Long Lake Fishing, S of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota

• Overview

  Long Lake falls in Cass County, part of Minnesota. It lies 1,355 feet above sea level. The water covers some 78 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. The whole outline is near 1.8 miles, and most of it is walkable. 23 miles away sits Pequot Lakes, the nearest town. Fargo sits 111 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Long Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Species logged across Cass County include largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. The near bank of Long Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 6°F in January up to 68°F in July. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around mid April. The season between ice runs from about mid April to late November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Long Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Boss Lake sits 1.1 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the position on Long Lake before loading the car.