Goose

Goose Lake is a 75 acre class 40 lake located in northern Washington County primarily managed for Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Bluegill. Largemouth Bass were sampled during daytime electrofishing on May 17, 2016. Abundance was high, with 148 Largemouth Bass sampled per hour. Sampled bass ranged from 3" to 21", suggesting many year classes are likely present. High numbers of medium sized bass were present, along with several very large individuals. Over 70% of bass sampled were greater than 12", and 11% were greater than 15". Northern Pike were sampled at a rate of 10.5 fish per gill net, which is above average for class 40 lakes and a significant increase from the 2010 survey catch of 3 per gill net. This was the highest catch rate of Northern Pike since 1999 when 15 pike per gill net were sampled. Northern Pike sampled during this survey ranged from 18" to 42". Over 58% of Northern Pike sampled were greater than 21" in length, and 24% were greater than 25". Bluegill catch rate was 18.86 per trap net, above average for class 40 lakes and 37% of the Bluegills sampled were greater than 7" in length. Black Crappie CPUE was 3.43 fish per trap net, below average for class 40 lakes, and 35% of sampled crappies were greater than 9" in length.

Goose Lake is 75 acres in size with a maximum depth of 25 feet. In the past, this lake had been subject to periodic winterkill, resulting in a fish population dominated by black bullheads and golden shiners. A winter aeration system was first operated in 1996-1997 and stocking of northern pike (NOP) and largemouth bass took place irregularly from 1996 to 2000, inclusive. The present fish population resembles that found in a typical Largemouth Bass-Bluegill-Northern Pike lake, but with some quality sized individuals present. Northern Pike were sampled above median levels for abundance and size in lakes of this type. The average size of NOP captured in the combined gear sample was 26.66" in length and 5.54 pounds. Two NOP 35.0 inches in length or larger were sampled during this assessment, with the largest being 37.09" TL and weighing 15.4 pounds. Growth rate of sampled NOP was good. Only one yellow perch (YEP) was captured in the gill net catch, but golden shiners (GOS) continue to be present and were sampled at the third quartile for abundance in the gill net sample with some quality sized individuals represented. Largemouth Bass (LMB) also appear to have a significant presence in this lake as they were sampled at the median level for abundance in both gill and trap nets. Black Crappie (BLC) were sampled at the first quartile level for abundance in trap nets. No BLC were present in the gill net sample. The average BLC captured was 8.36 inches in length and 0.36 pounds (2.78 fish/lb), with approximately 9% of the BLC sampled measured 10.0 inches or larger. Bluegill (BLG) were sampled over the median level for abundance and mean weight in trap nets. The average size of BLG in the trap net sample was 7.17 inches long and 0.29 pounds (3.45 fish/lb), with the largest individual BLG captured measured 9.17 inches. Approximately one-in-four BLG captured measured 8.0 inches or larger. Pumpkinseed Sunfish (PMK) also exhibited an impressive size structure. The average PMK sampled was 7.99" long and 0.48 pounds. (2.08 fish/lb), with the largest individual captured measuring 9.06 inches.

Goose Lake is a small 74.7 acre lake in northern Washington County. The most abundant species found were bluegill. Their numbers are considered to be average for this type of lake. The average size sampled was 5.9 inches. Pumpkinseed sunfish were also sampled in high numbers for this type of lake. Their average size was 7.39 inches. Yellow grub was found in both species of panfish. Some fish contained heavy infestations. Northern pike were also sampled in average numbers. The average size sampled was 26.8 inches in length, and 75% of the northern pike caught were over 25 inches. Largemouth bass are not sampled effectively in trap nets or gill nets. The few that were caught were nice sized. The largest was over 17 inches in length. Black crappies were found in the highest numbers since 1984, but are still within the average range. The average size sampled was 8.5 inches but none exceeded 10 inches. Black bullhead numbers continue to decline. The average size black bullhead is approximately 11 inches long. Other species sampled include golden shiner, white sucker and yellow perch.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, White Crappie, and Pumpkinseed in Goose. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Goose has a maximum depth of 25 feet and a mean depth of 12.6 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Goose is from 2016. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Yes — Goose has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.