Fishing Long Lake in Iron County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  The Iron County end of Wisconsin holds Long Lake. It stands 1,601 feet above sea level. At some 352 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. The perimeter runs near 8.6 miles, so plan the walk before you start. It is among the larger waters listed here for Iron County. Ironwood sits 15 miles from here and is the nearest stop. Thunder Bay is the closest city, 151 miles away. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Long Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Across Iron County, recorded fish include walleye, northern pike and yellow perch. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Work Long Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 65°F for July and 10°F for January. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about mid April. On average, mid April opens the water and late November closes it again. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. That is the shape of the year on Long Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. American Lake at 0.9 miles is the sensible second choice. Rules at Long Lake are worth checking on the day.