Little Long Lake
About Little Long Lake
Little Long Lake is a 322-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 45 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 19 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. Ice typically goes out around April 28, based on 13 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Little Long Lake
- 322 acres, up to 45 feet deep, near Ely
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 19 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 322 acres
- Max depth
- 45 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 19 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 78 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)
- 1 carry-in access
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 11
- Game fish
- 8
- 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 28
- Years of record
- 13
- Earliest
- April 16, 2006
- Latest
- May 13, 2022
- Most recent
- May 9, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Little Long Lake
Compare Little Long Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Little Long Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Little Long Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Little Long Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Little Long Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Minister Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely56 acres
1.5 miles away
Shagawa Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely2,345 acres
2 miles away
Bass Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely169 acres
2.4 miles away
High Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely274 acres
2.4 miles away
Miner's Pit
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely141 acres
2.7 miles away
East Twin Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely123 acres
3.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Little Long Lake?
Little Long Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 322 acres and reaches 45 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Little Long Lake?
Little Long Lake covers 322 acres with about 6.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 45 feet.
What fish can you catch at Little Long Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Little Long Lake?
Yes. Little Long Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Little Long Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Little 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 Little Long Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Little Long Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Little Long Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 28, from 13 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 16, 2006 and the latest is May 13, 2022.