Long Lake Fishing in Itasca County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Within Itasca County, Minnesota, you have Long Lake. Land around it is mixed forest. Surface area is around 80 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. 24 miles away sits Keewatin, the nearest town. Coleraine is 26 miles and Chisholm 27 miles. Also worth knowing: Bass Lake 0.6 miles, Kelly Lake just 0.7 miles, O'Donnell Lake 0.8 miles, Rainbow Lake just 1 mile and Crescent Lake 1.1 miles. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Long Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Species logged across Itasca County include yellow perch, largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill and black crappie. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Read Long Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 5°F in January to roughly 66°F in July. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid April. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about mid April until roughly late November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. It holds true on Long Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Parking is not close: half a mile from the bank, and no nearer option is mapped. A camping area sits within half a mile of here. This sits inside George Washington State Forest, so read the reserve notices first. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try Bass Lake, 0.6 miles away. Nothing here settles the position at Long Lake for certain.