Long Lake

How big is Long Lake?

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What kind of fish can you catch in Long Lake?

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Are there boat launches on Long Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Long Lake?

Long Lake (Pinecrest, Long Lake # 2, Pickerel) (DOW# 11-0258; Lake Class 32) is a 246 acre lake with 5.1 miles of shoreline located northeast of Backus, MN. There is a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) owned public access located on the northeast shore. The MNDNR has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different classes based on physical, chemical and other characteristics. Long Lake is in Lake Class 32; lakes in this class are irregularly shaped with a high percentage of water 15 feet and shallower. Other Lake Class 32 lakes in the Walker Area include Long (Lost Rocky), Moccasin and Island. Primary management species include Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Bluegill, with Northern Pike as a secondary management species. A standard lake survey was completed in 2023.

Long Lake provides multi-species angling opportunity. Largemouth Bass abundance was the highest recorded in 2023. Sampled Largemouth Bass ranged in length from 6 to 17 inches with an average length of 13 inches. Management goals for Largemouth Bass are based on spring electrofishing which was not conducted in 2023. Black Crappie were caught in moderate numbers averaging 9 inches in length with fish from 6 to 13 inches sampled. Management goals for the Black Crappie population are still being developed. Bluegill were sampled in lower numbers and did not meet management catch goals. Bluegill size structure exceeded management goals with fish averaging 7 inches long and ranging from 4 to 9 inches. Northern Pike were abundant exceeding the management goals with fish ranging in length from 11 to 32 inches with an average length of 19 inches long. Northern Pike size restrictions and possession limits for Long Lake are defined in the North Central Zone Northern Pike regulations. Anglers are encouraged to harvest Northern Pike under 22 inches long.

Other fish species that anglers can expect to encounter include Brown Bullhead, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, and Yellow Bullhead.

People can have significant impacts on lakes and the fish populations they support. Harvest, lakeshore development, removal of shoreline vegetation, and introductions of invasive species can all adversely affect fish populations. Currently no Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are found in Long Lake. AIS are moved from infested to non-infested waters by anglers, boaters, and lake shore owners and can adversely impact lakes and fish populations. To avoid spreading AIS lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants or animals from their watercraft and drain all water from their boat before leaving the access. If you suspect an infestation of an invasive species in this lake, save a specimen and report it to a local natural resource office. Additional information on all of these topics can be found on the DNR website (www.dnr.state.mn.us) or by contacting the Walker Area Fisheries office.

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