What You'll Find at Long Lake

Long Lake is a shallow, 2,600-acre reservoir in Kandiyohi County that holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish—mainly bluegill and crappie. The lake runs roughly north to south and averages 15 to 20 feet deep, with a maximum depth around 35 feet. Because it's shallow and sits on prairie, the water warms quickly in spring and can turn over hard in fall, which shapes when and where fish hold.

The lake has a sandy and silty bottom with scattered weed growth, particularly along the eastern and western shorelines. Walleye here respond to structure—drop-offs, the few rock piles, and weed edges—rather than deep basins. Pike are abundant and aggressive, especially in spring and early summer. If you're after panfish, the shallower bays and weed pockets hold steady populations of bluegill and crappie year-round.

Key Takeaways

  • Long Lake's shallow depth and prairie location mean walleye move between deep structure and shallow flats with the seasons, so adjust your depth and timing rather than fishing the same spot all year.
  • Northern pike are plentiful and will hit live bait, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits, especially in spring and early summer before the water gets too warm.
  • Panfish—bluegill and crappie—hold in weed pockets and shallow bays year-round, making them a reliable target when walleye and pike are slow.
  • A Minnesota fishing license is required; check current regulations for daily limits and size restrictions before you fish.
  • Public access is available at the county boat launch on the north end of the lake, with parking and a paved ramp.

Spring Walleye: Shallow Flats and Weed Edges

In spring, as the ice goes out and water temperatures climb into the 40s and 50s, walleye move shallow to feed. Target the flats on the north and south ends of the lake, where depth ranges from 6 to 12 feet. Live bait—shiners or crawlers—under a slip bobber or on a simple jig works well. Work the weed edges slowly; walleye in shallow water are often aggressive but spook easily if you move too fast.

Early morning and late evening are most productive, though on cloudy days walleye will bite throughout the day. If you're using a jig, keep it light—a quarter-ounce to half-ounce—so it stays in the strike zone longer. The shallow bays on the east side of the lake warm faster than the main basin and often hold fish first.

Summer: Deep Structure and Night Fishing

By mid-June, as water temperatures climb into the 70s, walleye retreat to deeper structure. Focus on the few rock piles and drop-offs in the central basin, particularly where depth transitions from 15 to 25 feet. Jigging with live bait or soft plastics works, but many anglers switch to night fishing on the shallow flats once the sun sets and water temperatures peak.

Summer nights on Long Lake can be excellent. Walleye move back shallow to feed after dark, and you can work the same flats you fished in spring with live bait or crankbaits. Bring a headlamp with a red lens to preserve your night vision, and fish quietly—sound carries on shallow water. Pike are also active at night and will hit the same presentations.

Northern Pike: Spring Through Early Summer

Pike are one of Long Lake's strengths. They're abundant, aggressive, and willing to hit a wide range of lures. In spring, as water warms into the 50s, pike move into the shallow bays and weed pockets to spawn. This is peak season for pike fishing—throw spinnerbaits, crankbaits, or large soft plastics along weed edges and in the bays on the north and south ends.

By mid-summer, pike are still active but tend to move deeper and become less predictable as water temperatures climb. Early morning and late evening remain your best windows. Live bait—larger shiners or small bluegill—fished under a bobber in weed pockets also works well. Pike here run 24 to 32 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 40 inches.

Panfish: Year-Round Opportunity

Bluegill and crappie are steady targets on Long Lake and often overlooked by anglers focused on walleye and pike. Both species hold in weed pockets and shallow bays year-round. In spring and summer, fish the edges of weed beds in 4 to 8 feet of water with small jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastics. A simple bobber and live cricket or waxworm also works.

Fall and winter panfish fishing can be excellent. As water cools, bluegill and crappie move into slightly deeper weed pockets and the transition zones between shallow and deep water. In winter, ice fishing for panfish is popular; drill holes in 8 to 12 feet of water near weed beds and use small jigging spoons or live bait. Panfish here are smaller than in some Minnesota lakes—expect bluegill in the 7 to 9-inch range—but they're plentiful and fun to catch.

Access and Facilities

The primary public access to Long Lake is the Kandiyohi County boat launch on the north end, near the town of Willmar. The ramp is paved, well-maintained, and has a parking lot. There is no fee to launch. The ramp can get crowded on weekends during peak season, so arrive early if you're fishing Saturday or Sunday.

There are no resorts or rental cabins directly on Long Lake, but Willmar is close by and has hotels, restaurants, and tackle shops. If you're planning a longer stay, the town has all the services you'll need. Gas stations and convenience stores are scattered around the lake's perimeter.

Seasons and Regulations

Long Lake is open year-round for fishing. The walleye season runs from mid-May through mid-March; pike season is the same. Panfish have no closed season. Daily limits and size restrictions vary by species and change periodically, so check the current Minnesota fishing regulations before you go. You'll find them on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website or in the printed regulations guide available at tackle shops and boat launches.

Winter ice fishing is popular here, though ice-out timing varies. Typically, the lake is fishable by late December and remains solid through early March, but always check local conditions before heading out. The shallow depth means ice can be unpredictable in late winter, so use caution and drill test holes as you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Spring (May through June) and fall (September through October) are most consistent. Water temperatures are moderate, fish are active, and the weather is pleasant. Summer can be good for night fishing, and winter ice fishing for panfish is also productive if you're equipped for cold weather.

Do I need a boat to fish Long Lake?

A boat is helpful but not required. The public launch on the north end is the main access point. Shore fishing is possible along parts of the perimeter, though much of the shoreline is private. Ask locals or check with the county for public shore-access areas.

What size pike and walleye can I expect?

Walleye average 16 to 20 inches, with some fish pushing 24 inches. Pike average 24 to 32 inches, with occasional fish over 40 inches. Both populations are healthy and support good fishing pressure.

Is Long Lake good for beginners?

Yes. Panfish are abundant and easy to catch, making it a good lake for learning. Pike are also forgiving—they're aggressive and will hit a variety of lures. Walleye require more patience and technique, but the lake's shallow depth means you can find fish without expensive electronics.

Can I fish Long Lake in winter?

Yes. Ice fishing for panfish is popular and productive. Walleye and pike can also be caught through the ice, though they're less predictable. Always check ice thickness and local conditions before heading out; shallow lakes can have unstable ice in late winter.