Originally known as Little Long Lake; the name was changed to avoid confusion with other Long lakes known locally in the area. A commemorative name was given instead. Solomon "Sam" Cardinal was born at Goodfish Lake on March 18, 1915. He became known as Big Chief. After trapping and hunting for many years, he joined the Canadian Army in 1944 and was killed in the Italian campaign in the same year.

Approximately 60 km north north-east of Lac La Biche.