What You'll Find at Long Lake

Long Lake sits in Waushara County in central Wisconsin and holds a solid mix of walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass. The lake runs roughly 1,200 acres and reaches depths past 60 feet in spots, which matters because walleye here follow classic deep-water patterns in summer and move shallow in spring and fall. The bottom is a mix of sand, muck, and rock—typical for this part of the state—and that variety supports different fish at different times of year.

The lake has public boat access at the Long Lake public landing on the south shore, which is your main entry point. The water is moderately clear most of the year, though spring runoff and heavy rain can cloud it temporarily. If you've fished other Waushara County lakes like Coloma or Poygan, Long Lake will feel familiar in terms of structure and fish behavior, though it tends to be less crowded than those neighbors.

Key Takeaways

  • Long Lake holds walleye year-round, with spring and fall offering the best shallow-water bite and summer requiring deeper presentations near structure.
  • Northern pike are present and aggressive, especially in weedy areas and around the deeper holes; use larger lures and expect strikes on walleye gear.
  • Public boat access is available at the south-shore landing, and the lake is open to year-round fishing including winter ice fishing.
  • Water clarity varies with season and weather, so adjust lure color and size based on conditions rather than fishing the same setup all year.
  • The lake's mix of sand, muck, and rock bottom means structure changes frequently, so talking to local bait shops or recent anglers will save you time finding active fish.

Spring Walleye Bite and Shallow-Water Patterns

Spring is when Long Lake walleye move into water 8 to 15 feet deep, often near the shoreline structure and sand flats. This typically runs from ice-out through May, depending on how warm the water gets. Jigs tipped with live minnows or crawlers work well, and you can cover water faster with crankbaits in the 2- to 4-inch range that dive to around 10 feet.

The south and west shores tend to warm first and hold fish earlier in spring. Early morning and late evening are most productive, though on cloudy days the bite can stay steady through midday. If you're new to the lake, start by working the shallow structure near the public landing and work your way around the shoreline—you'll learn the bottom quickly and find where the walleye are staging.

Summer: Deep Water and Night Fishing

By mid-June, walleye at Long Lake move into deeper water, typically 25 to 45 feet, where they sit near the thermocline and away from the warmest surface layers. This is when vertical jigging becomes your most effective technique. Drop a 3/8- to 1/2-ounce jig straight down over the deeper holes and work it slowly, pausing to let it sit on bottom for a few seconds before lifting again.

Night fishing is also productive in summer, especially if you can access the shallower flats after dark. Walleye move up to feed when the sun is down, and you can work 10 to 20 feet of water with live bait rigs or crankbaits. Bring a headlamp with a red lens to preserve your night vision and avoid spooking fish in the shallows.

Fall Transition and Pike Activity

September and October bring cooler water and another shallow-water window. Walleye move back into 8 to 20 feet of water, and the bite can be excellent during this period. Jigs and live bait work, but so do shallow-diving crankbaits and spinner rigs—the fish are feeding aggressively as they prepare for winter.

Fall is also prime time for northern pike. They're more active in cooler water and will chase larger lures. If you're targeting pike specifically, use 4- to 6-inch crankbaits or soft plastics in the 5- to 7-inch range. Expect to lose some tackle to pike teeth, so carry a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon if you're throwing anything you want to keep. Pike often hang around weed edges and deeper structure, so don't ignore the areas where walleye are also present.

Winter Ice Fishing

Long Lake stays open to ice fishing once it freezes solid, usually by mid-December. Walleye fishing through the ice follows the same depth patterns as open water—start in 15 to 25 feet and adjust based on what you find. Small jigging spoons (1/4 to 3/8 ounce) tipped with minnow heads or live shiners work well, and you can also use tip-ups with live minnows if you want to cover more area.

The bite is often best in early morning and late afternoon, with a midday lull. Bring a good auger and a depth finder if you have one—drilling multiple holes and moving between them is more efficient than sitting in one spot. Check current ice thickness before heading out, and never fish alone on unfamiliar ice.

Tackle and Technique Notes

For walleye, a 6- to 7-foot medium-light spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line works well for most situations. Jigs in the 1/8- to 1/2-ounce range cover most depths and presentations. Live bait—minnows, crawlers, and leeches—will always catch fish, but having a few crankbaits and soft plastics in your box gives you options when the bite is slow.

For pike, step up to 8- to 10-pound line and consider a slightly heavier rod if you plan to throw larger lures. Pike don't require finesse, but they do require confidence—cast to structure, work the lure with purpose, and don't hesitate to set the hook hard when you feel a strike.

Local Resources and Seasonal Information

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources maintains current information about Long Lake's fish populations and any seasonal restrictions. You can find the lake's survey data and stocking history on the DNR website, which is useful if you want to understand what species are present and in what numbers.

Local bait and tackle shops in Waushara County—particularly those in nearby towns like Wautoma or Redgranite—can tell you what's working on Long Lake right now. They'll know recent water conditions, what depth the fish are at, and whether pike or walleye are more active. A five-minute conversation with someone who fished the lake last weekend is worth more than a week of guessing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Long Lake year-round?

Yes. Long Lake is open to fishing all year, including winter ice fishing once the ice is safe. Check current ice thickness and DNR advisories before heading out in winter. Spring and fall typically offer the most consistent action, but walleye are present and catchable in summer and winter too.

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

Early morning and late evening are most productive, especially in spring and fall. Summer midday fishing is slower, though night fishing can be excellent. Winter ice fishing is often best in early morning and late afternoon. Cloudy days can extend the bite throughout the day.

Do I need a boat to fish Long Lake?

A boat gives you access to deeper water and more structure, but you can catch walleye and pike from shore near the public landing. The south shore has some shallow flats and structure accessible from land, though you'll cover more water and find more fish with a boat.

What size pike are in Long Lake?

Pike at Long Lake range from small schooling fish to fish in the 30-inch range, with occasional larger ones. Most pike you'll catch will be in the 18- to 26-inch range. They're aggressive and fun to catch, though they're not the primary target for most anglers on this lake.

Is Long Lake good for beginners?

Yes. The lake has good public access, a healthy walleye population, and straightforward structure. If you're new to walleye fishing, start with jigs and live bait in spring or fall—the shallow-water bite is forgiving and you'll learn the lake quickly.