Good Lake
About Good Lake
Good Lake is a 175-acre lake near Prairie Portage in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 51 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state. Access is by portage through Superior National Forest; most lakes reached this way lie in or beside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where an entry permit is required.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service.
Plan Your Visit to Good Lake
- 175 acres, up to 51 feet deep, near Prairie Portage
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 11 feet
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 175 acres
- Max depth
- 51 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 11 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 62 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
- A BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- 3 portage accesses
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Canoe tripping
- 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
- 10
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Good Lake
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Nearby Lakes
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0.9 miles away
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Wood Lake
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Tofte Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Good Lake?
Good Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Prairie Portage. It covers 175 acres and reaches 51 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Good Lake?
Good Lake covers 175 acres with about 3.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 51 feet.
What fish can you catch at Good Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Lake Whitefish, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Good Lake?
Yes. Good Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Good Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Good 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 Good Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Good Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.