Long Lake near Jordan: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Minnesota holds Long Lake, in Scott County. This is mixed forest ground. The water covers some 71 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. Around 1.5 miles of margin, front to back. Ground here is low by Minnesota standards. Jordan sits 2.7 miles from here and is the nearest stop. The big place round here is Minneapolis, 26 miles distant. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Long Lake

  No chart reached our records; the first cast is your sounding. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Scott County records list bluegill, largemouth bass, black crappie and pumpkinseed among the fish reported. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. The shape of Long Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 72°F in July and bottom out at 12°F in January. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early April. Average temperatures cross freezing around early April in spring and again near late November in autumn. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Long Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Should this one be busy, Horseshoe Lake is 0.3 miles off. Confirm access to Long Lake locally before you travel.