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?

Long Lake is a 350-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in south-central Otter Tail County approximately five miles east of Dalton, MN. Long Lake is part of the Pomme de Terre River Watershed. There are no inlets or outlets connected to Long Lake. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth is 88 feet; however, 67% of the lake is less than 15 feet in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2012 survey was 6.5 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 4.0 to 14.0 feet. Periodic plankton and algae blooms during the summer months can influence secchi disk readings.
The north shoreline of Long Lake has been extensively developed. The development consists primarily of homes and cottages. A DNR owned public access is also located along the north shoreline of the lake. The shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. Hardstem bulrush stands are scattered around the entire lake. Common cattail is prevalent along the east shoreline. Emergent aquatic plants such as bulrush and cattail provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms, and can actually absorb and break down polluting chemicals. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish such as northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit. To maintain the excellent water quality and angling that this lake has to offer, it is imperative to preserve the quality of the aquatic habitat.
Long Lake can be ecologically classified as a bass-panfish type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Largemouth bass, northern pike, and bluegill are the dominant gamefish species. The prolificacy of these species can be attributed to the abundance of suitable spawning habitat that is available.
Data from a spring electrofishing assessment indicate that Long Lake has a high-density largemouth bass population. Age data indicate that largemouth bass reproduction is consistently good. Bass ranged in length from 3.2 to 19.0 inches with an average length and weight of 9.7 inches and 0.8 pounds. Bass attain an average length of 11.8 inches at four years of age.
A moderate density northern pike population exists. Northern pike also exhibit consistently good reproduction. Pike size structure has historically been poor. Pike ranged in length from 14.5 to 29.7 inches with an average length and weight of 18.9 inches and 1.4 pounds. Northern pike growth is slow with an average length of 19.2 inches at four years of age. Slow growth may be related to the low abundance of yellow perch, which is a preferred forage of northern pike.
Bluegill reproduction has become more stable than it was historically; however, size structure has remained unchanged. Eight percent of the bluegills were at least 7.0 inches in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 6.8 inches at seven years of age.
Anglers can maintain the quality of fishing by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.

What is the average air temp for Long Lake?

Are there any state parks near Long Lake?