03/09/2026
Article on Lake Mary from Outdoor News:
Lake Mary in Minnesota’s Douglas County is a walleye-maker with a bright future
Glen Schmitt
// January 21, 2026
Ask anglers from Douglas County about Lake Mary, and the vast majority of them will likely provide the same answer: It’s always been a consistent walleye and crappie producer.
That statement remains true today. Mary is one of the area’s more popular walleye and crappie destinations, which says a lot, because there’s no shortage of quality fishing lakes throughout the county.
Improved bluegill size structure in recent years and higher numbers of largemouth bass and northern pike are also part of Mary’s appeal. But there’s no doubt that those fish species take a backseat to walleyes and crappies in this 2,450-acre lake.
Results from a DNR survey conducted last August revealed that the future of Mary as a legitimate walleye fishery continues to look promising. Gill nets averaged 13 walleyes per set, highlighted by strong year-classes from 2021 and 2022. Those walleyes are currently between 15 and 18 inches in length.
“Mary has been pretty consistent with its walleye numbers in most surveys, typically 10 to 12 walleyes per net, which is always higher than other lakes in its type of (lake) class,” said Bill McKibbin, DNR assistant fisheries supervisor in Glenwood.
“Those two year-classes were big, and (the fish) grow fast in Mary. The lake is in great shape right now to produce eating-sized walleyes for anglers.”
Not only does the Alex-area’s Lake Mary hold plentiful walleyes, but also the fish in this lake tend to grow fast, too. Plenty of “eaters” now are available.
It takes only about three years for a walleye to reach 15 inches in Mary. While there’s some limited natural reproduction that occurs, the DNR stocks more than 1.6 million walleye fry during even-numbered years, and its lake association stocks walleye fingerlings during the odd years. It’s those stocked walleyes that carry the population.
According to Andrew Coopet, manager at Christopherson’s Bait and Tackle in Alexandria, Lake Mary is an excellent choice for walleyes right out of the gate each spring. It’s a popular and productive lake on the fishing opener each year, and that action tends to continue through June before quieting down a bit until the fall and winter fishing seasons.
“We have some good walleye lakes in this area, but I’d say Mary is in the top five, especially during the front half of the season,” Coopet said. “What’s been good to see this year is that we have those fish under 14 inches, 10 – to 12-inch walleyes coming up, along with those 15- to 18-inchers.”
Mary’s crappie population remains in good shape as well, which just adds to its legacy as a go-to crappie lake in these parts. These aren’t necessarily dinner plate-sized black crappies, but the lake has long provided good numbers of solid, 10- to 12-inch fish – a trend that’s ongoing as well.
Its bluegills have always been abundant, but in the past didn’t offer much for size. That seems to be changing a bit, based on DNR survey results and anecdotal reports from anglers.
While 6- to 7-inch bluegills are common, there have been more fish around 8 inches showing up.
Abundant submerged vegetation and established bulrush beds provide ideal panfish habitat. That’s paramount to spawning and recruitment, because Mary’s panfish receive significant pressure, especially in the spring and winter. Much of it occurs on the southwest end, commonly known as Little Mary Lake.
“We saw good crappie numbers in last year’s survey, including some fish over 12 inches. Mary provides good crappie fishing,” McKibbin said. “You can sort through your bluegills, but we’re seeing more fish over 8 inches recently.”
It’s relatively easy to catch largemouth bass on Mary, but it’s more of a numbers game. Pike are also present, but in low numbers, and offer a size structure that features small pike.
“It’s not known for giant bass, but there are plenty of them throughout the lake,” Coopet said. “If you’re just looking to get bites and catch 15- to 16-inch bass, you can consistently do that on Mary.”
