Long Lake near Bottineau: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Set in Bottineau County, North Dakota, this is Long Lake. It sits at 2,300 feet above sea level. Roughly 33 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. It sits higher than most water we list in North Dakota. The nearest place of any size is Bottineau, 8 miles away. For a city, Winnipeg is 162 miles off. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Long Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Public occurrence data for Bottineau County names bluegill, brown bullhead and northern pike. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. At Long Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 65°F; the cold one sits at 2°F. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Break-up comes around late April, and the run that follows is short and strong. Climate averages put the opening at about late April and the closing near mid November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. On Long Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. For a change of water, Lake Klingenberg is 0.8 miles distant. Confirm access to Long Lake locally before you travel.