Long Tom Lake
About Long Tom Lake
Long Tom Lake is a 147-acre lake near Ortonville in Big Stone County, Minnesota. It reaches 15 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.4 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, black crappie, and yellow perch. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Long Tom Lake
- 147 acres, up to 15 feet deep, near Ortonville
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, black crappie, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 2.4 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 147 acres
- Max depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 147 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 10
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Long Tom Lake
Compare Long Tom Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Long Tom Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Long Tom Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Long Tom Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Long Tom Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Otrey Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Ortonville475 acres
2.8 miles away
Swenson Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Clinton204 acres
6.4 miles away
Big Stone NWR East Pool
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreLac qui Parle · Odessa1,286 acres
6.5 miles away
Long Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Correll395 acres
9.1 miles away
Eli Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Clinton162 acres
10.4 miles away
Artichoke Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Correll1,971 acres
11.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Long Tom Lake?
Long Tom Lake is in Big Stone County, Minnesota, near Ortonville. It covers 147 acres and reaches 15 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Long Tom Lake?
Long Tom Lake covers 147 acres with about 4.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 15 feet.
What fish can you catch at Long Tom Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Long Tom Lake?
Yes. Long Tom Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Long Tom Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Long Tom Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Long Tom Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Long Tom Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.