Goodners Lake
About Goodners Lake
Goodners Lake is a 191-acre lake near Cold Spring in Stearns County, Minnesota. It reaches 24 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 7 feet, and has roughly 3.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.8 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2019.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Goodners Lake
- 191 acres, up to 24 feet deep, near Cold Spring
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 2.8 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 191 acres
- Max depth
- 24 ft
- Average depth
- 7 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 97 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
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 11
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2019
- 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 Goodners Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Pearl Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Cold Spring753 acres
3.5 miles away
Grand Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Coldspring651 acres
3.9 miles away
Knaus Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Cold Spring216 acres
4.9 miles away
Carnelian Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Kimball180 acres
5.1 miles away
Bolfing Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Cold Spring109 acres
5.3 miles away
Great Northern Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Cold Spring196 acres
5.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Goodners Lake?
Goodners Lake is in Stearns County, Minnesota, near Cold Spring. It covers 191 acres and reaches 24 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Goodners Lake?
Goodners Lake covers 191 acres with about 3.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 24 feet and its average depth is about 7 feet.
What fish can you catch at Goodners Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list 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 Goodners Lake?
Yes. Goodners Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Goodners Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Goodners 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 Goodners Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Goodners Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.