What Long Lake offers anglers

Long Lake sits just outside Waupaca in Portage County and runs about 1,100 acres—shallow enough that you'll find walleye, pike, and panfish in predictable places rather than scattered across deep structure. The lake averages 20 feet deep with a maximum around 40 feet, so you're not hunting for fish in a canyon. Walleye here respond well to live bait presentations in spring and fall, and pike fishing picks up in the shallows as water warms. If you're coming from Waupaca itself, Long Lake is close enough for a half-day trip but different enough in character to feel like exploring a new system.

The shoreline is mixed—some residential development, some wooded banks, and enough weed growth to hold fish predictably. Aquatic vegetation is thick in summer, which concentrates both walleye and pike into specific zones. The lake has a public boat launch on the south end, and that's your main access point. Water clarity varies by season; spring runoff can cloud it, but by mid-summer it clears enough that sight-fishing for pike becomes viable on calm mornings.

Key Takeaways

  • Long Lake's shallow, weedy character makes it productive for walleye and pike without requiring deep-water electronics or structure hunting.
  • The public boat launch on the south end is the primary access; arrive early on weekends because the parking lot fills quickly during summer.
  • Spring and fall walleye fishing works best with live shiners or crawlers along the weed edges and deeper flats; summer requires adjusting to thicker vegetation.
  • Pike fishing improves as water temperature climbs, with the best action in shallow bays and along the weed line in June and July.

Spring walleye patterns on Long Lake

When the ice goes out, walleye move shallow to feed before spawning. Long Lake's shallow basin means this window is shorter than on deeper lakes—fish are already in their spawning areas by late April. Target the south and east shorelines where creeks feed in; these areas warm first and concentrate pre-spawn walleye. Live shiners or crawlers work better than artificials because the water is still cold and fish aren't aggressive.

The weed edges along the main basin hold fish during the day once water temperature reaches the mid-40s. Work these edges with a slow presentation—a live shiner on a slip sinker, cast and let it sit, or a crawler harness trolled at idle speed. Early morning and late evening produce better than midday, but Long Lake's shallowness means you can find active fish throughout the day if you're willing to move and cover water.

Summer fishing and weed management

By June, aquatic vegetation thickens enough that it becomes both a blessing and a frustration. Walleye and pike use the weeds for cover and hunting grounds, but dense mats make traditional presentations difficult. Switch to weedless presentations—a jig and plastic worked through the vegetation, or a topwater lure that can handle contact with plants. Early morning before the sun heats the water produces the most consistent action.

If the weed growth becomes too thick to fish effectively, focus on the deeper flats between weed beds and the main basin. Walleye suspend in these transition zones during midday heat. A vertical jigging approach with live bait works well here—drop straight down, work the jig with subtle lifts, and be patient. Pike, by contrast, often stay in the shallows even in summer heat, especially if there's current from an inlet or outlet.

Pike fishing in shallow water

Long Lake's pike population responds well to shallow-water presentations because the lake doesn't have the deep refuge that pike use on larger systems. Pike here are often in 4 to 8 feet of water, especially around weed beds and along the shoreline. Casting large swimbaits or topwater lures in early morning produces strikes that are immediate and aggressive. A 6-inch swimbait on a 1/2-ounce jighead covers water efficiently and attracts pike that might ignore smaller offerings.

Trolling the weed edges with crankbaits also works, particularly in May and June when pike are feeding heavily before summer heat. Run a medium-diving crankbait that reaches 6 to 10 feet and bump it along the weed line. Pike often follow and strike at the boat, so watch your line and be ready to set the hook hard. If you hook a fish, keep tension and don't let it wrap in vegetation—these shallow-water pike are strong but not as deep-water savvy as pike in larger lakes.

Fall transition and late-season opportunity

As water cools in September and October, walleye move back to the shallows to feed before winter. This is one of the best times to fish Long Lake because the weed growth is dying back, making presentations easier, and fish are aggressive. Live bait works exceptionally well—shiners or crawlers along the weed edges and shallow flats produce consistent catches. The south and east ends of the lake warm and cool more slowly than the north end, so they often hold active fish longer into fall.

Pike also feed heavily in fall, and the combination of cooler water and dying vegetation makes them more predictable. Casting large swimbaits or jerkbaits along the shoreline produces strikes throughout the day. If you're fishing Long Lake in October, plan to be on the water early and stay until dark—the extended feeding window means you don't have to be as precise about timing as you do in summer.

Boat launch and access details

The public boat launch on Long Lake's south end has parking for roughly 20 vehicles and a single-lane concrete ramp. The lot fills by mid-morning on weekends during summer, so arrive early if you want a may provide spot. The ramp is well-maintained and suitable for both trailers and hand-launch kayaks. There's no fuel dock on the lake, so fill up in Waupaca before you launch.

The lake has no designated fishing-only areas, so you'll share water with recreational boaters, especially on weekends. Weekday mornings are noticeably quieter. There are no on-water services—no bait shops, no rental facilities—so bring everything you need. A Wisconsin fishing license is required; you can purchase one online or at any bait and tackle shop in Waupaca.

What to bring and what to expect

Long Lake is a straightforward fishery that doesn't require specialized equipment. A 6-foot medium-action spinning rod works for walleye and pike alike. Bring live bait—shiners and crawlers are your foundation—along with a selection of jigs in 1/8 to 1/2 ounce, some crankbaits in the 2 to 4-inch range, and a few topwater lures for pike. A depth finder helps you locate the deeper flats and weed edges, but it's not essential on a lake this shallow.

Expect to share the lake with other anglers, especially on weekends. The fishing is consistent rather than explosive—you'll catch fish most days, but you're unlikely to land 20 walleye in a morning. That consistency is what makes Long Lake worth the trip from Waupaca. The lake fishes best when you're willing to move, cover water, and adjust your presentation to what the season and time of day demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Long Lake?

A boat makes it easier to cover water and reach the deeper flats and weed edges, but you can fish from shore along the south and east banks. Kayaks work well for anglers who want to explore the shallows without a motor. The public access is on the south end, so that's where most shore fishing happens.

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

Spring (late April through May) and fall (September through October) are most productive because walleye are shallow and aggressive. Summer can be good if you adjust to weed growth and fish early morning or late evening. Winter ice fishing is also popular, though that requires different equipment and techniques.

Are there size or bag limits on Long Lake?

Wisconsin sets statewide walleye and pike regulations, which change periodically. Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before you go—they're available online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Bag limits and minimum sizes vary by species and can change year to year.

Can I fish Long Lake if I've never fished Waupaca before?

Yes. Long Lake is a separate system from the Waupaca Chain, though it's close by. You don't need experience on the Chain to fish Long Lake successfully. The shallow, weedy character makes it forgiving for anglers who are learning to read structure and find fish.

What should I do if the weed growth is too thick to fish?

Focus on the deeper flats and open water between weed beds. Vertical jigging with live bait works well in these zones. If conditions are still too difficult, try the early morning hours when weeds are less of an obstacle, or plan a return trip for fall when vegetation dies back.