Holt

Holt Lake is a 163 acre lake, with a maximum depth of 29 feet, located 2 miles south of Garrison, MN in Crow Wing County. Holt is in the Rum River Watershed. A nearshore survey was conducted to assess the populations of both game and non-game fish species. Ten 100-foot long sampling stations were evenly spaced around the lakeshore. Each station was then sampled by backpack electrofishing, and if conditions allowed with a 15-foot or 50-foot 1/8th inch seine. The survey took place on June 26, 2025, with all 10 stations sampled by backpack electrofishing. The 15-foot seine was used at 5 stations, and the 50-foot seine was used at 2 stations. Soft bottom and heavy vegetation prevented the use of seines at the other sampling sites. Fifteen species were sampled, including three species that are intolerant of habitat disturbance: Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass. This nearshore survey will be used along with the gill net and trap net survey collected on June 23-25, 2025, to calculate a Fish-Based Index of Biotic Integrity (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health by the types of fish species present and compare it to what is expected for this type of lake.

Holt Lake is a 163 acre lake located three miles south of Garrison in Crow Wing County. Holt has a maximum depth of 29 feet with no public access. The fisheries survey crew accessed Holt through a private landowner. Holt was surveyed June 23-25, 2025, to assess fish populations and provide angler information. This was the fourth survey conducted on Holt, and the first since 1990. Anglers can expect to have good action for quality sized Northern Pike. Northern Pike had a gill net catch rate of 11.0/net and their size ranged from 17.1 to 33.8 inches with an average of 23.9 inches. Northern Pike in the protected 22-26 inch slot made up 9% of the catch and an impressive 44% were at least 26 inches in length. Selective harvest of larger fish will help maintain the current good size structure. Growth was fast compared to area lakes with fish reaching 25 inches by age 4. Panfish anglers should be able to target Bluegills in Holt. The 2025 trap net catch of 29.8/net was below the lake average of 46.7/net. Fish ranged from 3.1 to 8.2 inches with an average of 6.0 inches. Bluegill at least 7 inches in length made up 22% of the catch. Eight year classes were sampled with age 7 fish making up 38% of the catch. Growth was average compared to similar lakes. Net catches of Black Crappie have varied considerably during past surveys. Inconsistent recruitment is a common trait of crappie populations, leading to variable catch rates and boom and bust angling cycles. Only three Black Crappies were captured in both gears combined and ranged in length from 8.9 to 9.3 inches. Other fish sampled included Bowfin (Dogfish), Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Yellow Bullhead and Yellow Perch.

The fish population levels in numbers and average size of fish as determined from the range of median values for appropriate types of gear are indicated in the following table. High population levels are indicated by catch rates above the third quartile and low population levels by catch rates below the first quartile. Catch rates falling between the first and third quartile are indicative of average, or normal numbers for a particular species. Average size of fish for a particular species or mean weight per individuals fish are listed as small, average and large. Average size is indicated by mean weight falling between the first the first and third quartile. Small size is indicated by mean weight below the first quartile and large size by mean weight above the third quartile.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Rock Bass, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Hybrid Sunfish in Holt. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Holt. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Holt has a maximum depth of 29 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Holt is from 2025.

Yes — Holt has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.