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Minnesota · Fishing
Holmes City Township sits in west-central Minnesota's lake country, and while it won't show up on a lot of fishing itineraries, the three lakes here — Cricken Lake, North Lake Oscar, and Pocket Lake — give anglers a low-pressure alternative to the more trafficked waters nearby.
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Holmes City Township sits in west-central Minnesota's lake country, and while it won't show up on a lot of fishing itineraries, the three lakes here — Cricken Lake, North Lake Oscar, and Pocket Lake — give anglers a low-pressure alternative to the more trafficked waters nearby. All three are lake fisheries, which in this part of Minnesota typically means walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish, though the exact mix varies by water body. Cricken Lake and Pocket Lake are smaller and tend to attract local regulars rather than destination crowds, making them worth a look if you want to fish without competing for launch ramp space. North Lake Oscar connects to a broader lake system and generally holds more fish variety. None of these lakes require a long hike or a specialized rig — a basic boat or canoe setup works fine, and shore fishing is possible at accessible points. Minnesota's standard fishing license applies across all three, and the state's open-water season runs roughly mid-May through February, with ice fishing a real option in winter. If you're planning a trip specifically around these waters, it's worth calling the Minnesota DNR's regional office to get current conditions before you load up the truck.
All three are lake fisheries in west-central Minnesota, so walleye, northern pike, largemouth or smallmouth bass, and panfish like bluegill and crappie are the most likely targets. The Minnesota DNR maintains stocking records by lake on their online fish survey tool, which is the best place to check what's actually been documented in Cricken Lake, North Lake Oscar, and Pocket Lake specifically.
A boat or canoe gives you the most flexibility on all three lakes, but shore access is possible depending on where you park and what's posted. Smaller lakes like Cricken and Pocket tend to have shallower, more accessible banks than larger systems. Check for posted private property before setting up, since shoreline ownership varies.
Cricken Lake
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
North Lake Oscar
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Pocket Lake
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Eng Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Lobster Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Holleque Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Larson Lake
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Holleque Lake
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Irgens Lake
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Anderson Lake
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Lake Agnes
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Thompson Lake
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
You need a standard Minnesota fishing license, available through the DNR's online licensing system or at local bait shops. Minnesota's general statewide regulations apply here, but always check the DNR's current regulations booklet for any lake-specific slot limits or size restrictions on walleye or northern pike before you go.
Early summer, right after the walleye opener in mid-May, is typically productive across Minnesota lake fisheries. Fall is also strong for northern pike and bass as water temps drop. Ice fishing from roughly December through February is a legitimate option on all three lakes when ice thickness is safe — check local conditions before heading out.
Early morning and the hour before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for walleye and bass in Minnesota lakes. Midday fishing in summer can slow down significantly as sunlight penetrates shallow water and fish move deeper. On overcast days, fish tend to stay active longer through the afternoon.
