Poyang Lake, China’s largest freshwater lake, serves as a crucial wintering ground for geese of East Asian. This study employed satellite tracking data from 2019 to 2024 to analyze the migratory phenology and spatial distribution patterns of Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons, Swan Goose Anser cygnoides, and Bean Goose Anser fabalis. By integrating duration and home range data, we quantified the importance of Poyang Lake’s sub-lakes to these species. Our results demonstrate phenological differences in arrival and departure timing among the goose species. Greater White-fronted Geese arrived earliest (October 16th to October 28th), followed by Swan Geese (October 9th to November 30th), with Bean Geese arriving latest (November 1st to November 17th). The average overwintering duration in Poyang Lake was approximately 149±8 days for Greater White-fronted Geese, 123±7 days for Bean Geese, and 128±26 days for Swan Geese. Analysis of migratory timing dynamics revealed relative stability and low interannual variation for Greater White-fronted and Bean Geese, while Swan Geese exhibited greater interannual variability. Spatially, protected areas remained the most important distribution areas for geese. However, increasing duration and home range expansion outside of protected areas were observed, particularly for Bean and Swan Geese. This study quantified the duration and spatial utilization of geese in sub-lakes, highlighting their ecological role in supporting migratory goose populations. It also identified important conservation areas for geese and determined protection gaps. We recommend expanding protected area boundaries to cover existing protection gaps and strengthening habitat management measures both inside and outside protected areas to ensure the long-term sustainability of these important wintering habitats. This research provides scientific support for identifying critical habitats and developing targeted conservation strategies for geese and their habitats.