Jay Gould Lake
About Jay Gould Lake
Jay Gould Lake is a 552-acre lake near Cohasset in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 33 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.6 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 22, based on 6 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Jay Gould Lake
- 552 acres, up to 33 feet deep, near Cohasset
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 10.6 feet
- Listed as infested with 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
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 552 acres
- Max depth
- 33 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 292 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 22
- Years of record
- 6
- Earliest
- April 6, 2017
- Latest
- May 12, 2013
- Most recent
- May 5, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Jay Gould Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Little Jay Gould Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cohasset150 acres
1 miles away
Loon Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids231 acres
1 miles away
Long Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids134 acres
1.5 miles away
Tioga Mine Pit
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cohasset49 acres
1.7 miles away
Blackwater Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cohasset601 acres
1.9 miles away
Guile Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cohasset88 acres
2.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Jay Gould Lake?
Jay Gould Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Cohasset. It covers 552 acres and reaches 33 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Jay Gould Lake?
Jay Gould Lake covers 552 acres with about 7.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 33 feet.
What fish can you catch at Jay Gould Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Jay Gould Lake?
Yes. Jay Gould Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Jay Gould Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Jay Gould 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 Jay Gould Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Jay Gould Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Jay Gould Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Jay Gould Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 22, from 6 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 6, 2017 and the latest is May 12, 2013.
Does Jay Gould Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Jay Gould Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.