Gilbert Lake
About Gilbert Lake
Gilbert Lake is a 202-acre lake near Holmes City in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 17 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 8 feet, and has roughly 2.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Gilbert Lake
- 202 acres, up to 17 feet deep, near Holmes City
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 4 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 202 acres
- Max depth
- 17 ft
- Average depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 190 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 10
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Gilbert Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Round Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Garfield81 acres
1.6 miles away
Crooked Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City284 acres
1.6 miles away
Lobster Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City1,334 acres
2.1 miles away
Mill Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria451 acres
2.9 miles away
Blackwell Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City307 acres
4.1 miles away
Grants Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City177 acres
4.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gilbert Lake?
Gilbert Lake is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Holmes City. It covers 202 acres and reaches 17 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Gilbert Lake?
Gilbert Lake covers 202 acres with about 2.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 17 feet and its average depth is about 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at Gilbert Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Gilbert Lake?
Yes. Gilbert Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Gilbert Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Gilbert Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Gilbert Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Gilbert Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.