Pocket Lake
About Pocket Lake
Pocket Lake is a 263-acre lake near Holmes City in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 40 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 15 feet, and has roughly 4.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 9, based on 12 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Pocket Lake
- 263 acres, up to 40 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 pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 4.9 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and 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
- 263 acres
- Max depth
- 40 ft
- Average depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 110 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
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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 9
- Years of record
- 12
- Earliest
- March 22, 2016
- Latest
- May 8, 2013
- Most recent
- April 9, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Pocket Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Rachel Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City448 acres
1.8 miles away
Grants Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City177 acres
2.6 miles away
Blackwell Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City307 acres
2.9 miles away
Lake Mary
72 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City2,450 acres
3 miles away
Mill Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria451 acres
4.1 miles away
Freeborn Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Farwell248 acres
4.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pocket Lake?
Pocket Lake is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Holmes City. It covers 263 acres and reaches 40 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pocket Lake?
Pocket Lake covers 263 acres with about 4.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 40 feet and its average depth is about 15 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pocket Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth 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 Pocket Lake?
Yes. Pocket Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Pocket Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Pocket 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 Pocket Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Pocket Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Pocket Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 9, from 12 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 22, 2016 and the latest is May 8, 2013.
Does Pocket Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Pocket Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.