Fishing Grand Lake St Marys
AKA: St Marys Lake
Popular Fish Species Grand Lake St Marys, OH
Largemouth Bass Fishing
This year, largemouth bass are growing large in Grand Lake St Marys due to excellent fisheries management and plenty of cover for both baitfish and bass. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.
Crappie Fishing
Both black crappie and white crappie reside in Grand Lake St Marys, and crappie are a very popular species this year. The lake has plenty of brush piles where the crappie like to hang out. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water. White crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a quick limit of crappie.
Channel Catfish Fishing
This year a healthy population of channel cats populate the waters of Grand Lake St Marys, and can be found all around the lake. In Spring channel cats migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river, away from the main lake. Night fishing for channel catfish often delivers better results than fishing during the day. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Other catfish in the lake include flathead catfish.
Grand Lake St Marys Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill and yellow perch at Grand Lake St Marys in Ohio.
An excellent vacation destination, Grand Lake St Marys is a 12,700-acre lake offering all types of water sports, swimming, boating and fishing. Public access is available at multiple locations along the 52 miles of shoreline, some areas with picnic areas.
Grand Lake St. Marys, located in western Ohio, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a diverse range of recreational activities. With its expansive waters and beautiful surroundings, Grand Lake St. Marys offers excellent fishing, boating, and camping experiences.
Fishing at Grand Lake St. Marys provides anglers with the opportunity to target various fish species. The lake is known for its abundant populations of crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and saugeye. Anglers can cast their lines from the shoreline, fish from a boat, or explore the lake's numerous coves and structure-rich areas for optimal fishing spots. With its diverse fishery, Grand Lake St. Marys offers something for anglers of all skill levels.
A marina and seven boat ramps provide easy access for boats of all types to launch and navigate this fishing paradise. The lake is set amongst the farm land and small communities of St Marys, Celina and Montezuma in northwest Ohio. The lake is reasonably shallow with cover for fish and bait limited to brush and trees in the water. Perch, bluegill, walleye, crappie, catfish and bass swim in these waters and compete for the natural food resources and gizzard shad. Rental boats are available or bring your own pleasure boat, pontoon, sailboat or fishing boat and enjoy this relaxing waterway. Try ice fishing in winter, when the ice is safe, for crappie, bluegill and yellow perch.
Primary fish species residing in Grand Lake St Marys
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Grand Lake St Marys Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a favorite activity at Grand Lake St. Marys, offering visitors a chance to explore the expansive waters and take in the scenic beauty. The lake allows various types of watercraft, including powerboats, pontoon boats, and kayaks. Boaters can enjoy leisurely cruises, engage in water sports activities, or simply relax on the calm waters while enjoying the stunning views. Multiple boat ramps and marinas are available, ensuring easy access to the lake for boating enthusiasts.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Bayview Sun & Snow Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
419 268-2726
Kozy Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
419 394-8797
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
West Bank Park Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off W Bank Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Windy Point Road Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake,south side, off Windy Point Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Marinas
Bayview Sun & Snow Marina
5350 Bayview Rd
Celina, OH 45822
419 268-2726
Kozy Marina
8500 State Rte 703
Celina, OH 45822
419 394-8797
Fishing Guides On Grand Lake St Marys
Matt Tuttle Fishing, Crappie Guide - crappie
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Ohio Fishing License.
Camping facilities at Grand Lake St. Marys cater to those looking to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. The Grand Lake St. Marys State Park offers a range of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Campers can enjoy the serene ambiance, partake in outdoor activities, and take advantage of the lake's fishing and boating opportunities.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Kozy Kamp Ground - 419 268-2275
Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Campground - 937 295-2011
Hecht's Landing Campground - 419 394-6433
E-Z Campground & Diner - 419 520-9168
Grand Lake St Marys OH Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Grand Lake St Marys
Grand Lake St. Marys State Park
34 Edgewater Drive
St. Marys, Ohio 45885
419 394-3611
Fishing lakes in each state.
031424
Grand Lake St Marys in Ohio.
OHIO
Grand Lake St Marys offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities in northwest Ohio.
