Long Lake near Colon: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Long Lake is a Saint Joseph County water, in Michigan. This is lake country bush country. Roughly 226 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. There is roughly 3.8 miles of bank, more than one visit can cover properly. Few waters listed in Saint Joseph County are bigger. The nearest place of any size is Colon, 3 miles away. Beyond it, Bronson at 8.1 miles and Sturgis at 9 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Long Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Saint Joseph County records list bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie and pink salmon among the fish reported. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Long Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 72°F in July and bottom out at 22°F in January. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Count the season from break-up, usually late March. Break-up near late March, freeze-up near mid December: that is the shape of an average year. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Long Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. A ramp at Long Lake Boat Launch is mapped 150 yards away. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. Failing this one, try Lepley Lake, 0.5 miles away. None of that is settled for Long Lake in what we hold.