Goose Pond in Linn County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  You will find Goose Pond in Linn County, Iowa. It lies 738 feet above sea level. The closest town, Center Point, is 3.2 miles distant. For a city, Cedar Rapids is 12 miles off. Within a short drive: Big Lewis Lake sits 1.1 miles out, Williams Lake the better part of 1.7 miles, Robbins Lake sits 11 miles out, Cedar Lake the better part of 13 miles and Timber Lake sits 24 miles out. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Goose Pond

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. County-wide records name bluegill, green sunfish, black crappie, channel catfish and common carp. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. On Goose Pond a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 74°F and January at 18°F. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. The lid usually goes in late March, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Open water usually runs from late March until about mid December. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. On Goose Pond that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. Goose Pond Natural Area runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try Big Lewis Lake, 1.1 miles away. None of that is settled for Goose Pond in what we hold.