Lake Mary near Winsted: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  In Minnesota, Lake Mary belongs to McLeod County. The water sits 1,001 feet up. Around 181 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. About 2.3 miles of bank, so nothing stays unexplored for long. It is low-lying compared with other Minnesota water we list. The town to know is Winsted, 2.5 miles out. Further out sit Howard Lake (5.1 miles) and Waverly (5.6 miles). The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Lake Mary

  Sounding records show water to about 54 feet. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Species logged across McLeod County include largemouth bass, common carp, walleye, northern pike and bluegill. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Lake Mary gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 72°F in July and bottom out at 11°F in January. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near early April. Break-up sits around early April on average, with the water closing again about late November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. That is the shape of the year on Lake Mary.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Should this one be busy, Dog Lake is 1 mile off. For Lake Mary, the notice at the access point is the final word.