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Long Lake

lakeClearwater County, Minnesota · near Lake Itasca159 acres80 out of 100 Lake Score Lake Score

About Long Lake

Long Lake is a 159-acre lake near Lake Itasca in Clearwater County, Minnesota. It reaches 80 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 18.5 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 2022.

There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Long Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around May 4, based on 6 years of DNR ice-out records.

Plan Your Visit to Long Lake

What to Know Before You Go
  • 159 acres, up to 80 feet deep, near Lake Itasca
  • 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
  • Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
  • Average water clarity around 18.5 feet — very clear
  • Swim beach on or beside the lake
  • Camping close to the water at Long Lake Campground

Access & Fees

Public access
1 public boat launch (concrete)
Launch fee
Free at DNR accesses
Managed by
county

Conditions

Surface area
159 acres
Max depth
80 ft
Shoreline
3.2 mi
Water clarity
18.5 ft
Shallows (under 15 ft)
24 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
  • A trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout

Facilities

  • 1 public boat launch (concrete)
  • Swim beach
  • Camping: Long Lake Campground

Best For

  • Walleye fishing
  • Swimming and beach days
  • Lakeside camping
  • Quiet paddling
  • Ice fishing
Know Before You Go
  • Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake

Angler's Report

Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
Species on survey
15
Game fish
9
Stocked
Yes
Last DNR survey
2022
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.

Ice-Out History

Median ice-out
May 4
Years of record
6
Earliest
April 9, 2024
Latest
May 9, 2022
Most recent
April 9, 2024

See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.

Camping & Reservations

Long Lake Campground is mapped on or near Long Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.

Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.

Activities

FishingIce FishingBoatingPaddlingSwimmingCamping

Amenities

Boat RampSwim BeachCampground

Fish Species

WalleyeNorthern PikeLargemouth BassBlack CrappieBluegillPumpkinseedYellow PerchRainbow TroutRock BassBlack BullheadBrown BullheadGreen SunfishHybrid SunfishWhite SuckerYellow Bullhead

Plan your trip to Long Lake

Compare Long Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Long Lake?

Long Lake is in Clearwater County, Minnesota, near Lake Itasca. It covers 159 acres and reaches 80 feet deep.

How big and how deep is Long Lake?

Long Lake covers 159 acres with about 3.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 80 feet.

What fish can you catch at Long Lake?

Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Rainbow Trout, and Rock Bass and other species. 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?

Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.

Is Long Lake stocked?

Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Long Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.

When does the ice go out on Long Lake?

The median ice-out date is May 4, from 6 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 9, 2024 and the latest is May 9, 2022.

Can you camp at Long Lake?

Yes. Long Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.