North Long Lake
About North Long Lake
North Long Lake is a 6,190-acre lake near Merrifield in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 97 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 20.1 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 143 Crow Wing County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.1 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 4 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. 2 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 18, based on 65 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to North Long Lake
- 6,190 acres, up to 97 feet deep, near Merrifield
- 4 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 12.1 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 6,190 acres
- Max depth
- 97 ft
- Shoreline
- 20.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 3,905 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
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Camping (2 mapped)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 18
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 18
- Years of record
- 65
- Earliest
- April 1, 2016
- Latest
- May 13, 2013
- Most recent
- April 17, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
2 campgrounds are mapped on or near North 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
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to North Long Lake
Compare North Long Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how North Long Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how North Long Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how North Long Lake ranks among camping lakes nearby.
See how North Long Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how North Long Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Round Lake
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa1,650 acres
2.3 miles away
Little Hubert Lake
11 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Lake Hubert194 acres
2.4 miles away
Wise Lake
11 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Legionville135 acres
2.6 miles away
Gladstone Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa437 acres
2.7 miles away
Hartley Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · East Gull Lake136 acres
3.3 miles away
Lake Hubert
75 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Nisswa1,301 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is North Long Lake?
North Long Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Merrifield. It covers 6,190 acres and reaches 97 feet deep.
How big and how deep is North Long Lake?
North Long Lake covers 6,190 acres with about 20.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 97 feet.
What fish can you catch at North Long Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on North Long Lake?
Yes. North Long Lake has 4 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at North Long Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at North 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 North Long Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for North Long Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on North Long Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on North Long Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 18, from 65 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 1, 2016 and the latest is May 13, 2013.
Can you camp at North Long Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does North Long Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists North Long Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.