Upper South Long

Upper South Long is an 804 acre lake 10 miles southeast of the city of Brainerd in Crow Wing County. Walleye is the primary management species, with the lake being stocked every other year (odd years) with 283 pounds of fingerlings. When surplus Walleye fry are available, up to 300,000 may be stocked; this last occurred in 2025. Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and Black Crappie are other species managed on this lake. A standard survey using gill nets, trap nets, and spring electrofishing was conducted in July 2025 to assess fish populations and provide angler information. The Walleye numbers (2.3 per net) were the highest since 1999. With 57% of the fish measuring over 15 inches and fish up to 28.3 inches sampled, anglers should have a good chance for some quality fish. The Northern Pike numbers (1.6 per net) were the lowest since 1994. Upper South Long is lacking the typical "hammer handle" population that many of the area lakes possess. With fish measuring 21.9 to 29.9 inches, anglers have a great chance at some medium size pike. The Largemouth Bass population still looks good, even with night electrofishing numbers (60 fish per hour) down from last time. A broad range of sizes was captured, with fish ranging from 4.4 to 18.9 inches. With 57% of the fish measuring over 14 inches, there is potential to catch nice fish. Panfish numbers were average for this type of lake, but size didn't offer much for anglers. Only 14% of the Bluegills were over 7 inches and only 31% of the Black Crappies were over 8 inches. Bluegill maxed out at 8.2 inches and the largest Black Crappie was 10.9 inches. Other fish species sampled included Bowfin (Dogfish), Brown Bullhead, Greater Redhorse, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Tullibee (Cisco), White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.

Upper South Long is an 804 acre lake with a maximum depth of 47' and is located 8 miles southeast of Brainerd, MN. Upper South Long is in the Mississippi River Watershed. A nearshore survey was conducted to assess the populations of both game and non-game fish species. Fourteen 100' long sampling stations were evenly spaced around the lakeshore. Each station was then sampled by backpack electrofishing, and if conditions allowed with a 15' or 50' 1/8th inch seine. The survey took place August 26th and 27th, 2024, with all 14 stations sampled by backpack electrofishing. The 50' 1/8th inch seine was used at 8 stations and the 15' 1/8th inch seine was used at 4 stations. Site conditions prevented the use of a seine at 2 stations. Twenty six species were sampled, including seven species that are intolerant of habitat disturbance: Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, Least Darter, Logperch, and Rock Bass. This nearshore survey was used along with the gill net and trap net survey collected the same week to calculate a Fish-Based Index of Biotic Integrity (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health by the types of fish species present and comparing it to what is expected for this type of lake.

Walleye fingerlings are currently stocked in odd numbered years into Upper South Long Lake. Numbers were below average for this type of lake (1.1/gill net). Average size was 15.8" and 85% were 12" or longer. The northern pike population looked pretty good. While numbers were average (5.6/gill net), size was decent, with an average length of 25.0" and 27% of the fish were above the 22"-26" protected slot. Lakes in this part of the state have a new northern pike regulation enacted in 2018: possession limit of 10 with not more than 2 over 26". All from 22"-26" must be immediately released. Please refer to the current Minnesota Fishing Regulations for additional information. The bass population looked healthy, with an electrofishing catch rate of 94.3/hr. run-time. Average length was 11.4" and 48% of the fish were 12" or larger, with fish up to 17.5". The panfish on Upper South Long appeared to be small. The average bluegill length was 5.2" (only 4% were 7" or larger) and only 18% of the black crappie were 8" or larger. Other species captured include black bullhead, bowfin (dogfish), brown bullhead, greater redhorse, hybrid sunfish, pumpkinseed, rock bass, tullibee (cisco), white sucker, yellow bullhead, and yellow perch.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Hybrid Sunfish, Northern Pike, Rock Bass, and Walleye in Upper South Long. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Upper South Long. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Upper South Long has a maximum depth of 47 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Upper South Long is from 2025.

Yes — Upper South Long has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.