What You'll Find at Long Lake

Long Lake sits in the heart of Phillips, Wisconsin, and it's a solid walleye and northern pike lake that rewards anglers who understand its structure. The lake runs roughly 1,200 acres with a maximum depth around 60 feet, but most of the productive water sits between 15 and 35 feet. Unlike some of the deeper glacial lakes nearby, Long Lake has a gentler bottom profile with scattered weed beds, sand flats, and a few notable drop-offs that concentrate fish in predictable places.

Walleye are the main draw here, and they're present year-round. Spring and fall produce the most consistent action, though summer nights can be excellent if you're willing to fish after dark. Pike run decent size—you'll see plenty in the 24 to 28-inch range, with occasional fish pushing 35 inches. The lake also holds panfish, particularly bluegill and crappie, which can be a solid backup plan when walleye are sluggish.

Key Takeaways

  • Long Lake is a 1,200-acre walleye and pike lake with depths reaching 60 feet, but most fish hold between 15 and 35 feet on sand and weed structure.
  • Spring and fall walleye fishing is most reliable, while summer nights often produce better results than daytime hours.
  • Public boat access is available at the town landing on the north shore, with parking for trailers and a paved ramp.
  • Wisconsin fishing licenses and a trout stamp (if applicable to your residency) are required; check current regulations for daily bag limits and size restrictions before you fish.
  • The lake's character changes with season—ice-out brings aggressive walleye, summer heat pushes fish deeper, and fall cooling triggers another feeding window.

Where to Launch and What to Expect

The public boat landing is on the north shore, accessible via County Road M. The ramp is paved, well-maintained, and has adequate parking for both vehicles and trailers. It's a straightforward launch—no fees, no permits required. The landing gives you immediate access to the main basin and the deeper structure that holds walleye.

Long Lake is not crowded, even on weekends. You'll see other boats, but nothing like the pressure on some of the more famous walleye lakes an hour south. That means you can fish methodically without feeling rushed, and it also means the fish haven't been hammered into complete lockjaw. The shoreline is a mix of residential property and undeveloped land, so respect posted signs and stay off private docks.

Spring Walleye: The Shallow-Water Window

Ice-out on Long Lake typically happens in late April, and the first two to three weeks after that are prime time. Walleye move shallow to feed and spawn, and you'll find them in 6 to 12 feet of water on the sand flats and along the weed edges. Jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics work well—cast toward structure and work the bottom slowly. A 1/4-ounce jig is usually enough; you don't need to go heavy.

Early morning and late evening are best, but don't discount midday. In spring, the water is cold and the light is still weak, so walleye will feed throughout the day. If you're new to the lake, start on the north and east shorelines where the public landing gives you easy access. The sand flats there hold fish consistently in spring.

Summer: Night Fishing and Deep Structure

By June, the lake warms and walleye retreat to deeper water during the day. Daytime fishing becomes a grind—you can catch fish, but you'll work harder for fewer bites. The smarter move is to fish at night. Walleye move shallow after dark to feed, and you can catch them in 8 to 15 feet of water with live minnows, crankbaits, or soft plastics.

If you prefer daytime fishing, focus on the deepest structure you can find—the drop-offs on the west and south sides of the lake hold walleye in 30 to 45 feet. Vertical jigging with live minnows or blade baits can work, but it requires patience and a good electronics setup to locate the fish. Pike fishing, by contrast, stays decent all summer. They're less temperature-sensitive than walleye and will hunt in shallower water even in heat. Throw larger lures—5 to 7-inch crankbaits or soft plastics—and work the weed edges.

Fall: The Second Peak

September and October bring another strong walleye bite. As water cools, fish move back to shallower structure and feed more aggressively. The weed beds that were dormant in summer green up again, and walleye hunt along the edges. Jigs and live minnows work, but fall is also a good time to throw crankbaits—the fish are active enough to chase, and you'll cover more water.

Fall also marks the start of pike spawning behavior, and larger pike become more aggressive. If you're targeting pike specifically, throw larger lures and fish the shallow bays and weed-choked areas. The water clarity improves in fall, so pike can see your lure from farther away, and they'll chase it down.

Winter: Ice Fishing and Walleye

Long Lake freezes solid by mid-December, and ice fishing for walleye is popular. The same structure that holds fish in open water—sand flats, weed edges, drop-offs—holds them under ice. Most anglers fish live minnows under a tip-up or jigging spoon, and the bite can be steady if you're on the right spot. The lake is large enough that finding fish requires some trial and error, so talk to local bait shops or other anglers on the ice to narrow down the productive areas.

Safety is critical on Long Lake in winter. The ice is usually solid by mid-December, but early and late season ice can be unpredictable. Check with local sources before heading out, and always wear a life jacket and carry a spud bar. The lake's depth means thin ice is a real hazard in transition periods.

Regulations and Licensing

Wisconsin requires a current fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, at any bait and tackle shop, or at most sporting goods stores. Licenses are available as daily, annual, or multi-year options.

Walleye and pike have specific bag limits and size restrictions that vary by year and management zone. Long Lake falls under the Phillips area regulations, which typically allow a daily limit of five walleye (with a 15-inch minimum size) and five pike (with a 24-inch minimum). However, these rules change, so check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before you go. The DNR website has a searchable tool that shows the exact rules for your lake and species.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Spring (late April through May) and fall (September through October) are most reliable for walleye. Summer nights can be excellent if you're willing to fish after dark. Winter ice fishing is also productive, though it requires different gear and safety precautions.

Do I need a boat to fish Long Lake?

A boat gives you access to the deeper structure and weed beds where most walleye hold. However, the public landing and shoreline access mean you can fish from shore or wade in shallow areas, particularly in spring. Shore fishing is slower but possible.

What size pike and walleye can I expect?

Walleye typically run 14 to 20 inches, with occasional fish pushing 24 inches. Pike average 24 to 28 inches, and 30-plus-inch fish are caught regularly. Both species have minimum size limits set by Wisconsin—check current regulations before you fish.

Is Long Lake crowded?

No. Long Lake sees steady fishing pressure but nothing like the famous walleye lakes farther south. You'll have room to fish methodically and won't feel rushed, which is one of the lake's real advantages.

Can I fish Long Lake in winter?

Yes, ice fishing is popular and productive. The lake freezes solid by mid-December, and walleye bite well under ice. Always check ice thickness and local conditions before heading out, and wear a life jacket.