Little Jay Gould Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Cohasset. DNR lake ID 31056600.
Little Jay Gould Lake is a 150-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Cohasset. Its deepest point reaches 56 ft, and about 52% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 20.3 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the oligotrophic 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 | 31056600 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Cohasset |
| Surface area | 150 acres |
| Maximum depth | 56 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 52% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 20.3 ft through 2024 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 19.0 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 2.0 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Oligotrophic |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2024: clarity 20.3 ft, phosphorus 19.0 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 2.0 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Little Jay Gould Lake rates as oligotrophic.
Fishing on Little 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 | 2.0 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.14 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 7.0 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.57 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 5.5 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.86 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.67 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.14 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 26.14 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.5 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.17 | 0.2 to 1.0 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.33 | 0.7 to 6.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 2.33 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 3.0 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 4.17 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.57 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.86 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 10.0 in (2022), Northern pike 34.0 in (2022), Smallmouth bass 13.0 in (2022), Walleye 25.0 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, 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
- Little Jay Gould Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 4 trailer spaces. 2 mi SE of Cohasset to N shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Jay Gould Lake 0.7 mi, Itasca County
- Tioga Mine Pit 1.3 mi, Itasca County
- Little Cavanaugh Lake 1.5 mi, Itasca County
- Cavanaugh Lake 1.6 mi, Itasca County
- Loon Lake 1.6 mi, Itasca County
- Forsythe Lake 1.8 mi, Itasca County
- Long Lake 2.0 mi, Itasca County
- Blandin Lake 2.5 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Little Jay Gould Lake
How deep is Little Jay Gould Lake?
Little Jay Gould Lake reaches a maximum depth of 56 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 52% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Little Jay Gould Lake?
Little Jay Gould Lake covers about 150 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Little Jay Gould Lake?
Summer water clarity on Little Jay Gould Lake averages 20.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2024. Its trophic state is oligotrophic.
Does Little Jay Gould Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Little Jay Gould Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Little 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 Little Jay Gould Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Little Jay Gould Lake?
Little Jay Gould Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Little Jay Gould Lake.
How is the walleye population on Little Jay Gould Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2008 to 2022, walleye numbers on Little Jay Gould Lake ran mostly within 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 Little Jay Gould Lake?
Homes on Little 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 Little Jay Gould Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Little Jay Gould Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 52% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 20.3 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Jay Gould Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 5.
Ask us about Little 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.