goldfish Lakes in Minnesota
Found in 4 Minnesota lakes
goldfish is a rough-fish species — typically common in productive, nutrient-rich lakes, sometimes treated as a management nuisance by anglers targeting game-fish. 4 lakes carry documentation. goldfish is narrowly distributed — only 4 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 LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and goldfish documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best goldfish Lakes in Minnesota
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Powderhorn Lake | Hennepin | F | 1.5 ft | 24 ft |
| 2 | Fountain Lake | Freeborn | F | 1.7 ft | 14 ft |
| 3 | Cornelia Lake | Hennepin | F | 0.8 ft | 6.5 ft |
| 4 | Farquar Lake | Dakota | F | 1.7 ft | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Minnesota lakes have goldfish?
goldfish are found in 4 lakes in Minnesota. The average water quality grade of these lakes is F (Very Poor).
What are the best goldfish lakes in Minnesota?
The best goldfish lakes in Minnesota by water quality are Powderhorn Lake, Fountain Lake, Cornelia Lake, Farquar Lake.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.