Goldeye Lakes in Minnesota
Found in 7 Minnesota lakes · 6 in North Dakota
Rough fish like Goldeye are often associated with eutrophic, nutrient-loaded waters. Their presence — documented in 6 Minnesota lakes — is often a signal of how the rest of the fishery is functioning. Goldeye is narrowly distributed — only 6 lakes in North Dakota have a documented record. The constraint is usually habitat: cold water, specific depth profile, or river connection.
Rough-fish-dominant lakes are worth checking the grade on: a rough-fish-heavy fishery often reflects an underlying nutrient-loading problem in the watershed. Cross-reference the Goldeye lake list below against the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and Goldeye documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best Goldeye Lakes in Minnesota
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Upper Red Lake: West-Central | Beltrami | D | 2 ft | 15 ft |
| 2 | Upper Red Lake: East | Beltrami | D | 2 ft | 15 ft |
| 3 | Upper Red Lake: West | Beltrami | D | 2 ft | 15 ft |
| 4 | Upper Red Lake: East Central | Beltrami | D | 2 ft | 15 ft |
| 5 | Upper Red Lake: Central | Beltrami | D | 2 ft | 15 ft |
| 6 | Pepin Lake | Pepin | F | 3 ft | 60 ft |
| 7 | Spring Lake | Dakota | F | 2.1 ft | 17 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Minnesota lakes have goldeye?
Goldeye are found in 7 lakes in Minnesota. The average water quality grade of these lakes is D (Poor).
What are the best goldeye lakes in Minnesota?
The best goldeye lakes in Minnesota by water quality are Upper Red Lake: West-Central, Upper Red Lake: East, Upper Red Lake: West, Upper Red Lake: East Central, Upper Red Lake: Central.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.