Long Lake Fishing near Valparaiso, Indiana

• Overview

  Long Lake lies within the bounds of Porter County, Indiana. The bank is 794 feet above sea level. With some 57 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Roughly 1.7 miles of bank means you can walk to a fresh area when one goes quiet. The closest town, Valparaiso, is 3.5 miles distant. Further out sit South Haven (4.7 miles) and Chesterton (6.2 miles). Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Long Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Records held for Porter County cover gizzard shad, common carp, alewife, rainbow trout and goldfish. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. On Long Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 23°F and July at about 73°F, the water has a wide range to work through. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. After late March the shallows warm and the fish move up. Climate averages put the opening at about late March and the closing near late December. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. At Long Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. There is camping recorded roughly half a mile off. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Failing this one, try Canada Lake, 0.4 miles away. The position on Long Lake is worth confirming on the day.