Long Lake Fishing in Washington County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Long Lake is set in Washington County, Minnesota. Country round the bank runs to lake country bush. Around 97 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The outline measures near 3.1 miles, so local knowledge counts. Size puts it in the front rank of our Washington County list. The nearest town is Stillwater, 2.4 miles away. Beyond it, Oak Park Heights at 3.1 miles and Lake Elmo at 3.8 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Long Lake

  The basin has been measured to about 25 feet. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Washington County records list bluegill, largemouth bass, brown trout, northern pike and black crappie among the fish reported. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Long Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 72°F and January at 12°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from early April. On the long-run averages the water opens up around early April and starts locking again about late November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. It holds true on Long Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Parking is not close: half a mile from the bank, and no nearer option is mapped. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. For a change of water, Lily Lake is 1.4 miles distant. Treat Long Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.