Long Lake
About Long Lake
Long Lake is a 263-acre lake near Saint James in Watonwan County, Minnesota. It reaches 13 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.7 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 5 Watonwan County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.3 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Long Lake
- 263 acres, up to 13 feet deep, near Saint James
- 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 2.3 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 263 acres
- Max depth
- 13 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 263 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
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 14
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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 Long Lake
Compare Long Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Long Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Long Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Long Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Long Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Kansas Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreWatonwan · Saint James403 acres
2.3 miles away
St. James Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreWatonwan · Saint James203 acres
4.9 miles away
Fish Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Odin156 acres
6.5 miles away
Cedar Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Trimont707 acres
9.2 miles away
Perch Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Truman174 acres
11.8 miles away
Clam Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Trimont71 acres
11.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Long Lake?
Long Lake is in Watonwan County, Minnesota, near Saint James. It covers 263 acres and reaches 13 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Long Lake?
Long Lake covers 263 acres with about 4.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 13 feet.
What fish can you catch at Long Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish 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 Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Long Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at 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 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.