Mary Lake
Todd County, Minnesota
Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be moderately active with peak fishing times around 3-5 PM. SEE MORE
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mary Lake, MN
- How big is Mary Lake?
- How deep is Mary Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Mary Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Mary Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Mary Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Mary Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Mary Lake?
- What are the fishing regulations for Mary Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Mary Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Mary Lake?
How big is Mary Lake?
How deep is Mary Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Mary Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Brook Silverside, Central Mudminnow, Common Shiner, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Least Darter, Tadpole Madtom and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Mary Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Mary Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Mary Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Mary Lake?
What are the fishing regulations for Mary Lake?
There are specific fishing regulations Mary 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?
Explore the Mary Lake area in a RV
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What aquatic invasive species are found in Mary Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
A standard survey using six gill nets and nine standard trap nets was completed on Mary Lake during the week of July 3, 2023. Two targeted trap nets were set in mid-May to assess impacts from a suspected winterkill. Catch results confirmed the occurrence of a partial but significant winterkill. Species captured included bullheads (mostly Black), Black Crappie (many), Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Bowfin. Large numbers of dead sunfish, carp, bass, Walleye, and crappie were observed. The evidence suggests that the fish kill likely eliminated (Walleye) and severely depressed bass and sunfish populations. Electrofishing earlier in the spring indicated the presence of live Largemouth Bass and Bluegill though in small numbers. Walleye fingerlings were stocked in the fall of 2023. Conditions may be ideal for Walleye fingerling survival due to reduced pike abundance and competition from other fish species.
Mary Lake is primarily managed for Bluegill and Northern Pike and secondarily for Walleye, Black Crappie and Largemouth Bass. Gill netting captured a total of six species with Black Bullheads and Northern Pike the most common species captured. Other species captured included Black Crappie, Brown Bullhead, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.
Trap nets caught a total of eight species, the most common of which were Bluegills. Although numbers were lower they were still within the range we'd expect to see in a lake like Mary. Mary Lake was selected for inclusion in the statewide Quality Sunfish Initiative (QSI) which attempts to protect and/or enhance the quality of sunfish fisheries. While uncommon for Mary Lake, the recent winterkill unfortunately set back progress at achieving a better Bluegill fishery. Growth rates are very good though, and we expect the fishery to rebound quickly. Species other than Bluegill that were caught in trap nets included Bowfin, Green Sunfish, Hybrid sunfish, and Pumpkinseed.
Mary Lake's fishery prior to the 2023 winterkill can be characterized as supporting an abundance of small pike and a low-density Walleye population as evidenced by the 2017 survey. Pike over 30 inches continue to reside in Mary Lake. Black Crappie and Bluegill were abundant, with Bluegill showing high rates of growth but only small to average size-quality. Crappie growth rates were poor presumably due to a high density population. Hopefully crappie growth rates improve with the lowered abundance resulting from the winterkill. The Largemouth Bass population was considered good with multiple year classes present.
What is the average air temp for Mary Lake?
Are there any state parks near Mary Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Mary Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Lovell Lake | 1.7 mi | 69 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 1.8 mi | 15 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 2.5 mi | 25 | |
| Lake Beautiful | 2.9 mi | 30 | 0 ft |
| Cedar Lake | 3.0 mi | 236 | 88 ft |
| St. Anna Lake | 3.2 mi | 126 | 107 ft |
| Stump Lake | 3.6 mi | 20 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 3.7 mi | 12 | |
| Rock Lake | 4.1 mi | 10 | |
| Pine Lake | 4.2 mi | 178 | 59 ft |
