Holy Water Lake

How big is Holy Water Lake?

How deep is Holy Water Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Holy Water Lake?

What are the closest cities to Holy Water Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Holy Water Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Holy Water Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Holy Water Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

Holy Water Lake is located in the northwestern corner of Aitkin County, approximately 7 miles west of Hill City. The lake is 77 acres in size and has a maximum depth of 56 feet. The lake is completely surrounded by county land and although there is no designated public access on the lake, access for small boats or canoes can be gained through a county forest road on the east side of the lake. Because of the lakes unique location, it receives little fishing pressure and has been surveyed periodically since the initial investigation in 1973. There were 8 fish species documented in the 2020 standard survey. Game fish sampled included Walleye, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Bluegill and Pumpkinseed Sunfish and their hybrid.

While no Bluegill were observed in the first two surveys conducted on the lake in 1973 and 1988, it is thought that adult Bluegill were introduced to the lake by anglers sometime in the mid-1990's and eventually established a population. The species was first documented in the lake in 2005, during a routine population assessment. At that point, the Bluegill population was already suffering from over-abundance, with growth rates below normal and average size a mere 4.8 inches.

As an attempt to reduce the abundance of Bluegill and subsequently improve the size structure, an experimental Walleye fingerling stocking study began in 2014, to see if Walleye predation could be used to decrease the abundance and improve the size structure of Bluegill, and possibly create a Walleye fishery at this unique and out-of-the-way lake. Walleye fingerlings were stocked every other year and surplus fry were also stocked in 2019. The catch rate for Walleye in this survey was 3.7/net (above normal ranges for this lake class) and they ranged in size from 12 to 23.9 inches, with a mean length of 18.7 inches.

While the Walleye introduction appears to have been quite successful, so far, improvements in the Bluegill population appear to have been more subtle. Bluegill abundance decreased significantly from an average of 174/trap net in the previous three surveys, to 50/net in 2020; however, this is still above the expected range for this type of lake. Growth rates for Bluegill were unchanged, however, size structure has improved somewhat. The improvement in size structure stems from the decrease in abundance of small fish, from a 3 year average of 128/trap net for fish under 5 inches to just 31/trap net in 2020. Further improvements may yet be forthcoming and will be monitored with future surveys.

Northern Pike also decreased in abundance to 5.7/net in 2020, which now falls within the normal range for this type of lake. Pike abundance has been steadily declining since peaking at an excessive 15/net in 1988. The size structure is still not too great, but it has shown some signs of improvement over the last 2 surveys, which were the only surveys to sample fish over 24 inches. In 2020, the average length was 22.8 inches, with 11 of 17 pike within the 22-26 inch protected slot, plus one fish larger than 26 inches.

Yellow Perch, White Sucker, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, and Brown Bullhead were also present in Holy Water Lake.

With some noticeable improvements in this fishery, anglers are asked to practice selective harvest by releasing larger pike, smaller Walleye, and larger Bluegills. Holy Water Lake is on a path to a substantially improved fishery and assistance from anglers greatly improves the chances for success.

What is the average air temp for Holy Water Lake?

Are there any state parks near Holy Water Lake?