What you'll find at North Long Lake

North Long Lake is a shallow, weedy reservoir in Crow Wing County near Brainerd that holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish in a setting that rewards patience over power. The lake runs roughly 3 miles long and averages 15 to 20 feet deep, with extensive weed beds and soft bottom that make it a classic early-season walleye lake and a reliable pike fishery year-round. The character of the place is quiet — you'll see fewer boats here than on nearby Gull Lake or Mille Lacs, and the fish respond to that calm.

The lake's shallow structure means water temperature swings fast with the seasons. Spring and fall are the most predictable times to fish here, when walleye move into the weeds to feed and pike cruise the edges. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday heat pushes fish deep into the thickest cover. Winter is solid for walleye through the ice, especially in January and February when the bite stabilizes after the initial freeze-over period.

Key Takeaways

  • North Long Lake holds walleye and pike in shallow, weedy structure that changes dramatically with water temperature and season.
  • Spring and fall are the most consistent times to fish, when walleye feed actively in the weed edges and pike hunt in transition zones.
  • Summer fishing requires early morning or evening trips; midday heat concentrates fish in deep weed pockets and the deepest holes.
  • Winter ice fishing for walleye is productive from January through February, with jigging live minnows the standard approach.
  • Public boat access is available at the county landing on the north end; the lake has no resorts or rental facilities.

Spring walleye fishing in the weeds

Spring — roughly late April through May — is when North Long Lake fishes easiest. Walleye move shallow to spawn and feed, and they concentrate in the weed edges and shallow bays on the north and west sides of the lake. Water temperature in the mid-50s triggers aggressive feeding, and you can catch fish on simple presentations: live minnows under a slip bobber in 6 to 10 feet of water, or jigs tipped with minnow or leech worked slowly along the weed line.

The key is to fish the transition zone where weeds meet open water. Cast parallel to the weed edge rather than into the thickest growth; walleye position themselves to ambush baitfish moving between cover and deeper water. Early morning and evening are best, but spring's cooler water keeps fish active throughout the day. Expect to move frequently — this is not a lake where you anchor in one spot for hours. Work the shoreline methodically, and you'll find concentrations of fish in 20 to 30 minutes.

Summer patterns and the midday lull

By June, water temperature climbs into the 70s and walleye retreat to deeper weed pockets and the few holes that reach 25 to 30 feet. Midday fishing becomes slow; the lake's shallow profile means there's nowhere for fish to escape the heat and light. Plan your trips for 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., or 7:00 p.m. until dark. During these windows, walleye move into shallower water to feed, and you can catch them on the same presentations that work in spring.

Pike fishing improves in summer, especially in the weed beds. Throw large topwater lures or soft plastics in the early morning, or work the edges of the thickest weed growth with crankbaits that reach 8 to 12 feet. Pike in shallow lakes like this are aggressive hunters, and they'll chase a fleeing baitfish imitation. If you're targeting pike, bring heavy tackle and expect to lose lures to the weeds — it's part of fishing here.

Fall and the second bite

September and October bring a second strong bite as water cools back into the 60s and walleye move shallow again to feed before winter. The pattern mirrors spring: weed edges, shallow bays, and transition zones hold the most fish. Fall fishing often lasts longer into the day than summer does, because the sun angle is lower and water clarity improves. You can have productive fishing from 7:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., with peaks in early morning and late afternoon.

Pike are also more active in fall, and they're larger and more aggressive than their summer counterparts. The combination of cooling water and shorter days triggers feeding behavior. Jigs and live minnows work for walleye; larger presentations — 4- to 6-inch soft plastics, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits — are your best bet for pike. By late October, ice-out is approaching, and the fishing window narrows as fish move to their winter locations.

Winter ice fishing

North Long Lake freezes solid by mid-December, and ice fishing for walleye is productive from January through early March. The best bite typically comes in January and February, after the initial freeze-over period when fish have settled into winter patterns. Walleye concentrate in the deepest holes — the 25- to 30-foot basins on the south and east sides of the lake — and in slightly shallower areas (12 to 18 feet) with soft bottom and sparse weed growth.

Set up over these deeper zones and jig live minnows — shiners or chubs — on small jigging spoons or tear-drop jigs. Drop your line straight down and work it with a subtle lift-and-drop motion. Patience is essential; winter walleye bite slowly, and you may go 20 minutes between fish. Bring a shelter and a heater; the wind across this shallow lake can be brutal. Check ice thickness before you venture out — the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recommends at least 4 inches for walking and 5 to 7 inches for vehicles.

Access and practical details

Public boat access is available at the Crow Wing County landing on the north end of the lake, off County Road 3. The ramp is maintained year-round and has parking for roughly 20 vehicles. There are no resorts, rental cabins, or on-lake services; this is a day-trip lake. The nearest lodging and supplies are in Brainerd, about 15 minutes away by car.

A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Walleye have a daily limit of four fish (one over 20 inches), and pike have a limit of five fish. Check the current Minnesota fishing regulations before you go, as rules can change year to year. The lake is open to public fishing year-round, and there are no special restrictions specific to North Long Lake.

What to bring and what to expect

North Long Lake rewards anglers who come prepared for shallow-water fishing. Bring a good depth finder — the weed beds and soft bottom make it easy to lose your bearings, and a sonar unit helps you locate the transition zones where walleye hold. A push pole or electric trolling motor is more useful here than a large outboard; you'll spend most of your time in 6 to 15 feet of water, and quiet movement spooks fewer fish.

Expect to encounter weeds on every cast. Bring extra lures, and don't hesitate to upsize your line to 10- or 12-pound test if you're targeting pike. The water is stained to moderately clear depending on recent rainfall, so natural colors (greens, browns, blacks) and bright colors (chartreuse, orange) both produce. Bring sunscreen and a hat — the shallow water reflects light intensely, and the lack of shade on the water makes for a long day in the sun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is North Long Lake good for beginners?

Yes, especially in spring and fall. The shallow structure and abundant weed edges make it easy to locate fish, and walleye here are not as selective as they are on clearer lakes. Bring live minnows and a simple slip-bobber rig, and you'll catch fish. Summer and winter require more specific techniques and patience.

Can I fish North Long Lake from shore?

Fishing from shore is possible but limited. The north end near the public landing has some accessible shoreline, but most of the lake is surrounded by private property or thick vegetation. A boat is the practical way to fish this lake effectively.

What's the best lure for pike on North Long Lake?

Large topwater lures and soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range work well, especially in early morning. Pike here are aggressive and will chase fleeing baitfish imitations. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits that reach 8 to 12 feet are also productive. Avoid small lures — pike in this lake are not interested in panfish-sized presentations.

How deep does North Long Lake get?

The lake averages 15 to 20 feet deep, with the deepest holes reaching 25 to 30 feet on the south and east sides. Most of the productive fishing happens in 6 to 18 feet of water, especially in spring, fall, and winter.

Do I need a boat to fish North Long Lake?

A boat is strongly recommended. While shore fishing is possible near the public landing, the lake's shallow structure and weed beds are best explored by water. A small aluminum boat with an electric motor is ideal for this lake.