Long Lake Fishing Guide, Burleigh County, North Dakota

• Overview

  Burleigh County, North Dakota, is where Long Lake sits. It stands 1,703 feet above sea level. At 23.3 sq miles you are fishing a fraction of it whatever you do. There is far more edge than the surface area suggests, thanks to the arms. Of the waters listed here in Burleigh County, this is the largest. Lincoln lies 29 miles from the water. Beyond it, Linton at 32 miles and Bismarck at 33 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Long Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Reported across Burleigh County: bluegill, northern pike, common carp, largemouth bass and walleye. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Fish Long Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 8°F to 70°F. Hard water is a season in its own right here. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid April. On average, mid April opens the water and late November closes it again. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Anyone fishing Long Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. 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. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Should this one be busy, Sterling Reservoir is 10 miles off. Confirm before you fish Long Lake.