Cisco (Lake Herring) fishing at Mary

Come spring, look for cisco (lake herring) tight to the bank in 8 to 30 ft. Through summer count on 9 to 30 ft; the winter hold is 9 to 30 ft. Start at Deep basin. It's a deep basin holding about 30 ft of water and rates prime come spring. Prime time lands in early morning. A vertical flutter spoon (small) or a drop-shot micro plastic is the honest summer answer here.

Walleye fishing at Mary

Spring walleye on Mary hold shallow, usually 4 to 15 ft. They move out to 9 to 30 ft in summer and finish the year down in 9 to 30 ft. Put Break off the point first on the milk run — a drop-off near 15 ft that grades prime for fall. The feeding windows run the evening and early morning. The summer box starts with a crawler harness on bottom bouncer or a deep crankbait (trolled).

Yellow Perch fishing at Mary

Early season yellow perch use the shallows, holding in 3 to 12 ft. Expect a summer slide to 10 to 30 ft, then a winter hold in 9 to 30 ft. Put Deep basin first on the milk run — a deep basin near 30 ft that grades prime for fall. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning. Tie on a drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm and you're in the game.

Northern Pike fishing at Mary

In spring, northern pike run shallow here, mostly 2 to 8 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 8 to 20 ft, and winter fish settle into 5 to 15 ft. Break off the point is the standout, a drop-off at roughly 15 ft, rated prime for fall northern pike. Time it for early morning and the evening. You won't need more than a bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage most summer days.

Largemouth Bass fishing at Mary

Spring puts largemouth bass in skinny water — 2 to 10 ft is the zone. As the season builds they drop to 8 to 20 ft, wintering in 9 to 30 ft. Winter largemouth bass concentrate at Break off the point, a prime-rated drop-off around 15 ft. Warm-month bites cluster around early morning and the evening. A texas-rigged 10" worm or a deep-diving crankbait covers the summer program.

Rock Bass fishing at Mary

Come spring, look for rock bass tight to the bank in 2 to 10 ft. Expect a summer slide to 5 to 20 ft, then a winter hold in 12 to 30 ft. Start at Break off the point. It's a drop-off holding about 15 ft of water and rates prime come fall. Prime time lands in the evening. A ned rig (small) or a marabou jig is the honest summer answer here.

How deep is Mary?

Mary is about 30 ft (9 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth data here comes from the Minnesota DNR survey of 1955, a decades-old survey (a topographic-map survey).

What fish are in Mary?

Anglers target cisco (lake herring), walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, largemouth bass, rock bass, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead, common carp on Mary.

Where is the best fishing spot on Mary?

Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 30 ft of water that rates prime for cisco (lake herring) in spring. The map above holds the full rated-spot list for every species and season.

When is the best time to fish Mary?

For cisco (lake herring), the summer bite is best in early morning. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.

Is Mary stocked with fish?

Yes — per Minnesota DNR LakeFinder stocking reports records, Mary was most recently stocked 2024 with 1,644,000 walleye (fry). The full stocking history is listed above.

What are the fishing regulations for Mary?

Fishing on Mary is regulated by the Minnesota DNR. Check the official Minnesota regulations for current license requirements, season dates, and size and bag limits — special regulations can apply to this specific water.