Long Lake
About Long Lake
Long Lake is a 142-acre lake near Backus in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 48 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16.3 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and rock bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county.
Plan Your Visit to Long Lake
- 142 acres, up to 48 feet deep, near Backus
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and rock bass
- Average water clarity around 16.3 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 142 acres
- Max depth
- 48 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 16.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 77 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
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 9
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 Lake
Compare Long Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Long Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
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See how Long Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Pine Mountain Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus1,617 acres
2.6 miles away
Beuber Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus132 acres
3.2 miles away
Variety Lake
10 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack160 acres
3.9 miles away
Jackpine Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Hackensack160 acres
4.4 miles away
Bowen Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus182 acres
4.8 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus260 acres
4.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Long Lake?
Long Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. It covers 142 acres and reaches 48 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Long Lake?
Long Lake covers 142 acres with about 3.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 48 feet.
What fish can you catch at Long Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Long Lake?
Yes. Long Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Long Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Long 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 Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Long Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.