Long Lake Fishing near Sandstone, Minnesota

• Overview

  Aitkin County in Minnesota is where Long Lake sits. The bank is 1,148 feet above sea level. Surface area is around 51 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. Nearest town is Sandstone, 13 miles off. It is 81 miles to Minneapolis, the nearest city. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Long Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Public occurrence data for Aitkin County names northern pike, bluegill, yellow perch and black crappie. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Long Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 68°F and January reads 7°F. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Once it clears, about mid April, the fishing comes on quickly. In an average year the thaw lands around mid April and the freeze near late November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Long Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. There is recorded parking some half a mile off. Lake Five Wildlife Management Area runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. If the gate is shut, Lake Five at 0.3 miles is the nearest alternative. What applies at Long Lake may have changed since it was mapped.