Cisco (Lake Herring) fishing at Strawberry

Come spring, look for cisco (lake herring) tight to the bank in 9 to 37 ft. Through summer count on 11 to 37 ft; the winter hold is 11 to 37 ft. Start at Deep basin. It's a deep basin holding about 37 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 Strawberry

Spring walleye on Strawberry hold shallow, usually 4 to 15 ft. They move out to 15 to 35 ft in summer and finish the year down in 11 to 37 ft. Put Break off the point first on the milk run — a drop-off near 35 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 Strawberry

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 15 to 35 ft. Put Deep basin first on the milk run — a deep basin near 37 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 Strawberry

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. Shallow bay flat is the standout, a weed flat at roughly 1 ft, rated prime for spring 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.

Smallmouth Bass fishing at Strawberry

In spring, smallmouth bass run shallow here, mostly 3 to 12 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 10 to 30 ft, and winter fish settle into 11 to 37 ft. Break off the point is the standout, a drop-off at roughly 35 ft, rated prime for winter smallmouth bass. Time it for early morning and the evening. You won't need more than a drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig most summer days.

Largemouth Bass fishing at Strawberry

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 15 to 35 ft. Winter largemouth bass concentrate at Break off the point, a prime-rated drop-off around 35 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.

How deep is Strawberry?

Strawberry is about 37 ft (11 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth data here comes from the Minnesota DNR survey of 1959, a decades-old survey (the DNR's original lake-survey map).

What fish are in Strawberry?

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

Where is the best fishing spot on Strawberry?

Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 37 ft of water that rates prime for cisco (lake herring) in spring. The interactive chart above rates every spot for each species and season.

When is the best time to fish Strawberry?

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 Strawberry stocked with fish?

Yes — per Minnesota DNR LakeFinder stocking reports records, Strawberry was most recently stocked 2024 with 3,500 walleye (yearlings). The full stocking history is listed above.

What are the fishing regulations for Strawberry?

Fishing on Strawberry 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.