Fishing at Long Lake, Saint Croix County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Long Lake is a Saint Croix County water, in Wisconsin. The bank gives way to pine and birch. At roughly 24 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Supplies mean a trip to Clear Lake, 3.8 miles off. The nearest city of size is Saint Paul, 42 miles away. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Long Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Saint Croix County records list brown trout, rainbow trout, common carp, bluegill and largemouth bass among the fish reported. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Take Long Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 10°F to 70°F. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Break-up comes around early April, and the run that follows is short and strong. Expect the water usable from around early April until roughly late November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Expect Long Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. Expect a half a mile walk in from where the car goes. Kobernick Waterfowl Production Area covers this ground, which means extra rules to check. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Bone Lake sits 0.9 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the position on Long Lake before loading the car.