Long

Long Lake is unique, having a distinctly large shallow basin as well as another deep, steep sided basin, creating a diversity of habitat. The shoreline has moderately low development. Northern Pike and Bluegill were listed as primary management species in the 2009 lake management plan with goals of maintaining catches near the lake class average and a minor proportion of Bluegill over six inches. Black Crappie were listed as a secondary management species. This was one of three surveys conducted to assess the fish population. Northern Pike are well suited for the lake, being the most abundant observed in the 2019 gill nets and similar to the previous surveys. The 2019 catch was close to attaining management goals. Size structure was poor with an average size of 19.5 inches but comparable to previous surveys. Fish within the north central protected slot regulation (22" to 26") comprised 12% of the catch. A significant proportion of the catch was less than 22 inches. Anglers would likely have success pursuing pike but maybe disappointed in the size of fish caught. The Bluegill catch was low compared to lakes with similar habitat and earlier surveys. Catches have typically been average with moderate size distribution. The management goals were attained. Multiple ages observed in the sample indicated consistent natural reproduction. Bluegill numbers suggest good angling opportunities, though the proportion of fish over 6 inches may limit interest from anglers. Black Crappie are considered a secondary management species and past catches have been within the expected range. Only two crappie were sampled in 2019. It is likely the crappie fishery is sporadic. Other species sampled include Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, Walleye, Yellow Bullhead and Yellow Perch.

Long Lake is a small panfish lake located about 3 miles south of Cohasset, MN, off County Road #63. The lake is 121 acres and has a maximum depth of 80 feet. The western portion of the lake is deep while the east arm is very shallow. The access can be found on the east end of the lake.Fish species found in Long Lake are typical of those found in bass-panfish lakes in the Grand Rapids area. Although no largemouth bass were sampled in this assessment, summer testnetting can be a poor method of sampling this species. Spring electrofishing will be conducted in future assessments.Northern pike have historically been abundant in Long Lake and were also in this assessment. Sampled at 10.6/gill net, northern pike varied in length from 10.0 to 33.5 inches. Most of those sampled were between 2 and 4 years old and therefore the average weight of only 1.3 pounds was not surprising.Black crappie and bluegill fishing can be quite good on Long Lake and is probably what it is best known for. The crappie sampled varied in length from 4.8 to 9.5 inches. Bluegill can be readily found but the size is typical of that observed in most area panfish lakes. They varied in length from 3.4 to 8.3 inches in the trap nets in this assessment. When fishing for bluegill you may be surprised by something a little bigger at the end of your line. Bowfin or dogfish, as they are popularly called, are present in very high numbers in the lake. With an average size of 4.1 pounds in the trap nets, they can put up a very good fight at the end of your ultra light rod.

Northern pike and bluegill populations at quite high levels. All other fish populations within normal limits for this type of lake.

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

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

Long has a maximum depth of 85 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Long is from 2019.

No invasive species are on record for Long in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.