Cisco (Lake Herring) fishing at McCraney

Start shallow in spring: cisco (lake herring) sit in 10 to 40 ft that time of year. They don't go far with the seasons — 12 to 40 ft covers summer, 12 to 40 ft covers winter. Top water on the chart: Deep basin, a deep basin in the 40 ft range, prime in spring. Fish it in early morning and you'll meet the bite. Throw a vertical flutter spoon (small) or a drop-shot micro plastic until the fish tell you otherwise.

Walleye fishing at McCraney

In spring, walleye run shallow here, mostly 4 to 15 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 15 to 35 ft, and winter fish settle into 20 to 40 ft. Break off the point is the standout, a drop-off at roughly 19 ft, rated prime for fall walleye. Time it for the evening and early morning. You won't need more than a crawler harness on bottom bouncer or a deep crankbait (trolled) most summer days.

Yellow Perch fishing at McCraney

The spring pattern is a shallow one: yellow perch in 3 to 12 ft. As the season builds they drop to 10 to 30 ft, wintering in 15 to 35 ft. Top water on the chart: Break off the point, a drop-off in the 19 ft range, prime in summer. Time it for early morning. Summer baits: a drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm gets it done.

Northern Pike fishing at McCraney

When the water first warms, northern pike slide up into 2 to 8 ft. By summer they slide out to 8 to 20 ft, and by winter most fish are in 5 to 15 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Shallow bay flat: a weed flat around 1 ft that scores prime in spring. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening. Keep a bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage rigged through the warm months.

Largemouth Bass fishing at McCraney

Come spring, look for largemouth bass tight to the bank in 2 to 10 ft. Expect a summer slide to 8 to 20 ft, then a winter hold in 15 to 35 ft. Start at Break off the point. It's a drop-off holding about 19 ft of water and rates prime come winter. Prime time lands in early morning and the evening. A texas-rigged 10" worm or a deep-diving crankbait is the honest summer answer here.

Rock Bass fishing at McCraney

Start shallow in spring: rock bass sit in 2 to 10 ft that time of year. Warm water sends them out to 5 to 20 ft; cold water stacks them in 12 to 30 ft. Top water on the chart: Break off the point, a drop-off in the 19 ft range, prime in fall. Fish it in the evening and you'll meet the bite. Throw a ned rig (small) or a marabou jig until the fish tell you otherwise.

How deep is McCraney?

McCraney is about 40 ft (12 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth data here comes from the Minnesota DNR survey of 1971, a decades-old survey (the DNR's original lake-survey map).

What fish are in McCraney?

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

Where is the best fishing spot on McCraney?

Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 40 ft of water that rates prime for cisco (lake herring) in spring. Scroll up to the map for the complete spot list by species and season.

When is the best time to fish McCraney?

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 McCraney stocked with fish?

Yes — per Minnesota DNR LakeFinder stocking reports records, McCraney was most recently stocked 2025 with 168 walleye (fingerlings). The full stocking history is listed above.

What are the fishing regulations for McCraney?

Fishing on McCraney 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.