Holland

Holland Lake is a mesotrophic, class 33 basin with an area of 32.5 acres (22.5 littoral acres) and maximum depth of over 55 feet. The lake is currently managed by the Fishing in the Neighborhood (FiN) program. Holland is located entirely within Lebanon Hills County Park in the City of Eagan. There is a fishing pier at the park, and recreational boating is restricted to kayaks and canoes. The fish community primarily includes Northern Pike, Bluegill and Largemouth Bass. Yearling Rainbow Trout are stocked every fall, providing a put-and-take winter trout fishery. Additionally, adult Brown and Rainbow Trout are stocked when available. Northern Pike were sampled at a rate of 5.0 fish per gill net in 2024, falling between the first quartile and median catch rates for the lake class, and slightly below the 2013 rate of 8.5 fish per gill net. Historical catch rates for Northern Pike have ranged from 0.50 to 8.50 fish per gill net since 1975, with an average of 4.9 fish per gill net over the past five surveys (since 1995). The proportion of larger pike has increased since 2013. Northern Pike lengths ranged from 15.55 to 30.39 inches, with a mean of 23.82 inches and a mean weight of 3.19 pounds. Bluegills were sampled at a rate of 4.5 fish per trap net, slightly above the first quartile for the lake class but the second-lowest catch rate recorded for Bluegill in this lake. Historical catch rates range from 10.50 to 49.75 fish per trap net, except a rate of 0.25 fish per trap net in 1980. The 2024 catch rate falls below 24.06 fish per trap net, which is the average catch rate across the last five surveys (since 1995). In 2024, Bluegill lengths ranged from 3.35 to 5.2 inches, with a mean of 4.28 inches. While not a preferred sampling method, gill nets captured Largemouth Bass at a rate of 1.00 fish per gill net, the median for this lake class. The two bass captured were both 15.55 inches in length, with a mean weight of 2.04 pounds. Historical surveys indicate low catch rates for Largemouth Bass, with 0.50 fish per gill net recorded in 2013 and 1995, and no bass sampled in 2007 and 2001. Pumpkinseed Sunfish and Hybrid Sunfish have historically been present in low abundance in trap net surveys. In 2013, both species reached their highest recorded catch rates, at 10.88 and 6.75 fish per trap net, respectively. In 2024, catch rates declined to 1.75 Pumpkinseed Sunfish and 0.88 Hybrid Sunfish per trap net. Pumpkinseed Sunfish had a mean length of 4.72 inches, while Hybrid Sunfish averaged 5.2 inches. Although Rainbow Trout are stocked annually (and Brown Trout periodically) in Holland Lake, none were captured in the nets in 2024. Additionally, one 16.54-inch White Sucker was sampled.

The fish population of this lake primarily consists of Northern Pike, Bluegill and Largemouth Bass. Recent management efforts on Holland Lake have focused on attempting to establish a 2 story fishery that supports the periodic stocking of stream trout species. Brown Trout have been observed in previous surveys but none were captured during this survey. When present these fish are surplus brood stock culled from the state hatchery system and stocked in the fall to provide a put-and-take winter fishery. Northern Pike were sampled well above the median levels for abundance and at the median level for mean weight in 2013. The average size NOP captured was approximately 20.78 inches and 2.78 pounds. Bluegills were sampled in the highest abundance of any species during this survey. The trap net catch rate for Bluegill was the highest ever recorded for this lake, but the average size is small with only 23 individuals out of total of 397 (6%) larger than 6.0 inches in length being captured. Growth rates for Northern Pike and Bluegill were found to be below average when compared to statewide averages. Other panfish seen during this survey were Pumpkinseed and Hybrid Sunfish, each of which was also sampled in their highest abundance ever. These other panfish were found to be small in size and have poor to slow growth for lakes similar to Holland Lake. Six Largemouth Bass were observed in the sampling gear, these fish had an average length of 12.36 inches and an average weight of 1.42 lbs. Some other fish seen in during this survey were Black Crappie which were observed in low numbers and were of small size and Green Sunfish which were also not very numerous and small in size.

The fish population of this lake has primarily consisted of Northern Pike (NOP), Bluegill (BLG) and Largemouth Bass (LMB). Recent management efforts on Holland Lake have focused on attempting to establish a 2 story fishery that supports the periodic stocking of stream trout species. Two adult Brown Trout (BNT) averaging 21.32" TL and 4.08 pounds were captured during this survey. These fish were surplus brood stock that had been culled from the state hatchery system and stocked the previous Fall to provide a put-and-take fishery. Northern Pike (NOP) were sampled below the median levels for abundance and above the median level for mean weight in 2007. The average size NOP captured was approximately 22.6 inches and 2.8 pounds. Bluegill (BLG) were sampled in the highest abundance of any species during this survey. The trap net catch rate for BLG was the highest ever recorded for this lake, but no individuals larger than 5.7 inches in length were captured. The average size for sampled BLG is 4.5 inches and 0.05 pounds (19.5 fish/lb). Growth rates for NOP and BLG were found to be below average.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Brown Trout, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, and White Crappie in Holland. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Holland. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Holland has a maximum depth of 55 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Holland is from 2024.

Yes — Holland has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.