What Long Lake offers walleye and pike anglers

Long Lake in Gogebic County sits in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula and holds a solid walleye and northern pike fishery in a lake that stays cold and clear year-round. The lake runs roughly 3 miles long and averages 40 to 50 feet deep, with a maximum depth around 90 feet—the kind of structure that keeps walleye active through summer when shallower lakes warm up. Pike grow fat here too, and the lake doesn't draw the same pressure as better-known U.P. destinations, which means you're more likely to find fish in predictable spots rather than chasing crowds.

The water clarity is one of Long Lake's defining traits. You'll see 15 to 20 feet down on most days, which changes how walleye behave—they tend to suspend deeper and feed more actively at dawn and dusk rather than all night. That clarity also means pike are more cautious, so lure selection and presentation matter more than on stained-water lakes where fish are less picky.

Key Takeaways

  • Long Lake holds walleye and northern pike in cold, clear water that stays productive through summer when other U.P. lakes warm up.
  • The lake averages 40 to 50 feet deep with structure that keeps fish predictable—focus on the deeper basin and the transition zones between shallow and deep water.
  • Water clarity means walleye feed more actively at dawn, dusk, and night; pike require more natural-looking presentations and slower retrieves.
  • Access is via a public boat launch on the south shore; the lake is quieter than popular U.P. destinations and holds fish year-round for both open-water and ice fishing.

Summer walleye patterns on Long Lake

In summer, walleye on Long Lake move to the deeper basin and suspend along the thermocline—typically 35 to 50 feet down by mid-July. The water column stratifies, and walleye follow the oxygen and the forage. Work live bait rigs or jigging presentations in the 40- to 60-foot zone during the day, and move shallower (20 to 35 feet) at dawn and dusk when walleye move up to feed. The clearer water means they see your presentation from farther away, so use lighter line (6- to 8-pound test) and smaller baits than you would on stained lakes.

Nighttime fishing produces consistently from June through August. Walleye move into 15 to 25 feet of water after dark, and you can work the transition zones between the shallow flats and the deeper basin with live shiners or crawlers under a slip bobber. The lake's quiet character means fewer boats running at night, so you'll have good water to yourself. Bring a headlamp and plan to fish from about 9 p.m. until midnight or later—that's when the bite tends to peak.

Northern pike and the shallow structure

Pike on Long Lake hunt the shallower edges and weed lines, particularly where the lake bottom transitions from 15 to 30 feet. The water clarity means pike see your lure from a distance, so they're more likely to follow and inspect before committing. Use larger, more natural-looking presentations—7- to 10-inch swimbaits, soft plastics that mimic shiners, or crankbaits that run in the 20- to 30-foot zone. Avoid bright colors and erratic retrieves; pike in clear water respond better to steady, confident presentations that look like a real baitfish.

Early morning and late evening produce the best pike action. Fish the shallow flats and the edges of deeper water from first light until mid-morning, then return in the last two hours before dark. Midday pike fishing is slower, but you can still find active fish in the deepest basin if you're willing to work deeper presentations. The lake's northern and eastern shores tend to hold more pike than the southern end, likely because that's where the deeper structure and weed growth are most pronounced.

Access and boat launch details

Long Lake has a public boat launch on the south shore, accessible via a gravel road off M-28. The launch is maintained by Gogebic County and is free to use. The parking area is small—room for maybe 8 to 10 vehicles—so arrive early on weekends if you want a spot. The launch itself is in good condition, with a concrete ramp and a small dock. Water depth at the launch is adequate year-round, though in very low-water years (which are rare on this lake) you may need to back the trailer in a bit farther than usual.

The lake has no gas station or bait shop on-site, so bring everything you need before you arrive. The nearest town is Bessemer, about 15 minutes south, where you can find bait, tackle, and fuel. Cell service is spotty on the lake itself, so don't rely on your phone for navigation or emergency contact—bring a map and let someone know your float plan.

Spring and fall fishing windows

Spring (May through early June) is one of the best times to fish Long Lake. Walleye move shallow to spawn, and you can find them in 8 to 15 feet of water along the northern and eastern shores. Pike are also aggressive, feeding heavily before and after their own spawn. Use live bait presentations and work the shallower flats and transition zones. The water is still cool, so walleye feed throughout the day rather than retreating to deep water.

Fall (September through October) mirrors spring in many ways. Walleye move shallow again as the water cools, and pike feed aggressively in preparation for winter. The lake's clarity is at its best in fall—you may see 20 to 25 feet down—which means pike are more cautious but walleye are more active. Fish the same shallow zones you targeted in spring, and plan to fish from dawn through mid-morning and again in the late afternoon. By late October, the bite slows as water temperature drops below 50 degrees, signaling the transition to winter patterns.

Winter ice fishing on Long Lake

Long Lake freezes solid by mid-December and stays fishable through March. The ice is typically 12 to 18 inches thick by January, which is safe for vehicles and shelters. Walleye fishing under the ice follows the same deep-basin pattern as summer—set up over 40 to 60 feet of water and use small jigging presentations with live shiners or spikes. Pike fishing is more productive in shallower water (15 to 30 feet), where you can use larger baits and jigging spoons.

The lake's quiet character makes winter fishing particularly enjoyable. You'll have plenty of space to set up, and the lack of pressure means fish are less spooky. Bring a hand auger (a power auger is overkill on this lake), a shelter if you plan to stay more than an hour, and extra layers—the U.P. wind can be brutal even on a calm day. Check current ice conditions with the Gogebic County Sheriff's Office or a local bait shop before heading out, especially early and late in the season.

What to bring and how to prepare

Long Lake is a self-sufficient fishery. Bring your own bait (shiners, crawlers, and spikes work well), tackle, and supplies. A GPS or map is useful because the lake has few landmarks, and cell service is unreliable. If you're fishing at night, bring a good headlamp and extra batteries. For summer fishing, sunscreen and bug spray are essential—the U.P. has mosquitoes and deer flies that can be relentless in July and August.

A fish finder is helpful but not necessary. The lake's structure is straightforward—a deep basin with shallower edges—so you can find fish by working the transition zones methodically. If you do use a fish finder, focus on the 35- to 60-foot zone in summer and the 15- to 30-foot zone in spring and fall. Bring more water and snacks than you think you'll need; the nearest services are 15 minutes away, and there's no shelter on the lake itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Long Lake?

Spring (May through early June) and fall (September through October) are the most consistent. Walleye and pike move shallow, feed actively throughout the day, and the water is cool. Summer can be productive if you're willing to fish deep water during the day and at night, but midday fishing is slower.

Do I need a Michigan fishing license?

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 or at any bait and tackle shop. A license is valid for the calendar year.

Can I fish Long Lake in winter?

Yes. The lake freezes solid by mid-December and stays fishable through March. Ice is typically 12 to 18 inches thick by January. Check current conditions with the Gogebic County Sheriff's Office before heading out, especially early or late in the season.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Walleye typically run 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish in the 20-inch range. Pike average 18 to 26 inches, and 30-inch fish are caught regularly. The lake's cold water and moderate fishing pressure support healthy populations of both species.

Is there a place to stay near Long Lake?

Bessemer, about 15 minutes south, has motels, cabins, and campgrounds. The U.P. has several state forest campgrounds within 30 minutes of Long Lake as well. Plan ahead during peak season (July and August), as rooms fill quickly.