Fishing Long Lake in Morrison County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Minnesota holds Long Lake, in Morrison County. It sits at 1,234 feet above sea level. Surface area is around 110 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. A shoreline of some 2.1 miles keeps the choices simple. On our Morrison County list it sits near the top for size. Melrose is the closest place, 15 miles off. Minneapolis sits 89 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on Long Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Species logged across Morrison County include largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike, black crappie and yellow perch. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. The near bank of Long Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 9°F to 71°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid April. Averages suggest open water from about mid April through to roughly late November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Plan any trip to Long Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. Sponsa Wildlife Management Area takes in this water; protected-area rules will apply. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Should this one be busy, Coon Lake is 0.6 miles off. For Long Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.