Little Jay Gould Lake
About Little Jay Gould Lake
Little Jay Gould Lake is a 150-acre lake near Cohasset in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 56 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Little Jay Gould Lake
- 150 acres, up to 56 feet deep, near Cohasset
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- 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 14 feet — very clear
- 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
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 150 acres
- Max depth
- 56 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 14 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 78 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
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Little Jay Gould Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Jay Gould Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cohasset552 acres
1 miles away
Tioga Mine Pit
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cohasset49 acres
1.3 miles away
Loon Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids231 acres
1.6 miles away
Long Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids134 acres
2 miles away
Blandin Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids490 acres
2.5 miles away
Blackwater Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Cohasset601 acres
2.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Little Jay Gould Lake?
Little Jay Gould Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Cohasset. It covers 150 acres and reaches 56 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Little Jay Gould Lake?
Little Jay Gould Lake covers 150 acres with about 3.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 56 feet.
What fish can you catch at Little Jay Gould Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Little Jay Gould Lake?
Yes. Little Jay Gould Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Little Jay Gould Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Little 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 Little Jay Gould Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Little Jay Gould Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Jay Gould Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
Does Little Jay Gould Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Little 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.