Goose Lake
About Goose Lake
Goose Lake is a 732-acre lake near Stark (Chisago) in Chisago County, Minnesota. It reaches 55 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 15 feet, and has roughly 7.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.6 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to black and white crappie and walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 6, based on 33 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Goose Lake
- 732 acres, up to 55 feet deep, near Stark (Chisago)
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 5.6 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 732 acres
- Max depth
- 55 ft
- Average depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 370 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 15
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Black and White Crappie: Daily limit five.
- Walleye: Minimum size limit 17".
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 6
- Years of record
- 33
- Earliest
- March 5, 2024
- Latest
- May 2, 2018
- Most recent
- April 2, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Goose Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Rabour Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Stark (Chisago)53 acres
2.4 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Harris224 acres
2.9 miles away
West Rush Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Rush City1,594 acres
3.9 miles away
Fish Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Harris319 acres
4.1 miles away
East Rush Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Rush City1,494 acres
4.2 miles away
Skogman Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreIsanti · Cambridge228 acres
5.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Goose Lake?
Goose Lake is in Chisago County, Minnesota, near Stark (Chisago). It covers 732 acres and reaches 55 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Goose Lake?
Goose Lake covers 732 acres with about 7.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 55 feet and its average depth is about 15 feet.
What fish can you catch at Goose Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Goose Lake?
Yes. Goose Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Goose Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Goose Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Goose Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Goose Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Goose Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five. Minimum size limit 17".
When does the ice go out on Goose Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 6, from 33 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 5, 2024 and the latest is May 2, 2018.
Does Goose Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Goose Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.