What North Long Lake offers anglers

North Long Lake sits in Crow Wing County between Brainerd and Little Falls, and it's one of the deeper walleye lakes in the region—a trait that shapes everything about how you fish it. The lake runs roughly 2,000 acres with depths reaching into the 80s, which means walleye stay accessible year-round rather than vanishing into summer doldrums like they do on shallower lakes. Pike are present and grow fat here, but walleye are the draw, and the fish respond predictably to structure and season if you know where to look.

The character of North Long Lake is different from the reservoir-style lakes to the south and the shallow glacial basins to the north. It's a true basin lake—steep breaks, defined channels, and enough depth that you can fish the same spot in July that worked in May. That stability is rare in the Crow Wing drainage and worth understanding before you launch.

Key Takeaways

  • North Long Lake's depth—reaching 80+ feet—means walleye remain in predictable locations through summer, unlike shallower Crow Wing lakes.
  • Spring and fall walleye fishing focuses on the breaks and transition zones where deep water meets structure; summer requires moving to deeper basin areas.
  • Pike fishing is secondary but consistent, particularly around weed edges and shallow bays in early season.
  • The lake has public access via a county boat launch, and the surrounding area offers lodging and services in Brainerd and Little Falls.
  • Walleye regulations follow Minnesota state rules; check current slot limits and possession limits before you fish.

Spring walleye patterns on the breaks

When the ice goes out—typically mid-April in Crow Wing County—North Long Lake's walleye move shallow to feed before spawning. The first two weeks of open water are often the most productive of the year. Fish the transition zones where the lake bottom slopes from 8 to 15 feet; walleye stage here before moving into spawning areas, and they're aggressive because they're feeding hard after winter.

Jigs tipped with live minnows or crawlers work best in spring. Drop them along the breaks on the north and east sides of the lake, where deeper water is close to shallow feeding zones. Work the jig slowly—walleye in cold water don't chase—and be patient. A 1/4-ounce jig is standard; heavier if wind pushes the boat, lighter if the water is calm and you want a slower fall.

Crankbaits that reach 8 to 12 feet also produce, particularly shad-pattern lures that mimic the baitfish walleye feed on. Cast parallel to the break rather than perpendicular to it; you'll stay in the productive zone longer and cover more fish.

Summer fishing in the deep basin

By mid-June, walleye on North Long Lake have moved to deeper water—40 to 60 feet is common—and they're less aggressive than they were in spring. This is when many anglers move to other lakes, but North Long Lake rewards patience because the fish are still there and still catchable if you adjust your approach.

Vertical jigging is the most effective summer technique. Use a GPS to find the deepest basin areas—the center of the lake holds the most fish—and drop a jig straight down. Smaller jigs work better in summer; 1/8-ounce is standard. Tip with a minnow head or a live shiner, and work the jig with small lifts rather than aggressive hops. Walleye in deep water often bite on the drop, so pay attention to your line even when the jig is sinking.

Live bait rigs also work, particularly if you're drifting. A slip sinker rig with a live minnow on a 2-foot leader lets the bait move naturally, and you can cover more water than you can by jigging. Drift the deepest areas slowly, and watch your sonar for suspended fish.

Fall transition and pike opportunities

September and early October bring the second-best walleye bite of the year. As water cools, fish move back toward the breaks and shallower structure, and they feed more aggressively than they do in summer. Fish the same areas you fished in spring—8 to 20 feet—but expect the bite to be later in the day. Walleye on North Long Lake often feed best from mid-afternoon through dark in fall.

Pike fishing peaks in fall as well. The weed edges around the lake's shallow bays hold pike, and they're less selective than they are in summer. Larger lures—spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range—draw strikes. Pike on North Long Lake don't reach trophy size often, but 24- to 28-inch fish are common, and they're strong fighters that make for good sport.

Winter access and ice fishing

North Long Lake freezes solid by late November and remains fishable through February. The lake's depth means you can fish walleye through the ice using the same vertical jigging approach you use in summer—find the deep basin, drill holes, and work small jigs tipped with minnow heads. Winter walleye on this lake are often less aggressive than fall fish, but the bite can be steady if you're patient and mobile enough to drill multiple holes and move between them.

Pike also bite through the ice, particularly in the shallower bays where they hunt under the snow. Tip-ups with live minnows work well, and you can cover more water by setting multiple lines. Check Minnesota regulations for tip-up limits before you set out.

Access, services, and regulations

North Long Lake has a public boat launch managed by Crow Wing County, located on the south side of the lake. The launch is maintained year-round and has parking for trailers. Brainerd, about 15 minutes away, has lodging, restaurants, and tackle shops. Little Falls is roughly 20 minutes in the other direction and offers similar services.

Walleye and pike regulations follow Minnesota state rules. Check the current Minnesota Fishing Handbook for slot limits, possession limits, and any seasonal restrictions before you fish. Regulations can change year to year, and it's your responsibility to know what's in effect when you're on the water.

The lake is open to public fishing, and there are no special restrictions specific to North Long Lake beyond state rules. Respect private property around the shoreline, and use the public launch rather than accessing the lake from private land.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Spring (mid-April through May) and fall (September through early October) are most productive. Walleye feed aggressively during these transitions, and you can catch fish in shallower water. Summer is possible but requires deeper jigging and more patience. Winter ice fishing can be steady if you're willing to drill multiple holes and move around.

Do I need a boat to fish North Long Lake?

A boat makes fishing much easier, particularly for reaching the deeper basin areas where summer walleye hold. Shore fishing is possible around the launch area and along accessible shoreline, but you'll be limited to shallower water and won't reach the best structure. The public launch is designed for trailer boats.

What size walleye can I expect to catch?

North Long Lake produces walleye in the 15- to 22-inch range regularly, with occasional fish larger than 24 inches. The lake's depth and structure support a healthy population, but trophy walleye are not common. Pike run smaller than walleye on average—most fish are 20 to 28 inches—but they're plentiful and aggressive.

Can I fish North Long Lake in winter?

Yes. The lake freezes solid and remains fishable through February. Ice fishing for walleye uses the same vertical jigging approach as summer, and pike bite under the ice as well. Check ice thickness before you venture out, and follow all Minnesota regulations for winter fishing, including tip-up limits.

Where do I find current fishing reports for North Long Lake?

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources publishes fishing reports by region and lake. Brainerd-area tackle shops also track local conditions and can tell you what's working. Local fishing forums and social media groups focused on Crow Wing County fishing often share recent reports and patterns.