Little Long Lake

How big is Little Long Lake?

How deep is Little Long Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Little Long Lake?

Are there boat launches on Little Long Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Little Long Lake?

Little Long Lake is a 253 acre bass-panfish lake located 16 miles north of Grand Rapids in the Mississippi River watershed. Water quality appears good with clarity in excess of 15 feet. Much of the shoreline is undeveloped and in a natural state. A diverse aquatic plant community provides good habitat for Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie and Bluegill.

Northern Pike were sampled within the expected range for similar lakes. Size structure was modest with fish averaging 21.5 inches, and only one fish exceeded 30 inches. Shallow weedy areas in the lake provide good spawning habitat and consistent natural reproduction. Growth of pike was average with individuals approaching 22 inches at age 4. Anglers can help improve the quality of the Northern Pike population by practicing selective harvest of smaller fish, while releasing fish over 24 inches. Releasing these fish can help maintain a more balanced fish community and provide anglers the opportunity to catch more large fish in the future.

Largemouth Bass were sampled with spring night electrofishing. The survey showed a moderately abundant population with a favorable size structure. Sampled Largemouth Bass averaged 14.5 inches and 1.8 pounds. The sample had a well-balanced age distribution with many year classes represented. Growth was considered average, with fish averaging 14 inches at age 5. A few Smallmouth Bass were also sampled during night electrofishing, but they did not appear to be very abundant. Anglers targeting Largemouth Bass should find good opportunities on Little Long Lake.

Black Crappie were sampled in numbers typical for this lake class and similar to previous surveys. Sampled crappie ranged from 4.9 to 11.3 inches with several different year classes represented. As in many other area lakes, good angling opportunities for crappies may occur periodically when a strong year class reaches a favorable size. Growth was average with crappie exceeding 10 inches after 6 years.

The catch rate for Bluegill was within the normal range for similar lakes. Size structure was rather poor; Bluegill averaged 5.6 inches and only two fish exceeded 8 inches. Age analysis indicated consistent recruitment with many year classes represented. Growth was slower than the lake class average with Bluegill exceeding 6 inches after 6 years.

Other species sampled in test nets included Golden Shiner, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Rock Bass, Yellow Perch, Walleye and White Sucker.

What is the average air temp for Little Long Lake?

Are there any state parks near Little Long Lake?