Long Lake

How big is Long Lake?

How deep is Long Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Long Lake?

Are there boat launches on Long Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Long Lake?

Long Lake is a 159-acre lake located in southern Clearwater County just west of Itasca State Park off of MN State Hwy 200. The lake is located adjacent to a county park with camping facilities. There is a public water access located in the park on the northwest end of the lake. The lake is a popular destination for trout anglers in both the open and hard-water seasons. The county park also offers a fishing pier providing a great shore fishing opportunity for those without access to a boat.

Long Lake is managed as a two-story fishery which contains both warm and coldwater fish species. Yearling Rainbow Trout are stocked annually (14,500 fish) which has resulted in consistent trout fishing from year to year. These fish are typically 9 to 11 inches in length at the time of stocking. Growth rates for trout are good and carryover of stocked fish from previous years is common, providing the opportunity to catch larger trout as well. Rainbow trout up to 16 inches in length were captured in this survey. Long is not a designated stream trout lake, but most anglers need a trout stamp if they want to harvest trout.

Northern Pike are present in low numbers, which is the result of previous efforts to remove the species. Northern pike are voracious predators of trout, but their presence in small numbers is likely not detrimental and provides an opportunity for anglers to catch a large pike. While Fisheries managers often promote catch and release of larger pike, trout lakes are an exception where harvest is encouraged.

Populations of Bluegill, Black Crappie, and Largemouth Bass are present but can be limited by insufficient habitat and food resources in two-story lakes such as South Long. Bluegill up to 9 inches and black crappie over 11 inches in length were captured in this survey. Largemouth Bass were captured in low numbers, with fish over 14 inches in length captured. Even though these warmwater species reproduce consistently in Long Lake, slow growth appears to be limiting the maximum size these fish are able to attain.

Other species of fish captured in the 2022 survey were Brown Bullhead, Yellow, Bullhead, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Walleye and Yellow Perch.

Are there any state parks near Long Lake?