Long

A standard survey was conducted at Long Lake near Dassel, beginning on June 25, 2018, to monitor the fish population. Long is a class 34 lake and net catches were compared to similar lakes around the state. The 2014 lake management plan (LMP) listed Bluegill and Largemouth Bass as the primary management species while Northern Pike were considered a secondary management species. A total of 12 species, plus Hybrid Sunfish, were sampled in the gill nets (GN), trap nets (TN), or by spring night-time electrofishing, the latter of which targets Largemouth Bass. On June 25, the dissolved oxygen concentration fell below 2.0 mg/l at 16.0 feet, indicating that some of the lake (maximum depth of 28 feet) lacked adequate oxygen for fish use at this time of the year. Water clarity was excellent, with a secchi disk reading of 9.1 feet. Long Lake has had a history of occasional winterkill, with the latest significant event occurring in 2011. Fish populations can fluctuate greatly depending on the frequency and severity of winterkill at Long Lake. Curlyleaf Pondweed, a non-native aquatic plant, can be abundant during May and June and then typically dies back in early July. Gill nets sampled high numbers of Northern Pike (65) for a catch rate of 10.8/net, which was above the lake's normal range and was the second highest catch ever measured at Long Lake. The 2014 LMP's Northern Pike long range goal (>2.3/net and 5.9/TN and 22.5/hour) was met. The 2013 electrofishing catch rate was 49.5/hour. Electrofished Largemouth Bass were 6.1 to 21.7 inches long with an average of 14.0. Approximately 56% of the electrofishing sample was 14 inches or longer, indicating a quality size structure. The electrofishing size distribution indicated that multiple age classes were present, but recruitment was not strong every year. Gill nets sampled low numbers of Yellow Perch (7) for a catch rate of 1.2/net, which was below the lake's normal range. The 2013 catch rate was 6.0/net. Catch rates from 1973 to 2018 (n=10) were variable ranging from 1.2 to 96.2/net with an average of 22.9. Yellow Perch were 5.4 to 6.0 inches long with an average of 5.7. Data indicated inconsistent recruitment, possibly due to higher numbers of predatory Northern Pike over the last five years. Trap nets and GN's failed to sample any Common Carp in 2018. Common Carp were also not sampled in the 2013 TN's or GN's, possibly indicating that they were no longer present in Long Lake or that numbers are at an undetectably low level. Dead Common Carp were observed following the 2011 winterkill and none were sampled in the subsequent winterkill survey from the spring of that year. Historic summer TN catch rates (n=11) from 1973 to 2018 were mostly low, ranging from 0.0 to 5.8/net with an average of 1.0. Historic GN catch rates (n=10) were mostly low, ranging from 0.0 to 5.8/net with an average of 1.3. Gill nets sampled low numbers of Black Bullhead (5) for a catch rate of 0.8/net, which was below the lake's normal range. The 2013 catch rate was even lower at 0.0/net. Historic GN catch rates from 1973 to 2018 (n=9) were mostly low, ranging from 0.0 to 27.7/net with an average of 9.8. Gill netted fish were 10.6 to 11.8 inches long with an average of 11.2. Trap nets failed to sample Black Bullhead in 2018 (0.0/TN), which was the lowest catch rate ever recorded at Long. The 2013 TN catch rate was 0.7/net. Historic TN catch rates from 1973 to 2018 were mostly low, ranging from 0.0 to 16.8/net with an average of 2.9. Size distributions indicated inconsistent recruitment. Gill nets sampled high numbers of Yellow Bullhead (239) for a catch rate of 39.8/net which was above the lake's normal range and the highest catch ever measured at Long Lake. The 2013 GN catch rate was 1.0/net. Historic GN catch rates from 1984 to 2018 (n=8) were variable ranging from 0.0 to 39.8/net with an average of 6.9. In 2018, gill netted Yellow Bullhead were 5.4 to 15.1 inches long with an average of 10.3. Approximately 88% of the GN catch was 9 inches or longer, indicating a quality size structure. Additional species sampled in the standard gear included; Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, and Pumpkinseed Sunfish.

A standard survey was conducted at Long Lake near Dassel, beginning on June 25, 2018, to monitor the fish population. Long is a class 34 lake and net catches were compared to similar lakes around the state. The 2014 lake management plan (LMP) listed Bluegill and Largemouth Bass as the primary management species while Northern Pike were considered a secondary management species. A total of 12 species, plus Hybrid Sunfish, were sampled in the gill nets (GN), trap nets (TN), or by spring night-time electrofishing, the latter of which targets Largemouth Bass. On June 25, the dissolved oxygen concentration fell below 2.0 mg/l at 16.0 feet, indicating that some of the lake (maximum depth of 28 feet) lacked adequate oxygen for fish use at this time of the year. Water clarity was excellent, with a secchi disk reading of 9.1 feet. Long Lake has had a history of occasional winterkill, with the latest significant event occurring in 2011. Fish populations can fluctuate greatly depending on the frequency and severity of winterkill at Long Lake. Curlyleaf Pondweed, a non-native aquatic plant, can be abundant during May and June and then typically dies back in early July. Gill nets sampled high numbers of Northern Pike (65) for a catch rate of 10.8/net, which was above the lake's normal range and was the second highest catch ever measured at Long Lake. The 2014 LMP's Northern Pike long range goal (>2.3/net and 5.9/TN and 22.5/hour) was met. The 2013 electrofishing catch rate was 49.5/hour. Electrofished Largemouth Bass were 6.1 to 21.7 inches long with an average of 14.0. Approximately 56% of the electrofishing sample was 14 inches or longer, indicating a quality size structure. The electrofishing size distribution indicated that multiple age classes were present, but recruitment was not strong every year. Gill nets sampled low numbers of Yellow Perch (7) for a catch rate of 1.2/net, which was below the lake's normal range. The 2013 catch rate was 6.0/net. Catch rates from 1973 to 2018 (n=10) were variable ranging from 1.2 to 96.2/net with an average of 22.9. Yellow Perch were 5.4 to 6.0 inches long with an average of 5.7. Data indicated inconsistent recruitment, possibly due to higher numbers of predatory Northern Pike over the last five years. Trap nets and GN's failed to sample any Common Carp in 2018. Common Carp were also not sampled in the 2013 TN's or GN's, possibly indicating that they were no longer present in Long Lake or that numbers are at an undetectably low level. Dead Common Carp were observed following the 2011 winterkill and none were sampled in the subsequent winterkill survey from the spring of that year. Historic summer TN catch rates (n=11) from 1973 to 2018 were mostly low, ranging from 0.0 to 5.8/net with an average of 1.0. Historic GN catch rates (n=10) were mostly low, ranging from 0.0 to 5.8/net with an average of 1.3. Gill nets sampled low numbers of Black Bullhead (5) for a catch rate of 0.8/net, which was below the lake's normal range. The 2013 catch rate was even lower at 0.0/net. Historic GN catch rates from 1973 to 2018 (n=9) were mostly low, ranging from 0.0 to 27.7/net with an average of 9.8. Gill netted fish were 10.6 to 11.8 inches long with an average of 11.2. Trap nets failed to sample Black Bullhead in 2018 (0.0/TN), which was the lowest catch rate ever recorded at Long. The 2013 TN catch rate was 0.7/net. Historic TN catch rates from 1973 to 2018 were mostly low, ranging from 0.0 to 16.8/net with an average of 2.9. Size distributions indicated inconsistent recruitment. Gill nets sampled high numbers of Yellow Bullhead (239) for a catch rate of 39.8/net which was above the lake's normal range and the highest catch ever measured at Long Lake. The 2013 GN catch rate was 1.0/net. Historic GN catch rates from 1984 to 2018 (n=8) were variable ranging from 0.0 to 39.8/net with an average of 6.9. In 2018, gill netted Yellow Bullhead were 5.4 to 15.1 inches long with an average of 10.3. Approximately 88% of the GN catch was 9 inches or longer, indicating a quality size structure. Additional species sampled in the standard gear included; Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, and Pumpkinseed Sunfish.

A resurvey was conducted at Long Lake in 2013 to monitor the Lake's chemical, physical, and biological characteristics. The current Lake Management Plan listed Largemouth Bass and Bluegill as primary management species while Northern Pike and Black Crappie were listed as a secondary species. Water clarity was good on June 24, with a secchi disk reading of 6.0 feet. Long's lakeshed (983 acres) was mostly forest (32%), cropland (27%), and residential (23%). Approximately 51% of the shoreline was developed with private homes, many being year round residences. White water lilies were abundant, while yellow water lilies were rare on Long Lake. A quality aquatic plant community was present at Long Lake in 2013. The maximum depth at which submergent vegetation was found was 13.9 feet. Curlyleaf pondweed can be abundant in May and June. It usually begins dying back in early July. For shoalwater substrates; sand and silt werel common. Most of the eastern shoreline remained undeveloped in 2013. Long Lake has a history of winterkill with a substantial kill (especially on Bluegill, Carp, and Largemouth Bass) occurring in 2011. Fish populations can fluctuate greatly depending on the frequency and severity of winterkill. Walleye were not gill netted or trap netted in 2013. Walleye were last stocked in 1994 and a substantial fishery has not existed since the mid 1990's. Long Lake's habitat (abundant submergent vegetation and sandy shores) is better suited for Bluegill and Largemouth Bass. Gill nets sampled 88 Northern Pike for a catch rate of 14.7/net, which was above the normal range and the highest on record for Long Lake. Northern Pike were the most abundant fish sampled in the gill nets. Catch rates from 1973 to 2013 (n=9) were mostly low, ranging from 0.2 to 14.7/net with an average of 3.3. In 2013, gill netted Northern Pike were 15.8 to 33.5 inches long with an average of 22.2. An impressive 7% of the gill net sample was 30 inches or longer. Trap nets sampled 5 fish that were 29" or longer, with a maximum length of 35.9 inches. Average and maximum lengths indicated that a quality population was present. Northern Pike were age-2 through age-6 with 5 year-classes present. Age-2 through age-4 fish were well represented, accounting for 90% of the gill net sample. A total of 391 Northern Pike were stocked on 12/11/09 weighing 326 pounds. Many Northern Pike likely survived the winterkill, explaining the strong recruitment in 2011. High numbers (50+) of yearling Northern Pike were observed during the 2012 spring nighttime electrofishing assessment for Largemouth Bass, indicating excellent reproduction in 2011. Growth was moderate. Gill nets sampled 36 Yellow Perch for a catch rate of 6.0/net, which was within the normal range for a lake of this type. Catch rates from 1973 to 2013 (n=9) were highly variable ranging from 2.0 to 96.2/net with an average of 25.3. Gill netted Yellow Perch were 6.3 to 8.6 inches long with an average of 7.4. Gill nets sampled 2 Black Crappie for a catch rate of 0.3/net, which was below the normal range for a lake of this type and the lowest ever recorded at Long Lake. The 2008 catch rate was 2.0/net. Gill net catch rates from 1973 to 2013 (n=9) were mostly low, ranging from 0.3 to 10.0/net with an average of 4.6. The latest three catch rates showed a possible decreasing trend in Black Crappie abundance. In 2013, gill netted Black Crappie were 10.3 and 10.9 inches long. Trap nets sampled 7 Black Crappie for a catch rate of 0.8/net, which was also below the normal range. The 2008 trap net catch rate was similar at 0.6/net. Trap net catch rates from 1973 to 2013 (n=10) were mostly low, ranging from 0.0 to 12.5/net with an average of 3.3. Trap netted Black Crappie were 3.6 to 11.2 inches long with an average of 7.0. Trap netted Black Crappie were age-2 to age-6, with three year-classes present. Trap nets sampled 287 Bluegill for a catch rate of 31.9/net, which was within the normal range for a lake of this type. Bluegill were the most abundant fish sampled in the trap nets in 2013. The 2008 catch rate was at 129.2/net. The 2011 winterkill was likely responsible for the large drop in Bluegill numbers. Catch rates from 1973 to 2013 (n=10) were variable, ranging from 10.8 to 181.1/net with an average of 77.9. In 2013, trap netted Bluegill were 2.3 to 8.6 inches long with an average of 6.5. An impressive 58% of the trap net catch was 7 inches or longer, while 77% were 6 inches or longer. The length frequency distribution indicated that a quality population was present. Bluegill were age-2 to age-5 with four year-classes present. Bluegill that survived the winterkill (age-3, age-4, and age-5's) were growing fast. Good numbers of nice sized Bluegill should be of interest to sunfish anglers. Spring night-time electrofishing sampled 123 Largemouth Bass for a catch rate of 49.5/hr of electrofisher on-time. The catch rates in 2011 and 2012, following the winterkill, were 0.0 and 28.3/hr. The three most recent catch rates indicated an increasing trend in abundance of Largemouth Bass at Long Lake. Catch rates from 1994 to 2013 (n=8) were variable, ranging from 0.0 to 72.9/hr of electrofisher on-time with an average of 41.0. Electrofished Largemouth Bass were 4.5 to 18.4 inches long with an average of 9.4. Approximately 87% of the catch was less than 12 inches in length. The length frequency distribution indicated a population dominated by small fish, as would be expected following a severe winterkill. Largemouth Bass were age-1 through age-6 with 5 year-classes being present. Age-2 and age-1 fish made up 63% and 30% of the sample, respectively, that could be aged. The older fish could either be from the 45 adult broodstock that were reintroduced following the kill or fish that survived the winterkill. Growth was fast. Good numbers of 11 to 14 inch fish should be present by the 2014 bass opener. Gill nets sampled 0 Black Bullhead in 2013. Catch rates from 1973 to 2013 (n=8) were mostly low, ranging from 0.0 to 27.7/net with an average of 10.9. Trap nets sampled 6 Black Bullhead for a catch rate of 0.7/net which was below the normal range for a lake of this type. Catch rates from 1973 to 2013 (n=9) were mostly low ranging from 0.1 to 16.8/net with an average of 3.1. Trap netted Black Bullhead were 10.1 to 13.2 inches long with an average of 11.2. Carp were not sampled in 2013. Carp have not been sampled in high numbers since the 1989 assessment (5.8/gill net).

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, Walleye, and Hybrid Sunfish 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 28 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Long is from 2018. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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.