What Big Long Lake offers anglers

Big Long Lake sits in Menominee County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, about 20 miles south of Marinette, Wisconsin. It's a shallow, weedy lake that runs roughly 3 miles long and holds a solid population of walleye and northern pike, with some largemouth bass mixed in. The lake averages 15 to 20 feet deep, with extensive weed beds and a soft bottom—the kind of structure that walleye love, especially in spring and fall when they move shallow to feed.

What makes Big Long Lake distinct from other UP lakes is how accessible it is and how little pressure it sees compared to the famous walleye lakes further north. You won't find the crowds here that you get on Michigamme or Gogebic. The fishing is steadier and less feast-or-famine, which means a trip here is more likely to put fish in the boat than a gamble on a more famous name.

Key Takeaways

  • Big Long Lake holds walleye and pike year-round, with spring and fall offering the most consistent shallow-water action.
  • The lake's weed beds and soft bottom require slower presentations—live bait rigging and jigging work better than fast crankbaits.
  • Public access is available at the boat launch on the north end; the lake is small enough to fish thoroughly in a single day.
  • Summer fishing is possible but slower; walleye move deeper into the weed channels and require patience and vertical jigging.

Spring walleye fishing on shallow flats

Spring is the prime season on Big Long Lake. Walleye move into the shallows—2 to 8 feet—as soon as the ice goes out, and they stay there for 4 to 6 weeks while they feed heavily before spawning. The north and west shorelines have the most gradual drop-offs and the thickest weed growth, which is where you want to focus.

Live bait rigging is the standard approach here. A simple setup—a slip sinker, a barrel swivel, a 2-foot fluorocarbon leader, and a size 2 or 3 hook—lets you crawl a live minnow or leech along the weed edges at a pace the fish can't refuse. Cast parallel to the weeds rather than into them; you'll snag less and still cover the strike zone. Work the outside edge of the weed line first, then move into any open pockets you find.

Jigging also works, especially with a 1/4-ounce jig tipped with a minnow head or a small plastic. The key is patience—let the jig sit for a few seconds on the bottom, then lift it slowly. Walleye in spring are aggressive but not always fast; they'll follow a jig and mouth it before committing, so a pause gives them time to bite.

Fall fishing and the transition to winter

Fall brings a second strong bite, usually starting in late August and running through September. Walleye move shallow again as water temperatures drop, and the weed beds thin out, making them easier to navigate. The same live bait rigs and jigs that work in spring work here, but the fish are often more aggressive—they're feeding hard before the long winter.

By October, the bite slows as water temperatures drop into the 40s. Some anglers stay with it through early winter, but the fishing becomes more technical. If you're targeting walleye in October and November, switch to smaller presentations—1/8-ounce jigs and thinner live bait—and fish the deepest holes you can find, usually 18 to 25 feet along the main basin.

Summer and pike opportunities

Summer walleye fishing on Big Long Lake is possible but requires more work. The fish move deeper into the weed channels and the main basin, and they become less active in the heat. Early morning and late evening are your best windows. Vertical jigging in 15 to 20 feet of water over the weed tops can produce, but you'll spend more time looking than catching.

Northern pike, however, are active all summer. They hunt the weed beds aggressively in June and July, and they'll hit larger presentations—spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range. Cast along the weed edges and work the lures with a steady retrieve. Pike on Big Long Lake run 18 to 28 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 30 inches or better.

Access and boat launch information

Public boat access is available at the launch on the north end of the lake, off County Road 550. The ramp is maintained by Menominee County and has parking for roughly 15 vehicles. There's no fee to launch. The ramp is concrete and in decent condition, though it can get soft in the spring when the water level is high and the ground is still thawing.

The lake is small enough—about 1,200 acres—that you can fish the entire perimeter in a day if you're thorough. Most anglers work the north and west shorelines in spring and fall, then move to the deeper basin and weed channels in summer. There are no islands or major obstacles in the middle of the lake, so navigation is straightforward.

What gear and tackle to bring

A 6-foot to 6.5-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line is the standard setup for walleye. Fluorocarbon leaders (2 to 3 feet) help in clear water, though Big Long Lake's water is moderately stained, so they're not always necessary. Bring a selection of jigs from 1/8 to 3/8 ounce, a few live bait rigs already tied, and a container of live minnows or leeches.

For pike, step up to a 6.5- to 7-foot medium-heavy rod with 12- to 15-pound line. Pike have sharp teeth, so use a short wire or heavy fluorocarbon bite leader. Spinnerbaits in sizes 1/2 to 3/4 ounce, crankbaits in the 3- to 4-inch range, and soft plastics like 5-inch swimbaits will all produce. A net with at least a 20-inch hoop makes landing pike easier and safer.

Seasonal timing and what to expect

Late April through May is peak spring walleye season. Water temperatures climb from the high 40s to the mid-50s, and the bite is most consistent. June through July is the slowest period for walleye but the best for pike. August and early September see walleye return to the shallows as water cools. October and November are hit-or-miss; some days are excellent, others are slow.

Winter fishing is possible through the ice, but Big Long Lake doesn't have the reputation of some other UP lakes for winter walleye. If you're planning an ice trip, contact the local bait shops in Marinette or Menominee to ask about current conditions and what's been working. The lake typically freezes solid by mid-December and stays frozen through March.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Michigan fishing license to fish Big Long Lake?

Yes. Michigan requires a resident or non-resident fishing license for anyone 17 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, at any bait shop in the area, or at most sporting goods stores. A daily license is available if you're only fishing for a day or two.

What's the size and bag limit for walleye on Big Long Lake?

Michigan's walleye regulations vary by lake and can change year to year. Big Long Lake typically follows the standard UP walleye rules, but you should check the current Michigan fishing guide before you go. The DNR website has a searchable database of specific lake regulations, or call the Marquette DNR office at 906-228-6561 to confirm.

Can I fish Big Long Lake from shore?

Yes, though shore fishing is less productive than boat fishing because much of the best structure is in deeper water and weed beds. The north and west shorelines have public access points, and you can walk the banks in several places. Early morning and evening shore fishing for pike can be worthwhile, especially in summer.

What's the closest town with bait and tackle shops?

Marinette, Wisconsin, is about 20 miles north and has several bait shops that stock live minnows, leeches, and tackle. Menominee, Michigan, is closer (about 10 miles) but has fewer options. It's a good idea to call ahead or stop the evening before your trip to make sure they have what you need in stock.

Is Big Long Lake good for a beginner angler?

Yes. The lake is small, easy to navigate, and holds enough fish that you're likely to catch something even if your technique isn't perfect. Spring and fall are forgiving seasons—walleye are aggressive and willing to bite. Summer requires more skill, but pike fishing in summer is straightforward and rewarding for newer anglers.