What You'll Find at Long Lake

Long Lake in Wisconsin is a shallow, weedy system that holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish in roughly equal measure. The lake runs about 1,200 acres and averages 20 feet deep, with extensive weed beds that dominate the structure. If you're after walleye, expect to work the deeper edges of those weeds and the few hard-bottom areas; pike hunters will find plenty of cover in the vegetation itself; panfish anglers can catch bluegill and crappie almost anywhere there's a weed line. The lake's character changes with season—spring and fall produce the most consistent action, while summer requires patience and early-morning or evening trips.

Access is straightforward. A public boat launch sits on the north shore, with parking for roughly a dozen vehicles. The lake has no size restrictions on motors, though the shallow water and weed growth mean you'll want to run carefully and watch your prop. Bank fishing is possible along the launch area and scattered points, but a boat gives you far more options and puts you where the fish actually are.

Key Takeaways

  • Long Lake holds walleye, pike, and panfish in a shallow, weedy environment where weed-edge fishing and deeper holes produce the most consistent results.
  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the strongest seasons; summer fishing is possible but requires early morning or evening timing.
  • A public boat launch on the north shore provides the main access point; bank fishing is limited but available near the launch.
  • Wisconsin fishing regulations apply, including a walleye daily limit of five fish and a northern pike limit of three; check current rules before you go.
  • Weed growth is heavy, so bring a weedless setup and expect to lose some lures—it's part of fishing this lake.

Walleye Fishing on Long Lake

Walleye on Long Lake respond best to live bait and crankbaits worked along weed edges and in the few deeper holes scattered across the lake. The most productive areas are the transition zones where weeds meet open water, particularly on the east and south sides where the bottom drops to 25–30 feet. Early morning and late evening are your best windows, especially in summer; in spring and fall, walleye bite throughout the day.

Live shiners or crawlers under a slip bobber will catch walleye consistently if you position yourself in 12–18 feet of water near weed lines. If you prefer casting, use 3/8-ounce crankbaits in natural colors (perch, shad patterns) and work them slowly—this is not a lake where speed produces. Jigging with a minnow is also effective, particularly in spring when walleye move shallow to spawn. The lake's shallow average depth means you won't need to fish extremely deep, but you do need to find the right weed edge or hard-bottom spot.

Northern Pike and Panfish Opportunities

Northern pike thrive in Long Lake's weed beds and will hit large topwater lures, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics worked through the vegetation. Pike here run 18–28 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 35 inches. Fish the thickest weed beds in 8–15 feet of water, and don't be afraid to throw large lures—pike on this lake see plenty of smaller offerings and respond to something that stands out. Early morning produces the most aggressive strikes.

Panfish—bluegill, crappie, and some pumpkinseed—are abundant and easy to catch. Any weed line in 6–12 feet of water will hold them. Small jigs tipped with wax worms or live minnows work well, as do tiny spinners and inline spinnerbaits. Panfish fishing is reliable throughout the season and a good option if walleye and pike aren't cooperating or if you're bringing younger anglers who want consistent action.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times

Spring (April and May) is when Long Lake fishes best. Walleye move shallow to spawn, pike become aggressive as water warms, and panfish are active throughout the water column. Water temperatures in the low 50s to mid-60s trigger feeding, and you can catch fish all day, not just at dawn and dusk.

Summer (June through August) requires more strategy. Walleye retreat to deeper weed edges and the few holes that offer cooler water; pike stay in thick cover where they're harder to reach without snagging; panfish scatter but remain catchable early and late. Midday fishing is slow. Fall (September and October) mirrors spring—cooler water, active fish, and longer productive windows. Winter ice fishing is possible once the lake freezes solid, though you'll need to check local conditions and ice thickness before heading out.

Regulations and Licensing

Wisconsin fishing regulations apply to Long Lake. Walleye have a daily limit of five fish with a 15-inch minimum size. Northern pike have a daily limit of three fish with a 24-inch minimum size. Panfish (bluegill, crappie, sunfish) have a daily limit of 25 fish combined. You must carry a valid Wisconsin fishing license, which you can obtain online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or at most bait shops and sporting goods stores in the area.

Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before your trip, as rules can change. The DNR website lists any special orders or seasonal closures that might affect Long Lake specifically. If you're planning to keep fish for a meal, the lake is generally considered safe for consumption, though you may want to check current fish consumption advisories for any specific species.

What to Bring and How to Fish the Weeds

Weed growth is the defining feature of Long Lake, and it requires specific gear. Bring a weedless jig setup, soft plastics rigged on weedless hooks, and topwater lures that can handle vegetation. You will lose lures—accept it as part of fishing this lake. A good pair of polarized sunglasses helps you spot weed edges and deeper holes from the boat. A GPS or mapping app showing depth contours is useful for finding the few hard-bottom areas that hold walleye.

Weedless spinnerbaits are particularly effective here because they move through vegetation without constant snagging. If you prefer crankbaits, stick to shallow-diving models (2–6 feet) that work the weed tops rather than trying to dig deep. A trolling motor is nearly essential—it lets you position quietly along weed edges without spooking fish or getting tangled in vegetation with a main engine.

Nearby Amenities and Planning Your Trip

Long Lake is located in central Wisconsin and is accessible by car from most parts of the state. The nearest town with gas, food, and lodging depends on which part of the lake you're accessing, but rural Wisconsin typically means 15–30 minutes to basic services. Bring your own water and snacks if you plan a full day on the water. The public launch has no facilities beyond parking, so plan accordingly.

The lake is day-use only from the public launch—there is no overnight camping directly on the water. Nearby state forests and county parks may offer camping if you want to make a longer trip. Check ahead for any seasonal closures or maintenance work at the launch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Long Lake year-round?

Yes. Open-water season runs through the end of November, and ice fishing is possible once the lake freezes solid, typically by late December. Check ice thickness and local conditions before heading out in winter. Spring and fall offer the most consistent fishing.

What's the best lure for walleye on Long Lake?

Live shiners under a slip bobber or small crankbaits (perch and shad patterns) worked slowly along weed edges produce consistently. Jigs with minnows also work well, especially in spring. Avoid fast retrieves—walleye on this lake prefer a slow presentation.

Do I need a boat to fish Long Lake?

A boat gives you access to the best walleye and pike water, but bank fishing near the public launch will catch panfish and some pike. If you don't own a boat, check whether local marinas or bait shops offer rentals.

What size pike can I expect to catch?

Most pike run 18–28 inches. Larger fish in the 30–35 inch range are possible but less common. The lake's weed-heavy structure produces plenty of pike, but they tend toward the smaller end of the range.

Is Long Lake safe to eat fish from?

Generally yes, but check the Wisconsin DNR website for current fish consumption advisories before your trip. Advisories can change and may vary by species, so verify before keeping fish for a meal.