in working with a community organization focused on water quality.

I am an avid fisherman, outdoor enthusiast, and conservationist and want to pursue a career where I can make a positive impact on the environment! Operations at the Wash station have been great to begin the summer. This past 4th of July weekend was very busy on Friday and Saturday at the Boat Wash station, with around 100 or so boats washed in total. As the summer progresses, I will be writing more posts about the many ways people, like me, can enjoy the waters of beautiful Gull Lake. Especially for those who enjoy fishing like I do. Stay tuned!

07/06/2026

From Board Members Kathy Gallagher and Kay Gross:

* Gull Lake: Surface temp: 81 degrees, temp at bottom of the deepest part: 48 degrees, clarity: 9 feet
* The surface temp of Little Long Lake was 83 degrees

GLQO, Always Monitoring!

06/29/2026

The GLQO Summer 2026 Newsletter is now available in PDF form!

06/29/2026

A note from Board Member Hank Pender about Saturday's fireworks and Boating Safety:

The Fourth of July fireworks are one of the highlights of the summer, bringing hundreds of boaters together for an unforgettable evening on the water. With increased traffic and limited visibility after sunset, every captain plays an important role in keeping the celebration safe for everyone.

Before leaving the dock, take a few minutes to ensure that your navigation lights are working properly. A simple pre-departure check can prevent confusion and reduce the risk of an accident.
Once the fireworks conclude, exercise patience and operate at idle speed until you are clear of the congested viewing area. Many boats will be moving in different directions or anchored vessels may be difficult to see in the dark. Slowing down provides more time to react and helps minimize large wakes that can create hazardous conditions for nearby boats.

A little preparation can go a long way. By confirming your lights are functioning properly and traveling at idle speed during the post-fireworks departure, everyone can enjoy a safe and memorable evening on the lake.

Have a fun, safe, and responsible night on the water!

And please know it's not too late to donate! Please help to keep the amazing fireworks display going each year by donating to the folks that make it all possible. Donations can be made online at gulllakefireworks.com or by mail to: Glow PO. Box 726 Richland, MI 49083

06/05/2026

Agenda for this coming Tuesday's GLQO Annual Meeting:

Agenda:
7:00 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
7:10 BOARD APPOINTMENTS
7:20 GUEST PRESENTATION: "Hot Topics for Inland Lake Lovers"
7:45 FINANCES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
8:00 CONNECT AND ASK QUESTIONS
8:30 MEETING ADJOURNED

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PO Box 144
Richland, MI
49083

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