Long

A targeted survey was conducted on Long Lake during mid-May of 2025. Ten standard lake survey trapnets were set at historical stations to target Bluegill and Black Crappie. Special regulations for several Spicer Area lakes (Nest, Long, Diamond, George and Florida) including Long Lake entail reduced bag limits (i.e., 5 or 10 fish) for Bluegill. George is the only lake that has a Crappie special regulation (i.e., 5 fish) in the Spicer Area. A Bluegill bag limit of 10 fish was enacted for Long Lake in May of 2021. A targeted survey is generally used for sampling a specific kind of fish or time of year (i.e., spawning season, fall season, etc.) unlike a standard survey which samples a wider range of fish species during the summer months using standard methodology (i.e., standard time of year, set sampling stations, taking water clarity readings and oxygen/temperature profiles, etc.) and gears (i.e., lake survey gillnets, trapnets and possibly spring electrofishing for Largemouth Bass). Trapnet sampling of pre-spawn Bluegill during early/mid-May is preferred to summer (June-August) netting for regulation evaluation. Long is a small (286 acres) and low to moderately productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. The maximum depth is 46 feet. Residential development (110 homes/cabins, 2013 resurvey) has occurred around the entire lake except for some south shoreline areas. There are three resort/campgrounds located adjacent to Long Lake. Hardwoods and adjacent wetlands are the dominant cover types within the immediate watershed. Nutrient runoff is limited primarily to residential lawn runoff. The outlet connects to the Middle Fork Crow Reservoir. There are two public access sites adjacent to the lake. Emergent vegetation (i.e. water lilies, bulrush, cattails, and wild rice) is abundant in Long, especially in bay and south shoreline areas. Submergent vegetation (i.e. muskgrass, coontail, various pondweed species) is abundant in the lake. Shoalwater substrates are primarily sand, gravel, detritus, muck, and rubble. Water quality was good (total phosphorus=0.017 ppm and Chlorophyll-a=7.3 ppb) on May 18, 2025. Water clarity (secchi=11.0 feet) was excellent on May 13, 2025, for Long Lake. An experimental regulation was implemented for Bass (12-inch maximum size limit) in 1997 as part of a statewide research study. The DNR decided to change the Bass regulation in December 2005 to a DNR state toolbox regulation (a 12-inch maximum size limit with one Bass over 20 inches allowed). The new Bass regulation took effect on May 27, 2006. This regulation was monitored, and a public meeting was held at the end of September 2011 to get public input regarding the special regulation on Bass. The DNR decided to change the Bass regulation in December 2011 (all Largemouth Bass from 14 inches to 20 inches to be immediately released with one Bass over 20 inches allowed in possession). The new Bass regulation has been in effect since May 26, 2012. Long is a popular fishing lake for Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Black Crappie, and Northern Pike. Anglers also seek Walleye occasionally. Invasive species found in Long Lake during 2023 include Zebra Mussels and Starry Stonewort. Catchability of various species (i.e., Bluegill, Black Crappie, Walleye, etc.) is often different by season. Summer historical average catch rates should be cautiously regarded when compared to spring and fall catch rates regarding relative abundance. Large sized Black Crappie and Bluegill are generally more susceptible to capture in trapnets during May and September compared to the summer months. Black Crappie catch rate was low in 2025 mid-May (5.90 fish/trapnet) compared to the 2021 mid-May catch rate of 13.50 fish/trapnet. The Black Crappie summer trapnet historical average catch rate is 1.91 fish/trapnet. The 2025 mid-May Black Crappie average size was moderate (0.45 pounds, 9.14 inches) but only slightly smaller compared to 2021 mid-May survey (0.55 pounds and 9.84 inches) from trapnets. The Black Crappie historical average weight is small (0.29 pounds) from summer trapnets. The 2025 mid-May catch rate of quality size (8.00 inches and larger) Black Crappie was low (3.90 fish/trapnet). The 2025 mid-May catch rate of preferred size (10.00 inches and larger) Black Crappie was also low (1.80 fish/trapnet). Black Crappie growth rates were below normal for ages 1-2 and normal for ages 3-7. The 2022 and 2021 year classes each comprised 37% of the 2025 Black Crappie trapnet catch. The largest Black Crappie captured was 11.77 inches. Bluegill catch rate was moderate in 2025 mid-May (18.40 fish/trapnet) and similar to 2021 mid-May catch rate (21.00 fish/trapnet). The Bluegill summer historical catch rate is 39.79 fish/trapnet. The 2025 mid-May Bluegill average size was large (0.35 pounds, 7.28 inches) and similar to 2021 mid-May survey (0.38 pounds and 7.60 inches) from trapnets. The Bluegill historical average weight from summer trapnets (0.14 pounds) was smaller than mid-May trapnet surveys. The 2025 catch rate of quality size (6.00 inches and larger) Bluegill was low (13.50 fish/trapnet). The 2025 catch rate of preferred size (8.00 inches and larger) Bluegill was moderate (7.50 fish/trapnet). Bluegill growth rates were below normal for ages 1-3, near normal for ages 4-5, and above normal for ages 6-8. Approximately 45% of Bluegill captured were 7-10 years old. The largest Bluegill captured was 10.08 inches in 2025. Pumpkinseed Sunfish numbers were low in 2025 mid-May trapnets (3.10 fish/trapnet) compared to the summer historical average (3.75 fish/trapnet). The 2025 Pumpkinseed Sunfish average size was large (0.29 pounds and 6.85 inches) from trapnets. The largest Pumpkinseed captured was 7.87 inches in 2025. Hybrid Sunfish numbers were low in 2025 mid-May trapnets (1.70 fish/trapnet) compared to the summer historical average (4.31 fish/trapnet). The 2025 Hybrid Sunfish average size was large (0.47 pounds and 7.92 inches) from trapnets. The largest Hybrid Sunfish captured was 9.53 inches in 2025. Current fish management activities on Long Lake include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, protecting aquatic vegetation through the permit process, preventing and educating about the spread of invasive species, evaluating the new bass regulation, and stocking various fish species as warranted. The Long Lake fishery will be surveyed in 2028 for Largemouth Bass by spring night electrofishing, mid-May trapnets and late-June gillnets all other fish species.

A standard survey of Long Lake was conducted in late-June of 2023. An aquatic vegetation transect survey was also conducted in 2023. A targeted survey is generally used for sampling a specific kind of fish or time of year (i.e. spawning season, fall season, etc.) unlike a standard survey which samples a wider range of fish species during the summer months using standard methodology (i.e. standard time of year, set sampling stations, taking water clarity readings and oxygen/temperature profiles, etc.) and gears (i.e. lake survey gillnets, trapnets and possibly spring electrofishing for Largemouth Bass). Long is a small (286 acres) and low to moderately productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. The maximum depth is 46 feet. Invasive species recently found in Long during 2023 include Starry Stonewort (near southwest public access) and Zebra Mussel. Residential development (110 homes/cabins, 2013 resurvey) has occurred around the entire lake except for some south shoreline areas. There are three resort/campgrounds located adjacent to Long Lake. Hardwoods and adjacent wetlands are the dominant cover types within the immediate watershed. Nutrient runoff is limited primarily residential to lawn runoff. The outlet connects to the Middle Fork Crow Reservoir. A new four lane highway will slightly alter the outlet area once completed in 2024. There are two public access sites adjacent to the lake. Various emergent and floating-leaf vegetation (i.e. yellow and white water lilies, hardstem bulrush, cattails, and wild rice) species were present in Long during 2023 and were especially abundant in bay and south shoreline areas. Submergent vegetation consisted mostly of coontail, sago pondweed, muskgrass, northern milfoil, clasping-leaf pondweed, bladderwort and bushy pondweed in the lake during 2023. Filamentous algae densities were moderate in Long. Shoalwater substrates are primarily sand, silt, rubble, boulder and gravel. Water quality is good (total phosphorus=0.011 ppm, June 10, 2023) in Long Lake. Water clarity (secchi=16.0 feet) was excellent on June 20, 2023 for Long Lake. Dissolved oxygen levels were above 5.0 ppm down to 21 feet deep during the survey. An experimental regulation was implemented for bass (12 inch maximum size limit) in 1997 as part of a statewide research study. A public meeting was held at the end of the 2005 fishing season to get public input whether the regulation should remain, be changed, or discontinued. The DNR decided to change the bass regulation in December 2005 to a DNR state toolbox regulation (a 12 inch maximum size limit with one bass over 20 inches allowed). The new bass regulation took effect on May 27, 2006. This regulation was monitored, and a public meeting was held at the end of September 2011 to get public input regarding the special regulation on bass. The DNR decided to change the bass regulation in December 2011 (all Largemouth Bass from 14 inches to 20 inches to be immediately released with one bass over 20 inches allowed in possession). The new bass regulation took effect May 26, 2012 and is currently in effect. Quality Sunfish Initiative "QSI" was recently enacted during 2021. Special regulations for several area lakes (Nest, Long, Diamond, George and Florida) including Long Lake entail reduced bag limits (i.e., 5 or 10 fish) for Sunfish in five lakes and Crappie in one lake. Special regulations for Long entail reduced bag limits of ten fish for Sunfish. These regulations are evaluated by special sampling in May with standard lake survey trapnets. Long was last surveyed by special sampling for Sunfish in mid-May of 2021. Long is a popular fishing lake for Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Black Crappie, and Northern Pike. Anglers also seek Walleye occasionally. Largemouth Bass was not surveyed by night spring electrofishing in 2023. The most recent post spawn spring night electrofishing was conducted in 2019 (146.09 fish/hour). The 2019 Largemouth Bass average weight and length were 0.87 pounds and 11.29 inches. Largemouth Bass catch rate of quality size (12.00 inches plus) was moderate (45.52 fish/hour) in 2019. The 2019 Largemouth Bass catch rate of preferred size (15.00 inches plus) was low (6.23 fish/hour). Largemouth Bass catch rate was 92.00 fish/hour (0.53 pounds and 8.90 inches) in the 2016 post spawn night electrofishing survey. A greater variety of Largemouth Bass sizes and ages were captured in a 2016 post spawn night electrofishing survey compared to 2019 and other years. Black Crappie abundance was low (1.20 fish/trapnet) in 2023. The historical average trapnet catch rate is 1.91 fish/trapnet. No Black Crappie were captured in the 2023 gillnets. The 2023 Black Crappie average size was moderate (0.47 pounds and 9.37 inches) from trapnets. The 2023 Black Crappie catch rate of quality size (8.00 inches plus) was low (1.10 fish/trapnet). The largest Black Crappie captured was 11.46 inches. Northern Pike abundance was high (13.33 fish/gillnet) in 2023. The Northern Pike historical catch rate is 5.30 fish/gillnet. The 2023 average size was small (1.53 pounds and 19.07 inches) from gillnets. The Northern Pike average weight is 2.43 pounds from gillnets. The 2023 Northern Pike catch rate of quality size (21.00 inches plus) was moderate (2.00 fish/gillnet). The largest Northern Pike captured was 27.95 inches. Northern Pike possession limit regulations for Long in the North-central Zone are as follows: anglers can keep 10 Northern Pike, but not more than two pike longer than 26.0 inches; and all from 22.0 to 26.0 inches must be released. Northern Pike taken by spearing follow the same rules except one pike may be between 22.0 and 26.0 inches or two larger than 26.0 inches. Walleye abundance was moderate (2.00 fish/gillnet in 2023 for Long. The Walleye historical catch rate is 1.44 fish/gillnet. The 2023 Walleye average weight was moderate (1.62 pounds) from gillnets. Walleye growth rates were good for ages 1-7. Long Lake is managed as a put and take "bonus" Walleye fishery due to minimal/no natural reproduction. The 2019 year class comprised 38% of the total Walleye catch in 2023. The largest Walleye captured was 26.34 inches. Long Lake was recently stocked with Walleye in the fall 2018 (16 adults, 21 pounds; 1,356 yearlings, 375 pounds), 2019 (3,930 fingerlings, 255 pounds), 2020 (36 adults, 72 pounds; 254 yearlings, 169 pounds), 2021 (600 fingerlings, 127 pounds), 2023 (25 adults, 41 pounds; 250 yearlings, 95 pounds). Local anglers report occasionally catching Walleye especially during the winter months. Yellow Perch were not captured in the 2023 gillnets. Yellow Perch abundance was low in the 2023 trapnets (0.30 fish/trapnet). The Yellow Perch historical catch rates for Long Lake are 1.12 fish/gillnet and 0.22 fish/trapnet. The 2023 Yellow Perch average weight and length were moderate (0.14 pounds and 6.51 inches) from trapnets. Bluegill abundance was low (15.90 fish/trapnet) in 2023. The Bluegill average historical catch rate is 39.79 fish/trapnet. The 2023 Bluegill average size was large (0.27 pounds and 6.55 inches) from trapnets. The Bluegill historical average weight is 0.14 pounds from trapnets. The 2023 Bluegill catch rate of quality size (6.00 inches plus) Bluegill was low (9.00 fish/trapnet). The 2023 catch rate of preferred size (8.00 inches plus) Bluegill was moderate (4.80 fish/trapnet). Bluegill growth rates were average. Multiple year classes (2019, 2017 and 2016) each comprised approximately 20% of the total 2023 Bluegill catch. The largest Bluegill captured was 9.88 inches. Pumpkinseed Sunfish numbers were low (1.30 fish/trapnet) in 2023 compared to the historical average (3.75 fish/trapnet). The 2023 Pumpkinseed Sunfish average size was moderate (0.18 pounds and 5.53 inches) from trapnets. The largest Pumpkinseed Sunfish was 8.82 inches. Hybrid Sunfish numbers were low (2.80 fish/trapnet) in 2023 trapnets compared to the historical average (4.31 fish/trapnet). The 2023 Hybrid Sunfish average size was large (0.24 pounds and 6.26 inches) from trapnets. Yellow Bullhead numbers were abundant (12.50 fish/trapnet) in 2023 trapnets compared to the historical average (7.18 fish/trapnet). The Yellow Bullhead catch rate was 9.33 fish/gillnet in the 2023 gillnets. The Yellow Bullhead historical gillnet catch rate is 3.79 fish/gillnet for Long Lake. The 2023 Yellow Bullhead average size was large (0.74 pounds and 10.76 inches) from trapnets. The Yellow Bullhead historical average weight and length are 0.61 pounds and 10.68 inches from trapnets for Long Lake. The largest Yellow Bullhead was 14.92 inches. Current fish management activities on Long Lake include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, protecting aquatic vegetation through the permit process, preventing and educating about the spread of invasive species, evaluating the new bass regulation, and stocking various fish species as warranted. The Long Lake fishery will be surveyed in 2024 for Largemouth Bass by spring night electrofishing and Sunfish by May trapnets. A standard survey will be conducted in 2028.

A targeted survey was conducted on Long Lake during mid-May of 2021. Ten standard lake survey trapnets were set at historical stations to target Bluegill and Black Crappie. Special regulations for several area lakes (Nest, Long, Diamond, George and Florida) including Long Lake entail reduced bag limits (i.e., 5 or 10 fish) for Bluegill and possibly Black Crappie. A Bluegill bag limit of 10 fish was enacted for Long Lake in May of 2021. A targeted survey is generally used for sampling a specific kind of fish or time of year (i.e., spawning season, fall season, etc.) unlike a standard survey which samples a wider range of fish species during the summer months using standard methodology (i.e., standard time of year, set sampling stations, taking water clarity readings and oxygen/temperature profiles, etc.) and gears (i.e., lake survey gillnets, trapnets and possibly spring electrofishing for Largemouth Bass). Trapnet sampling of pre-spawn Bluegill during early/mid-May or September is preferred to summer (June-August) netting for regulation evaluation. Long is a small (286 acres) and low to moderately productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. The maximum depth is 46 feet. Residential development (110 homes/cabins, 2013 resurvey) has occurred around the entire lake except for some south shoreline areas. There are three resort/campgrounds located adjacent to Long Lake. Hardwoods and adjacent wetlands are the dominant cover types within the immediate watershed. Nutrient runoff is limited primarily residential lawn runoff. The outlet connects to the Middle Fork Crow Reservoir. There are two public access sites adjacent to the lake. Emergent vegetation (i.e., water lilies, bulrush, cattails, and wild rice) is abundant in Long, especially in bay and south shoreline areas. Submergent vegetation (i.e., muskgrass, coontail, various pondweed species) is abundant in the lake. Shoalwater substrates are primarily sand, gravel, detritus, muck, and rubble. Water quality is good (total phosphorus=0.013 ppm, 6-10-2013) in Long Lake. Water clarity (secchi=14.0 feet) was excellent on July 9, 2018 for Long Lake. An experimental regulation was implemented for bass (12 inch maximum size limit) in 1997 as part of a statewide research study. The DNR decided to change the bass regulation in December of 2005 to a DNR state toolbox regulation (a 12 inch maximum size limit with one bass over 20 inches allowed). The new bass regulation took effect on May 27, 2006. This regulation was monitored, and a public meeting was held at the end of September 2011 to get public input regarding the special regulation on bass. The DNR decided to change the bass regulation in December of 2011 (all Largemouth Bass from 14 inches to 20 inches to be immediately released with one bass over 20 inches allowed in possession). The new bass regulation has been in effect since May 26, 2012. Long is a popular fishing lake for Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Black Crappie, and Northern Pike. Anglers also seek Walleye occasionally. Catchability of various species (i.e., Bluegill, Black Crappie, Walleye, etc.) is often different by season. Summer historical average catch rates should be cautiously used when compared to spring or fall catch rates regarding relative abundance. Black Crappie and Bluegill are generally more susceptible to capture in trapnets during May and September compared to the summer months. Black Crappie abundance in 2021 mid-May (13.50 fish/trapnet) was above the summer historical average catch rate of 1.95 fish/trapnet. The 2021 Black Crappie average size was large (0.55 pounds and 9.84 inches) from trapnets. The 2021 catch rate of quality size (8.00 plus inches) Black Crappie was moderate (8.30 fish/trapnet). The 2021 catch rate of preferred size (10.00 plus inches) Black Crappie was also moderate (6.60 fish/trapnet). Black Crappie growth rates were below the normal ranges for ages 1-5, but within the normal ranges for ages 6-8. The 2016 year class comprised 47% of the 2021 Black Crappie trapnet catch. The largest Black Crappie captured was 12.28 inches. Bluegill abundance in 2021 mid-May was moderate (21.00 fish/trapnet). The Bluegill summer historical catch rate is 41.49 fish/trapnet. The 2021 Bluegill average size was large (0.38 pounds and 7.60 inches) from trapnets. The Bluegill historical average weight is 0.13 pounds from summer trapnets. The 2021 catch rate of quality size (6.00 plus inches) Bluegill was moderate (18.7 fish/trapnet). The 2021 catch rate of preferred size (8.00 plus inches) Bluegill was high (8.30 fish/trapnet). Bluegill growth rates were generally above the Spicer Area normal ranges. The 2016 and 2015 year classes comprised 41% and 28% respectively of the 2021 total bluegill trapnet catch rate. The largest Bluegill captured was 10.71 inches. Pumpkinseed Sunfish numbers were low in 2021 (1.40 fish/trapnet) compared to the summer historical average (3.93 fish/trapnet). The 2021 Pumpkinseed Sunfish average size was large (0.33 pounds and 7.01 inches) from trapnets. Hybrid Sunfish numbers were low in 2021 trapnets (1.60 fish/trapnet) compared to the summer historical average (4.42 fish/trapnet). The 2021 Hybrid Sunfish average size was large (0.40 pounds and 7.62 inches) from trapnets. Current fish management activities on Long Lake include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, protecting aquatic vegetation through the permit process, preventing and educating about the spread of invasive species, evaluating the bass and Bluegill regulations, and stocking various fish species as warranted. The Long Lake fishery will be surveyed in 2023 for Largemouth Bass by spring night electrofishing and 2023 for all fish species. The Long Lake experimental regulation will be re-evaluated for continuation, change or removal in 2023.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Northern Pike, and Bluegill 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 46 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

Yes — Long has confirmed starry stonewort and zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.