Long Lake

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How deep is Long Lake?

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 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. Secchi disk readings have ranged from 4.0 to 14.0 feet.
The north shoreline of Long Lake has been extensively developed. The development consists primarily of homes and cottages. A DNR owned public water 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 from erosion and can absorb and break down polluting chemicals. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish species 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.
A spring electrofishing survey was conducted to analyze the Largemouth Bass population. Catch data indicate that Long Lake has a moderate to high-density Largemouth Bass population. Age data indicate that bass reproduction is consistently good. Bass ranged in length from 5.5 to 18.3 inches with an average length and weight of 11.5 inches and 1.0 pound. Bass attain an average length of 11.7 inches at four 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.
Long Lake is not listed as an infested water. Aquatic invasive species are threatening Minnesota waters. Aquatic invasive species can potentially harm water quality, water recreation, aquatic habitat, native species, and fish populations. Anglers can help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by following watercraft transportation laws.

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