Upper South Long Lake
About Upper South Long Lake
Upper South Long Lake is an 804-acre lake near Brainerd in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 47 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 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 Harbor On Crescent Bay is 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 15, based on 31 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Upper South Long Lake
- 804 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 8.5 feet
- Camping close to the water at The Harbor On Crescent Bay
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil 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
- 804 acres
- Max depth
- 47 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 283 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)
- Camping: The Harbor On Crescent Bay
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 16
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 15
- Years of record
- 31
- Earliest
- March 13, 2024
- Latest
- May 10, 2013
- Most recent
- April 15, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
The Harbor On Crescent Bay is mapped on or near Upper South 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 Upper South Long Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Grave Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Brainerd169 acres
3.1 miles away
South Long Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Brainerd1,309 acres
3.1 miles away
Pointon Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Ironton185 acres
5 miles away
Nokay Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Brainerd704 acres
5.9 miles away
Portage Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison287 acres
6.5 miles away
Hanks Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison165 acres
7.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Upper South Long Lake?
Upper South Long Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Brainerd. It covers 804 acres and reaches 47 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Upper South Long Lake?
Upper South Long Lake covers 804 acres with about 6.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 47 feet.
What fish can you catch at Upper 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 Upper South Long Lake?
Yes. Upper 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 Upper South Long Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Upper 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 Upper South Long Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Upper South Long Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Upper South Long Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 15, from 31 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 13, 2024 and the latest is May 10, 2013.
Can you camp at Upper South Long Lake?
Yes. The Harbor On Crescent Bay is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Upper South Long Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Upper South 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.