Lower Long Lake, Minnesota: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  The Clearwater County entry here is Lower Long Lake, in Minnesota. Elevation runs to 1,444 feet. Surface area is around 150 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. Bank access stretches around 3.1 miles in total. Few waters listed in Clearwater County are bigger. 8.6 miles away sits Bagley, the nearest town. After that come Fosston at 11 miles and Mahnomen at 22 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Lower Long Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Public occurrence data for Clearwater County names bluegill, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and walleye. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Take Lower Long Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 67°F; by January the average is down near 3°F. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid April. On average, mid April opens the water and mid November closes it again. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. The season on Lower Long Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Long Lake at 1.9 miles is the sensible second choice. What applies at Lower Long Lake may have changed since it was mapped.