South Long Lake
About South Long Lake
South Long Lake is a 1,309-acre lake near Brainerd in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 47 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 9.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with faucet snail and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to South Long Lake
- 1,309 acres, up to 47 feet deep, near Brainerd
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 6.8 feet
- Listed as infested with faucet snail and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,309 acres
- Max depth
- 47 ft
- Shoreline
- 9.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 461 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
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 17
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- 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 South Long Lake
Compare South Long Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how South Long Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how South Long Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how South Long Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how South Long Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Upper South Long Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Brainerd804 acres
3.1 miles away
Grave Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Brainerd169 acres
6.2 miles away
Round Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Saint Mathias139 acres
7.9 miles away
Pointon Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Ironton185 acres
8 miles away
Gilbert Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Brainerd357 acres
8.8 miles away
Nokay Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Brainerd704 acres
9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is South Long Lake?
South Long Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Brainerd. It covers 1,309 acres and reaches 47 feet deep.
How big and how deep is South Long Lake?
South Long Lake covers 1,309 acres with about 9.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 47 feet.
What fish can you catch at South Long Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on South Long Lake?
Yes. South Long Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at South Long Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at South 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 South Long Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for South Long Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does South Long Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists South Long Lake as infested with faucet snail and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.