Long Lake

How big is Long Lake?

How deep is Long Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Long Lake?

Are there boat launches on Long Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Long Lake?

Long Lake is a shallow, turbid lake which has experienced occasional winterkill events. The West Branch of the Chippewa River flows through Long Lake and provides a heavy load of nutrient laden sediments from the predominantly agricultural watershed. Water quality and clarity are poor and the aquatic plant community is limited. Submergent vegetation grows to a depth of only 3.0 feet. Emergent vegetation is sparse.

Despite Long Lake's history, no winterkills have been documented in recent years. As such, a more abundant and diverse gamefish community has become established.

Survey statistics describe an abundant northern pike population. Mean length of northern pike sampled in Long Lake was 19.4 inches; however, two fish exceeded 37.0 inches. Over two-thirds of northern pike captured were young fish hatched in 2010 and 2011. Barring a winterkill event, these fish should provide quality angling opportunities by 2014.

Walleye catches averaged 6.2 fish/gillnet, whcih isll within the range of expected catches for similar lakes. Age distribution of 2012 captures correlates well with the odd-year fry stocking chronology. Walleye grow fast in Long Lake. Older walleyes grew to average 17.8 inches by age 4. Mean size was 17.1 inches and 2.3 pounds. Twenty percent of walleye captured during the 2012 survey exceeded 20.0 inches in length.

Key members of the sunfish family include largemouth bass, bluegill and black crappie. All three species' catches increased since the previous survey. Population densities are not excessive and subsequently growth rate and sized distribution are good. Largemouth bass were sampled from Long Lake for the first time. Electrofishing effort yielded 30.0 fish per hour. Their origin is unknown. Unauthorized stocking by private individuals or migration into the lake via the West Branch of the Chippewa River are plausible explanations. Survey statistics describe a well-established, healthy largemouth bass population that should support a quality fishery. Mean length of captures was 13.6 inches. Fifty-two percent of captures exceeded 15.0 inches in length. Bluegill trapnet catches were the highest recorded for Long Lake, but the catch rate remained on the low end of expected catch rates for similar lakes. Eighty-one percent of captures exceeded 8.0 inches and 19% exceeded 10.0 inches in length. The largest fish sampled measured 10.5 inches. Age-3 fish accounted for 50% of captures. Black crappie trapnet catches aaveraged 4.6 fish/net, exceeded previous survey results which ranged from 1.0 to 2.0 fish/trapnet. Size distribution of the 2012 capture sample reflected a rapid rate of growth. Twenty-four percent of sampled fish exceeded 10.0 inches in length. The largest black crappie captured in the 2012 survey was 13.5 inches. Mean length of sampled fish was 10.7 inches.

Bigmouth buffalo and freshwater drum were captured for the first time.

What is the average air temp for Long Lake?

Are there any state parks near Long Lake?