Lobster Lake
About Lobster Lake
Lobster Lake is a 1,334-acre lake near Holmes City in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 65 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 15 feet, and has roughly 17.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 21, based on 12 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lobster Lake
- 1,334 acres, up to 65 feet deep, near Holmes City
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Average water clarity around 9.9 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,334 acres
- Max depth
- 65 ft
- Average depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 17.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 693 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)
- Swim beach
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 18
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 21
- Years of record
- 12
- Earliest
- March 24, 2016
- Latest
- May 3, 2018
- Most recent
- April 29, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lobster Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Round Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Garfield81 acres
1.5 miles away
Mill Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria451 acres
1.8 miles away
Crooked Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City284 acres
2 miles away
Cook Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City101 acres
2.1 miles away
Gilbert Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City202 acres
2.1 miles away
Mina Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Garfield411 acres
2.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lobster Lake?
Lobster Lake is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Holmes City. It covers 1,334 acres and reaches 65 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lobster Lake?
Lobster Lake covers 1,334 acres with about 17.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 65 feet and its average depth is about 15 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lobster Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lobster Lake?
Yes. Lobster Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lobster Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lobster Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lobster Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lobster Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 21, from 12 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 24, 2016 and the latest is May 3, 2018.
Does Lobster Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lobster Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.