Good

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Good Lake on August 7th, 2025. This was done to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on data collected from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth was 48.9 feet), the water temperature decreased to 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 11.3 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 34.6 feet at the time of sampling. This layer in the water column was 23.3 feet, indicating oxythermal habitat for Cisco was present. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 4.3 degrees C (39.7 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Cisco at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 2019 and 2024 also indicated suitable oxythermal habitat in all years surveyed, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2019 when the suitable oxythermal habitat layer was 21.1 feet thick. When adequate oxythermal habitat is not available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Good Lake is located approximately 13 miles NE of Ely within the BWCAW. This lake is popular with wilderness travelers seeking a route to nearby Basswood Lake and the surrounding area. Portages from Basswood, Indiana and Hula lakes are options for public access. The outlet to Hoist Bay on Basswood Lake is navigable and presents another option for access to or from Good Lake. There are two designated USFS campsites located on the lake for overnight use. Six gill nets were used to sample the fish community from Good Lake in 2019. Eleven species of fish were sampled. Cisco and northern pike were the most common species sampled. A few good sized walleye and smallmouth bass were also sampled. Black crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass were some of the other gamefish also sampled in the nets. Northern pike numbers in 2019 (6/gill net) were slightly higher than the historical average of 5.5/gill net for this lake and above average when compared to other similar lakes in the area. The average pike sampled was 23.4 inches long which is nearly identical to the historical average length of 23.3 inches. The largest pike sampled in 2019 measured 31.7 inches in length. Walleye numbers in 2019 were slightly higher than the historical average of 0.6/gill net for this lake but below the average of 5.0/gill net for other similar area lakes where walleye occur. Walleye sizes averaged 21.2 inches which is similar to the historical average length of 21.4 inches. The largest walleye sampled in 2019 was 28.7 inches long and 15 years old. Smallmouth bass were sampled for the first time from Good Lake in 2019 with our standard sampling gear. The eight smallmouth sampled averaged 15.5 inches long. The largest smallmouth sampled was 18.5 inches long and 18 years old. Cisco numbers in 2019 were lower than the historical average of 13.9/gill net for this lake. The average cisco sampled was 8.2 inches which is smaller than the historical average length of 9.8 inches. Cisco up to 11.5 inches were sampled.

Lake whitefish and northern pike are present in above average numbers; white sucker and rock bass are present in average numbers; cisco, yellow perch, and walleye are present in below average numbers. Bluegill, largemouth bass, and black crappie are also present. Whitefish, rock bass, and largemouth bass were observed for the first time during this assessment. Cisco sizes range from 9. Sizes are above average, and reproduction appears good. All four walleye captured were from stocked year classes. Growth appears to be good initially, then slows down.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, and Black Crappie in Good. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Good. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Good has a maximum depth of 51 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Good is from 2019.

No invasive species are on record for Good in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.