Fishing Long Lake in Cass County, Michigan

• Overview

  The Cass County end of Michigan holds Long Lake. The bank is 830 feet above sea level. Around 70 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Around 1.5 miles of margin, front to back. Cassopolis at 7 miles is the nearest place to stop. Simonton Lake is 7.6 miles away, with Bristol at 9.9 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Long Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Across Cass County, recorded fish include bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow perch, warmouth and pink salmon. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. The shape of Long Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 23°F and July at about 72°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around late March. Climate figures give an open season running late March to late December. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Long Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. There is a ramp at Chain Lake Boat Launch, half a mile out. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. The nearest alternative is Round Lake, 0.5 miles out. For Long Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.