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?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Long Lake?

Long Lake is located in south-central Stearns County, north of Eden Valley. The 460 acre lake joins the Sauk River Chain of Lakes by a navigable channel into Horseshoe Lake and a separate state-owned public access exists on the south west side of the lake. In 2013, fisheries surveys were conducted on most of the lakes in the chain.

The immediate watershed of Long Lake is approximately 3,600 acres, but it is also influenced by the 32,000-acre watershed of Eden, Mud, and North Browns Lakes, which drain into Long Lake. Average water clarity during summer is typically four feet or less. The aquatic plant community is typical of a eutrophic lake with submersed plants growing to a maximum depth of 7 feet and dominated by Coontail, and Sago Pondweed. Curly-leaf Pondweed was also abundant and found growing in dense mats in early June.

The fishery of Long Lake is managed primarily for Northern Pike and Walleye, but anglers also seek Black Crappie and Bluegill. Other species present, such as Channel Catfish, Redhorse Sucker, and Smallmouth Bass, reflect the influence of the Sauk River.

The catch rate of Largemouth Bass in 2013 was lower than the average for lakes in the Montrose area and less than the previous survey. Largemouth Bass ranged in length from 7.2 to 18.4 inches and averaged 14.8 inches and 2.2 pounds. Of the Largemouth Bass greater than 8 inches, 67% were greater than 15 inches. No Smallmouth Bass were sampled in this particular survey; however, Smallmouth Bass have been sampled in low numbers in previous surveys.

The catch rate of Northern Pike in 2013 was higher than 2003, but remained within the range of expected values for lakes similar to Long. Northern Pike ranged in length from 17.7 to 31.2 inches and averaged 23.2 inches and 2.6 pounds. Northern Pike growth was average compared to statewide data. Thirty-four percent of Northern Pike sampled were longer than 24 inches.

The Walleye population of Long Lake had previously been managed through fingerling stocking (in the 1980's) but fry stocking has been used exclusively since 1998. Fish probably also enter the lake from Horseshoe and North Browns Lakes. Walleye were sampled in low numbers in 2013, and have never been as high as the other lakes in the Sauk River chain. Walleye ranged in length from 16.5 to 26.5 inches and averaged 19.9 inches and 2.8 pounds. Most of the Walleye sampled in 2013 were from the 2009 fry stocking.

Yellow Perch numbers in 2013 increased from 2003 but are still down sharply from historical levels. Yellow Perch ranged in length from 5.9 to 9.8 and averaged 7.3 inches and 0.19 pounds. The low perch population will likely limit the effectiveness of Walleye stocking.

Channel Catfish were introduced into Horseshoe Lake in 1976 and have become well established throughout the Sauk River Chain of Lakes. Channel Catfish were first sampled in Long Lake in 1990, and the 2013 survey indicates that their abundance has increased. Channel Catfish ranged in length from 13.6 to 27.8 inches and averaged 18.8 inches and 2.3 pounds. Catfish growth rates throughout the rest of the Sauk River Chain were slow.

Black Crappie numbers appeared to be down in 2013. The catch rate of Black Crappie was below the expected range and much lower than surveys in 1990 and earlier. Black Crappie ranged in length from 7.0 to 10.9 inches and averaged 8.1 inches and 0.32 pounds. Black Crappie growth was average and fish grew to a length of eight inches in three years.

The trend in catch rates of Bluegill was similar to that of Black Crappie, with low numbers sampled in 2013. Bluegill ranged in length from 3.5 to 9.0 inches and averaged 6.8 inches and 0.29 pounds. Bluegill growth was fast and fish grew to a length of 7.1 inches in three years.

Other species sampled during the survey included: hybrid and Pumpkinseed sunfish, Bowfin, Common Carp, Yellow Bullhead, Golden, Shorthead, and Silver Redhorse, and White Sucker.

What is the average air temp for Long Lake?