Goodners Lake

How big is Goodners Lake?

How deep is Goodners Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Goodners Lake?

What are the closest cities to Goodners Lake?

Are there boat launches on Goodners Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Goodners Lake?

Goodners Lake is a popular panfish lake located five (5) miles northwest of Kimball in southeastern Stearns County. The lake is 150 acres and has a maximum depth of 24 feet. The watershed is primarily agricultural and is reflected in the lower water clarity. Proper land use practices are encouraged within the watershed and by lakeshore owners to improve the water quality and fish habitat in Goodners Lake. Protecting the fish habitat is important to help sustain the quality and balance of the fish community. A public access is located on the southeast side of the lake. A standard survey was completed in 2019 to update fisheries data last survey collected in 2015.

Largemouth Bass were sampled via daytime electrofishing on May 28, 2019. The catch rate in 2019 was the highest on record for the lake, but below the average for the Sauk Rapids Management Area. Fifty-nine fish were sampled and ranged in length from 11 to 19 inches with an average length of 15 inches.

The 2019 Northern Pike catch rate was similar to 2015 and near the long-term average for the lake. The catch rate was above the range of expected values for lakes with similar characteristics and was dominated by smaller fish. Pike sampled ranged in length from 13 to 35 inches with an average length and weight of 21 inches and two (2) pounds. Only eight (8) percent of the pike sampled were greater than 26 inches. Anglers are encouraged to harvest the surplus of pike under 22 inches and release the larger pike. This would help maintain a healthy predator/prey balance within the fish community.

Black Crappie have provided a popular spring and winter fishery. Goodners Lake experienced a Columnaris outbreak in crappies in 2018. The population is stable, but will need a few years to rebound back to previous levels anglers have grown accustomed to. The catch rate in 2019 was lower than 2015, but within the expected values for lakes with similar characteristics. Crappies ranged in length from five (5) to 10 inches and averaged seven (7) inches although few crappies over eight (8) inches were sampled.

The Bluegill catch rate in 2019 was lower than 2015, but within the range of expected values for lakes with similar characteristics. Anglers looking for Bluegill have a chance to find some "keepers" as Bluegills ranged in length from three (3) to nine (9) inches and averaged six (6) inches.

Walleye were last stocked in Goodners Lake in 1987 and have not been present in the survey since 1994. A walleye population was difficult to establish due to an abundance of predator species (Northern Pike) and lack of prey species (Yellow Perch).

All three species of Bullhead, Yellow, Brown, and Black, can be found in Goodners Lake. Yellow Bullhead are the most abundant of the three species. Quality-size fish over eleven inches were sampled of each species and some individuals measured up to 15 inches. Other fish sampled included: Bowfin (Dogfish), Golden Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, and Pumpkinseed.

What is the average air temp for Goodners Lake?