What Long Lake offers and when to fish it

Long Lake sits in Presque Isle County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and runs shallow across most of its basin—rarely deeper than 20 feet, with much of the water between 8 and 15 feet. That shallow character makes it a strong walleye lake in spring and fall, when cooler water pushes walleye into the shallows to hunt. Pike thrive here year-round because shallow lakes warm faster in summer and hold weeds that pike use for ambush. The lake also holds perch and some bass, but walleye and pike are what draw most anglers.

Spring (May through early June) is the most predictable time. Walleye move into 6 to 12 feet of water as the lake warms from winter, and they feed aggressively before spawning. Fall (September through October) mirrors spring—walleye return to shallow water as the lake cools, and the bite can be just as strong. Summer is tougher because walleye retreat to the deepest holes and weeds, and the shallow basin heats up quickly. Winter is possible but requires checking current ice conditions with local bait shops or the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Key Takeaways

  • Long Lake is a shallow walleye and pike lake where most productive water runs 8 to 15 feet deep, making spring and fall the most reliable seasons.
  • Walleye respond well to live bait (shiners, crawlers) and jigs in 6 to 12 feet of water during May through early June and September through October.
  • Pike fishing is consistent year-round in shallow bays and weed edges, especially in summer when walleye move deeper.
  • Public access is available at the Presque Isle Township boat launch on the south end of the lake.
  • Check Michigan fishing regulations for current season dates, size limits, and daily catch limits before you fish.

Spring walleye: the peak season

May and early June are when Long Lake fishes best. Water temperatures climb from the low 50s into the 60s, and walleye move out of the deepest basin into the shallows to feed and prepare to spawn. Fish the 6 to 12-foot zone along the south and west shorelines, where structure—rocks, fallen timber, or slight bottom changes—concentrates fish.

Live shiners or crawlers on a simple jig-and-live-bait rig work reliably. Cast parallel to shore or drop straight down if you locate fish on a depth finder. Work slowly; walleye in spring are not aggressive, and a bait that sits or moves just a few inches per second often outfishes faster presentations. Early morning and late evening are most productive, but overcast days can produce all day.

Fall fishing and the transition into winter

September and October bring a second strong bite as water cools and walleye return to shallow hunting grounds. The pattern mirrors spring—6 to 12 feet along structure—but the urgency is different. Fall walleye feed harder because they are preparing for winter, and you may see more aggressive strikes than in spring.

Jigs tipped with live bait remain the standard, but small crankbaits (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) can also work, especially in the 8 to 10-foot zone. Pike are also active in fall, so do not be surprised if a larger fish hits your walleye rig. By late October, water temperatures drop into the 40s, and the bite slows; if you plan to fish through November, confirm ice-out timing and current conditions with a local bait shop before you go.

Summer pike and the deep-water walleye challenge

Summer is when Long Lake's shallow character becomes a liability for walleye anglers. The lake warms quickly, and walleye retreat to the deepest holes—usually in the central basin around 18 to 20 feet—where they are harder to locate and less aggressive. Many walleye anglers skip summer and return in fall.

Pike, however, thrive in summer. They hunt in the shallow bays and weed edges where the water is warm and forage is abundant. Cast large topwater plugs, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics along weed lines in 4 to 8 feet of water, especially in the early morning or late evening. If you want to pursue walleye in summer, focus on the deepest basin with live bait or vertical jigging, but expect a slower, more technical bite than spring or fall offer.

Public access and launch details

The Presque Isle Township boat launch is the primary public access point on Long Lake. It sits on the south end of the lake and has a paved ramp, parking, and a small dock. The launch is open year-round, though winter access depends on road conditions and ice safety. There is no fee to launch, but you must have a valid Michigan fishing license.

The launch can get crowded on weekends during spring and fall, so arriving early improves your chances of a smooth launch. If you do not have a boat, shore fishing is possible along the south and west shorelines where public land abuts the water, though access is limited compared to boat fishing.

Tackle and technique essentials

For walleye, keep your setup simple: a 1/4 to 3/8-ounce jig head in white, yellow, or chartreuse, tipped with a live shiner or nightcrawler. A 6-foot medium-light spinning rod with 6 to 8-pound monofilament or braided line works well. Cast and retrieve slowly, or drop vertically and work the jig with small lifts and pauses. Walleye often bite on the drop, so pay attention to your line even when you are not actively moving the bait.

For pike, use heavier tackle: a 6.5 to 7-foot medium-heavy rod with 10 to 15-pound braided line and a wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader. Pike have sharp teeth and will cut through regular line. Topwater plugs, large spinnerbaits (1/2 to 3/4 ounce), and soft plastics in 4 to 6-inch sizes all work. Cast to visible weed edges and structure, and retrieve with confidence—pike respond to movement and noise.

Understanding Long Lake's seasonal patterns

Long Lake's shallow basin creates distinct seasonal patterns that repeat year to year. In spring and fall, the entire lake is productive because the water column is cool enough that walleye do not need to retreat to deep refuges. In summer, the lake stratifies—warm water on top, cool water below—and walleye concentrate in the narrow band of cool water near the bottom, usually in the deepest 18 to 20 feet. In winter, if ice forms safely, walleye move to slightly deeper water (12 to 18 feet) but remain accessible to ice anglers.

Understanding this cycle helps you decide when to fish. If you want the highest probability of success, fish spring or fall. If you want to explore the lake and learn its structure, summer is a good time to run the shoreline and map weed beds, deep holes, and structure that you can return to when the bite is on.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of day to fish Long Lake?

Early morning (one hour before sunrise to two hours after) and late evening (two hours before sunset to one hour after) are most productive for both walleye and pike. Overcast days can produce all day. Midday fishing is possible but slower, especially in summer.

Do I need a boat to fish Long Lake?

A boat gives you access to the best structure and deeper water, but shore fishing is possible along the south and west shorelines. Most anglers use boats because the lake is large and structure is spread across the basin.

What size walleye and pike does Long Lake typically produce?

Walleye average 12 to 16 inches, with fish over 18 inches possible but not common. Pike average 18 to 24 inches, and fish over 30 inches are caught regularly. Check current Michigan size and bag limits before you fish.

Can I fish Long Lake in winter?

Yes, if ice is safe. Contact a local bait shop or the Michigan DNR for current ice conditions. Winter walleye fishing is possible in 12 to 18 feet of water, but ice thickness and safety vary year to year.

What should I bring for a day on Long Lake?

Bring a valid Michigan fishing license, sunscreen, a hat, water, snacks, and a depth finder if you have a boat. Bring extra jigs and live bait because Long Lake's shallow bottom can snag tackle. A net is helpful for landing pike.