Fishing at North Long Lake, Crow Wing County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Crow Wing County in Minnesota is where North Long Lake sits. The ground around here is rolling bush. At 9.6 sq miles you are fishing a fraction of it whatever you do. The perimeter is close to 19 miles, and wind can be flat in one arm and rough in the next. By surface area it heads our Crow Wing County listings. 5.8 miles away sits East Gull Lake, the nearest town. Further out sit Brainerd (5.9 miles) and Nisswa (6.1 miles). It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on North Long Lake

  The basin drops to a measured 103 feet. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. County-wide records name largemouth bass, bluegill and yellow perch. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. The shape of North Long Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 69°F in July and bottom out at 8°F in January. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid April. Ice usually gives way near mid April, and forms again about late November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. That shapes the year on North Long Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. We find no slipway, car park or made path within a short radius, so treat access as rough. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Failing this one, try Moody Lake, 2.2 miles away. Confirm before you fish North Long Lake.