Jay Gould Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Cohasset. DNR lake ID 31056500.
Jay Gould Lake is a 551.8-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Cohasset. Its deepest point reaches 33 ft, and about 53% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 13.2 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31056500 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Cohasset |
| Surface area | 551.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 33 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 53% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 13.2 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 21.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.1 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 13.2 ft, phosphorus 21.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.1 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Jay Gould Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Jay Gould Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 3.12 | 0.5 to 3.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.25 | 0.3 to 0.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 6.25 | 4.8 to 12.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.88 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 49.5 | 2.0 to 21.5 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 1.12 | 0.3 to 2.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.12 | 1.0 to 4.8 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.25 | 0.8 to 4.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.12 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 7.38 | 8.3 to 50.1 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.12 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.12 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.12 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 6.38 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 3.0 | 2.8 to 10.3 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.88 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.12 | 0.5 to 1.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.38 | n/a |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 24.0 in (2022), Northern pike 35.0 in (2022), Smallmouth bass 14.0 in (2022), Muskellunge 28.0 in (1997), Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, Greater redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 5. (DNR Quality Sunfish Initiative)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2019).
Public boat access
- Jay Gould Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 8 trailer spaces. 2 miles south of Cohasset, off CSAH 63, on Jay Gould Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Little Jay Gould Lake 0.7 mi, Itasca County
- Loon Lake 1.1 mi, Itasca County
- Little Cavanaugh Lake 1.4 mi, Itasca County
- Tioga Mine Pit 1.4 mi, Itasca County
- Long Lake 1.5 mi, Itasca County
- Cavanaugh Lake 1.7 mi, Itasca County
- Blackwater Lake 1.9 mi, Itasca County
- Forsythe Lake 2.1 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Jay Gould Lake
How deep is Jay Gould Lake?
Jay Gould Lake reaches a maximum depth of 33 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 53% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Jay Gould Lake?
Jay Gould Lake covers about 551.8 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Jay Gould Lake?
Summer water clarity on Jay Gould Lake averages 13.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Jay Gould Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Jay Gould Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Jay Gould Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Jay Gould Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Jay Gould Lake?
Jay Gould Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Jay Gould Lake.
How is the walleye population on Jay Gould Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2022, walleye numbers on Jay Gould Lake ran mostly above the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Jay Gould Lake?
Homes on Jay Gould Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Jay Gould Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Jay Gould Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 53% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 13.2 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Jay Gould Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 5.
Ask us about Jay Gould Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2022), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.