Long Lake Fishing, E of Parkers Prairie, Minnesota

• Overview

  Long Lake is an Otter Tail County water, Minnesota side. It stands 1,355 feet above sea level. Around 38 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Most waters listed here for Otter Tail County are larger. For a base, Parkers Prairie sits 13 miles out. The nearest city of size is Fargo, 75 miles away. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Long Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Public occurrence data for Otter Tail County names largemouth bass, black crappie, walleye, bluegill and yellow perch. The county list is broader than any single water. On Long Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 70°F for July and 7°F for January. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Count the season from break-up, usually mid April. Expect the water usable from around mid April until roughly late November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Plan any trip to Long Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. You can camp half a mile off, which suits an early start. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. For a change of water, Sampson Lake is 0.6 miles distant. For Long Lake in particular, ask before you travel.