Lake Mary
About Lake Mary
Lake Mary is a 2,450-acre lake near Holmes City in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 40 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 17 feet, and has roughly 11.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. 2 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 13, based on 51 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Mary
- 2,450 acres, up to 40 feet deep, near Holmes City
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 5.9 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,450 acres
- Max depth
- 40 ft
- Average depth
- 17 ft
- Shoreline
- 11.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,096 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping (2 mapped)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 17
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 13
- Years of record
- 51
- Earliest
- March 25, 2016
- Latest
- May 2, 1979
- Most recent
- April 11, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
2 campgrounds are mapped on or near Lake Mary. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Mary
Compare Lake Mary against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Mill Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria451 acres
2.9 miles away
Pocket Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City263 acres
3 miles away
Grants Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City177 acres
3 miles away
Cook Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City101 acres
3.1 miles away
Lake Andrew
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Forada923 acres
3.2 miles away
Blackwell Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City307 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Mary?
Lake Mary is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Holmes City. It covers 2,450 acres and reaches 40 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Mary?
Lake Mary covers 2,450 acres with about 11.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 40 feet and its average depth is about 17 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Mary?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Mary?
Yes. Lake Mary has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Mary?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake Mary stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Mary; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lake Mary?
The median ice-out date is April 13, from 51 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 25, 2016 and the latest is May 2, 1979.
Can you camp at Lake Mary?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Lake Mary have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Mary as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.