Long Lake

How big is Long Lake?

How deep is Long Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Long Lake?

What are the closest cities to Long Lake?

Are there boat launches on Long Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Long Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Long Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Long Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

A lake survey of Long Lake was conducted in mid-June of 2013. Long is a small (286 acres) and low to moderately productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. The maximum depth is 46 feet. Residential development (110 homes/cabins) has occurred around the entire lake with the exception of some south shoreline areas. There are three resort/campgrounds located adjacent to Long Lake. Hardwoods and adjacent wetlands are the dominant cover types within the immediate watershed. Nutrient runoff is limited primarily to residential lawn runoff. The outlet connects to the Middle Fork Crow Reservoir. There are two public access sites adjacent to the lake. Emergent vegetation (i.e. water lilies, bulrush, cattails, and wild rice) is abundant in Long, especially in bay and south shoreline areas. Submergent vegetation (i.e. muskgrass, coontail, various pondweed species) is abundant in the lake. Shoalwater substrates are primarily sand, gravel, detritus, muck, and rubble. Water quality is good (total phosphorus=0.013 ppm, 6-10-2013) in Long Lake. Water clarity (secchi=17.5 feet) was excellent on June 10, 2013 for Long Lake. Dissolved oxygen levels were above 5.0 ppm down to 18 feet deep during the survey. An experimental regulation was implemented for bass (12 inch maximum size limit) in 1997 as part of a statewide research study. A public meeting was held at the end of the 2005 fishing season to get public input whether the regulation should remain, be changed, or discontinued. The DNR decided to change the bass regulation in December of 2005 to a DNR state toolbox regulation (a 12 inch maximum size limit with one bass over 20 inches allowed). The new bass regulation took effect on May 27, 2006. This regulation was monitored, and a public meeting was held at the end of September 2011 to get public input regarding the special regulation on bass. The DNR decided to change the bass regulation in December 2011 (all largemouth bass from 12 inches to 20 inches to be immediately released with one bass over 20 inches allowed in possession). The new bass regulation took effect May 26, 2012 and is in effect through 2020. Long is a popular fishing lake for largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, and northern pike. Anglers also seek walleye occasionally in Long Lake. The primary species managed in Long Lake include largemouth bass, bluegill, and black crappie.

Largemouth bass numbers were abundant (71.43 fish/hour) in the 2013 spring electrofishing survey compared to the Spicer Area average catch rate (48.21 fish/hour) and near the Long Lake historical average (72.65 fish/hour). The 2013 largemouth bass average size was moderate (0.84 pounds and 10.80 inches) from spring electrofishing. The largemouth bass historical average weight is 0.75 pounds from spring electrofishing for Long Lake. The 2013 catch rate of quality size (12.00 inches) and larger largemouth bass (22.86 fish/hour) was near the historical average (21.19 fish/hour). The 2013 catch rate of preferred size (15.00 inches) and larger largemouth bass was moderate (7.62 fish/hour) and slightly above the historical average (5.34 fish/hour). Largemouth bass growth rates in Long Lake were below the Spicer Area normal ranges for ages 2-8. The 2010 largemouth bass year class comprised the highest percentage (23.6%) of the 2013 total largemouth bass spring electrofishing catch. Several other moderate largemouth year classes included 2008, 2009, and 2011.

Black crappie were moderately abundant in 2013 (3.80 fish/trapnet) compared to the normal ranges for Long Lake and similar lakes. The black crappie historical average trapnet catch rate is 1.95 fish/trapnet. Low numbers of black crappie (0.33 fish/gillnet) were captured in the 2013 gillnets. The 2013 black crappie average size was moderate (0.29 pounds and 7.89 inches) from trapnets. The 2013 catch rate of quality size (8.00 inches) and larger black crappie was 1.10 fish/trapnet. Black crappie growth rates were below the Spicer Area normal ranges for ages 1-4 and near normal for ages 5 and 6. The 2010 black crappie year class comprised 81% of the 2013 black crappie catch from gillnets and trapnets.

Northern pike were abundant in 2013 (9.33 fish/gillnet) compared to the normal ranges for Long Lake and similar lakes. The northern pike historical average catch rate for Long Lake is 4.65 fish/gillnet. The 2013 northern pike average weight and length were small (1.94 pounds and 20.53 inches) from gillnets. The northern pike historical average weight is 2.52 pounds from gillnets. The 2013 catch rate of quality size (21.00 inches) and larger northern pike was low (2.33 fish/gillnet). Northern pike growth rates were below or near the Spicer Area normal ranges for ages 1-4 fish and within the normal range for age 5 fish. The 2011 and 2010 northern pike year classes comprised 44% and 40% respectively of the 2013 northern pike gillnet and trapnet catch.

Walleye were moderately abundant in 2013 (3.00 fish/gillnet) compared to the normal ranges for Long Lake and similar lakes. The walleye historical catch rate is 1.45 fish/gillnet. No walleye were captured in the trapnets in 2013. Walleye average weight and length were 2.33 pounds and 18.22 inches from gillnets. Walleye growth rates were below the Spicer Area normal ranges for ages 1-8. The 2010 year class comprised 33% of the 2013 total walleye catch. Long Lake was stocked with walleye yearlings (504 fish, 252 pounds) in the fall of 2009, (45 fish, 50 pounds) 2010, (1,162 fish, 252 pounds) 2011, and 2013 (686 fish, 298 pounds).

Yellow perch were not captured in gillnets in 2013. Yellow perch abundance in the 2013 trapnets (0.30 fish/trapnet) was within the normal range for Long Lake. The yellow perch historical average catch rate for Long Lake is 1.29 fish/gillnet and 0.21 fish/trapnet. The 2013 yellow perch average size was small (0.12 pounds and 6.51 inches) from trapnets.

Bluegill were moderately abundant in 2013 (46.90 fish/trapnet) compared to the normal ranges for Long Lake and similar lakes. The bluegill historical average catch rate is 43.00 fish/trapnet. The 2013 bluegill average weight and length were 0.15 pounds and 5.52 inches from trapnets. The bluegill historical average size was small (0.13 pounds and 5.44 inches) from trapnets. The 2013 catch rate of quality size (6.00 inches) and larger bluegill was moderate (17.76 fish/trapnet). The 2013 catch rate of preferred size (8.00 inches) and larger bluegill was low (1.60 fish/trapnet). Bluegill growth rates were below the Spicer Area normal ranges for ages 1-6, and in the normal range for ages 7 and 8. The 2010 year class comprised 33% of the total 2013 bluegill catch.

Pumpkinseed sunfish numbers were moderate in 2013 (3.50 fish/trapnet) and within the normal range for Long Lake. The 2013 pumpkinseed sunfish average size was small (0.15 pounds and 5.43 inches) in trapnets for Long Lake. The historical pumpkinseed weight and length are 0.14 pounds and 5.40 inches for Long Lake.

Hybrid sunfish were abundant in 2013 (6.30 fish/trapnet) compared to the normal range for Long Lake. The 2013 hybrid sunfish average size was large (0.27 pounds and 6.55 inches) from trapnets. The hybrid sunfish historical weight and length are 0.18 pounds and 5.98 inches from trapnets in Long Lake.

Yellow bullhead numbers were abundant in 2013 (15.50 fish/trapnet) compared to the normal ranges for Long Lake and similar lakes. The 2013 yellow bullhead average size was moderate (0.66 pounds and 10.61 inches) from trapnets. The yellow bullhead historical average weight and length were 0.59 pounds and 10.62 inches from trapnets for Long Lake.

Current fish management activities on Long Lake include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, protecting aquatic vegetation through the permit process, preventing and educating about the spread of invasive species, evaluating the new bass regulation, and stocking various fish species as warranted. The Long Lake fishery will be surveyed in the 2018 for all fish species.

What is the average air temp for Long Lake?

Are there any state parks near Long Lake?