Goldfish Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 3 graded lakes across 1 state
Goldfish is a rough-fish species — typically common in productive, nutrient-rich lakes, sometimes treated as a management nuisance by anglers targeting game-fish. 3 lakes carry documentation. Goldfish is narrowly distributed — only 3 lakes in Minnesota 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 Goldfish lake list below against the letter grades: lakes with both an A or B grade and Goldfish documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Water Quality of Goldfish Lakes
Best Goldfish Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with goldfish ranked by overall water quality grade.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Grade | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Powderhorn Lake | Hennepin | MN | F | 24 ft | 6 |
| 2 | Farquar Lake | Dakota | MN | F | - | 5 |
| 3 | Fountain Lake | Freeborn | MN | NR | 14 ft | 17 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have goldfish?
Goldfish are found in 3 graded lakes: 3 in Minnesota. The average water quality grade of lakes with goldfish is F (Algae-prone).
What are the best lakes for goldfish?
The best goldfish lakes by water quality are Powderhorn Lake, Farquar Lake, Fountain Lake. These lakes have the highest water quality grades among all lakes where goldfish have been documented by state DNR surveys.
What other fish are found with goldfish?
Goldfish are most commonly found alongside black bullhead, goldfish, bluegill, channel catfish, hybrid sunfish. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Goldfish Lakes
Found together in 3 lakes · 937 total
Found together in 2 lakes · 1,601 total
Found together in 2 lakes · 135 total
Found together in 2 lakes · 1,120 total
Found together in 2 lakes · 1,370 total
Found together in 2 lakes · 1,428 total
Fish species from state agency survey, stocking, and public fishing-access records; water-quality grades from the EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys. Species profiles are general reference; always check current state regulations before fishing.