Lake Gegoka

How big is Lake Gegoka?

How deep is Lake Gegoka?

What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Gegoka?

Are there boat launches on Lake Gegoka?

Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Gegoka?

Gegoka Lake is 145 acres, has a maximum depth of 10 feet, and is located approximately 5 miles northwest of Isabella, MN. There is a gravel back-in access on the south shore of the lake with parking for several vehicles off of State Highway 1. There are no facilities available at the access location.

The 2018 standard survey was conducted to monitor the fish community in Gegoka Lake. Walleye catch was near average relative to similar lakes in northeastern Minnesota. The average size was 18.9 inches and 2.5 pounds, with 69% of the catch over 18.0 inches long. The largest Walleye sampled was 24.4 inches long and weighed 5.2 pounds. Natural reproduction success may be sporadic with noticeable gaps in year classes but growth was average for the area.

The Northern Pike catch in 2018 was average compared to similar lakes in the area and within the historical catch for the lake. The size of Northern Pike in gill nets was small with the average length of 15.7 inches and 0.8 pounds. Northern Pike caught in trap nets were larger with two individuals over 30 inches, the largest being 37.6 inches. Growth of Northern Pike was average and five year classes were present in the catch.

Bluegill and Black Crappie lakes in the Finland Area tend to have small populations of fast growing fish that occasionally produce a strong year class. Spawning habitat in Gegoka Lake is fair and the cool climate of northeastern Minnesota may limit their successful natural reproduction. Bluegill were captured within the normal range for similar lakes and exhibited above average growth for the area. Bluegill had an average size of 6.9 inches, but none of the catch was over 8 inches. The 2018 survey was the first to sample Black Crappie in Gegoka Lake. Eight young of the year Black Crappie averaging 1.8 inches were sampled. It is not known how Black Crappie got to Gegoka Lake, but it is possible they may have migrated upstream from Flat Horn Lake via Weiss Creek.

Yellow Perch were sampled at average numbers relative to similar lakes in the area, but were the lowest in the last five surveys. Yellow Perch had an average length of 7.50 inches and 45% of the catch was over 9 inches. Natural reproduction is successful in maintaining the population and growth of perch was average compared to the Finland area.

Largemouth Bass are also present in Gegoka Lake. Standard sampling gear does not sample adult Largemouth Bass well; and the 2018 survey only caught 17 small bass, the largest being 3.7 inches. There have been angler reports of 14 inch Largemouth Bass being caught on the lake.

White Sucker were sampled in above average numbers relative to similar lakes and size averaged 16.0 inches and 1.8 pounds. Pumpkinseed and Golden Shiner were also sampled with the survey gear.

Gegoka Lake has a decent Walleye population and a Northern Pike population that can produce some fish over 30 inches. There is a small Bluegill population that can produce some nice fish. A Black Crappie population is still establishing in the lake and may be of interest to anglers in coming years. Gegoka Lake offers a scenic setting for visitors to the lake and there are only a few cabins along the shoreline. There are miles of hiking/cross country ski trails near the lake that provide additional recreational opportunities.

What is the average air temp for Lake Gegoka?

Are there any state parks near Lake Gegoka?