Long Lake

Long Lake near 46.4511, -95.6347 is a lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Long Lake covers about 1,098 acres and reaches a recorded 16 feet.

How the Size and Shape of Long Lake Affect Fishing

Long Lake is too large to fish all at once, so pick one group of coves and points and stay there long enough to learn what the fish are using.

Fish and Baits at Long Lake

Fish reported from Long Lake include black crappie, bluegill, northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch.

Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Sunfish

For panfish at Long Lake, use a small jig or minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds for bluegill, and keep a small jig, minnow or worm close to bottom for yellow perch.

Walleye

For roaming fish at Long Lake, jig a minnow or troll a crankbait along points and deeper edges for walleye.

Northern Pike

For large predators at Long Lake, cast a spoon, spinnerbait or swimbait beside weeds for northern pike.

How the Seasons Change Long Lake

Spring at Long Lake is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is a good time to fish shade, weeds and the first drop into deeper water. Fall at Long Lake can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing Long Lake

On a first trip to Long Lake, check one quiet cove, one rocky or firm point and the nearby deep water with a moving lure, then use a jig or worm where you find fish.

Useful Tackle for Long Lake

A medium spinning rod covers smaller lures at Long Lake, while a heavier rod and stronger leader are better for northern pike.

Long Lake FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 1,098-acre Long Lake?

At Long Lake, pick one cove and the closest point or drop into deep water, then fish that small area well before making a long move.

Should anglers fish the 16-foot deep end of Long Lake?

Not every trip. A better place at Long Lake is where a point, drop-off or group of baitfish gives the fish a reason to stop.

Which reported fish is a simple first target at Long Lake?

Black crappie is on the fish list for Long Lake, so start with a bait made for that fish instead of guessing at a species that may not be there.