What You'll Find at Long Lake

Long Lake is a shallow, 1,200-acre impoundment in McHenry County in north-central North Dakota, roughly 20 miles northeast of Towner. The lake holds walleye, northern pike, and perch, with walleye as the primary draw for most anglers. The water is murky and relatively warm in summer, which shapes both the fish behavior and the seasons when fishing works best.

The lake's shallow depth — averaging 8 to 12 feet with a maximum around 20 feet — means fish concentrate in specific zones depending on time of year and time of day. Spring and fall are the most consistent periods. Summer fishing is possible but requires early morning or evening effort, as midday heat pushes walleye deep or inactive. Winter ice fishing draws a smaller crowd but can be productive if you have the gear and tolerance for cold.

Key Takeaways

  • Long Lake holds walleye, northern pike, and perch; walleye fishing is most reliable in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October).
  • Public access is available at the Long Lake Wildlife Management Area boat ramp on the north shore, which has parking and a gravel launch suitable for small to medium boats.
  • North Dakota fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older; you can purchase them online through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website or at local retailers.
  • Walleye regulations include a daily limit of five fish with a 15-inch minimum size; pike have a five-fish daily limit with a 24-inch minimum.
  • Summer fishing is slowest during midday; focus on early morning, evening, or overcast days when walleye are more active in the shallows.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) is the strongest season at Long Lake. Walleye move into shallow water to spawn, and they feed actively before and after the spawn. You'll find them in 4 to 8 feet of water along the shoreline and in the creek channels that feed the lake. Jigs tipped with live minnows, crankbaits, and soft plastics all work. Water temperature climbs from the low 40s to the mid-50s, so dress in layers.

Summer (June through August) is inconsistent. Walleye retreat to deeper water and the thermocline during the day, becoming inactive in the warm shallows. Early morning (before 8 a.m.) and evening (after 7 p.m.) are your windows. If you fish midday, focus on the deepest holes — around 15 to 20 feet — and use live bait or vertical jigging. Northern pike remain active throughout summer and are easier to catch than walleye during this period.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring for consistency. Water cools, walleye return to shallower feeding zones, and the bite extends through the day. Overcast conditions are ideal. By late October, water temperature drops into the 40s and fishing remains good through freeze-up, though fewer anglers are on the water.

Winter (November through March) offers ice fishing for walleye and pike. The lake typically freezes by mid-November. You'll need an ice auger, tip-ups or jigging rods, and a shelter if you plan to spend more than an hour or two. Check current ice thickness with local bait shops before heading out — safe ice is at least 4 inches for walking and 5 to 6 inches for vehicles.

Public Access and Facilities

The Long Lake Wildlife Management Area on the north shore is the primary public access point. The boat ramp is gravel, suitable for trailers with small to medium boats (15 to 20 feet). Parking is available in a small lot adjacent to the ramp. There are no fuel docks, restaurants, or lodging at the lake itself, so plan accordingly.

The ramp is maintained by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. During spring runoff or after heavy rain, the ramp can become soft; call ahead to the McHenry County Game Warden's office if you're unsure about conditions. The nearest town with services — gas, food, lodging — is Towner, about 20 miles southwest. Dunseith, to the north, also has basic services.

There is no camping at the wildlife management area itself. If you want to stay overnight, Towner has a small motel and RV park. Many anglers make Long Lake a day trip from Minot (about 60 miles south) or other regional hubs.

Fishing Methods and Tackle

Walleye respond best to live bait presentations. A 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jig tipped with a live fathead minnow or leech is the standard approach. Cast toward structure — shoreline breaks, weed edges, and creek channels — and work the jig slowly along the bottom. In spring, you can fish shallower and faster; in summer, slow down and fish deeper.

Crankbaits in the 2- to 4-inch range work well in spring and fall when walleye are in 4 to 10 feet of water. Soft plastics — 4-inch paddle-tail swimbaits or curly-tail grubs — are effective on jigs or as standalone lures. Trolling is less common at Long Lake than casting, but it can work if you're covering water in spring or fall.

Northern pike are less picky. They hit larger lures — spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and swimbaits in the 3- to 5-inch range. Pike often hold in shallower, weedier areas than walleye, so don't overlook the margins and bays. Perch are incidental catches on small jigs and minnows; they're fun but not the target for most anglers.

Regulations and Licensing

Anyone 16 years old or older must have a valid North Dakota fishing license. You can purchase a license online through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website (gf.nd.gov), at local bait and tackle shops, or at sporting goods retailers. A resident annual license costs less than a non-resident daily or annual license; check the website for current prices, as they vary by residency and license type.

Walleye regulations at Long Lake are a daily limit of five fish with a 15-inch minimum size. Northern pike have a five-fish daily limit with a 24-inch minimum. Perch have a 25-fish daily limit with no minimum size. These regulations are current as of 2024 but can change; always verify with the Game and Fish Department before your trip, especially if you're planning a return visit in a new year.

Catch-and-release is allowed and encouraged if you want to fish beyond the limit or practice selective harvest. Handle fish carefully if you plan to release them — wet your hands, minimize air exposure, and return them to the water quickly.

What Makes Long Lake Different

Long Lake is not a destination lake that draws anglers from across the country. It's a solid regional fishery for North Dakota residents and anglers within a few hours' drive. The shallow water and murky conditions mean it fishes differently than deeper, clearer lakes — structure and timing matter more than in lakes where you can see fish from a distance.

The lack of development and commercial services is both a drawback and an advantage. You won't find a resort or guide service, but you also won't deal with heavy crowds. Spring and fall weekdays are especially quiet. If you're looking for solitude and consistent walleye fishing in a small-lake setting, Long Lake delivers. If you need amenities or expect a high-end experience, you'll be disappointed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Long Lake?

A boat is helpful but not required. The shoreline is accessible in places, and you can wade in shallow areas during spring and fall. However, a boat lets you reach deeper water, structure, and the best walleye zones. A small aluminum boat or canoe is sufficient; the lake is shallow enough that you don't need a large vessel.

What's the best time to visit if I'm new to the lake?

Spring (April through May) is the most forgiving season. Walleye are shallow, feeding actively, and easier to locate. The weather is unpredictable but generally milder than winter. Fall is equally good but shorter — aim for September through mid-October before water temperature drops too far.

Can I fish Long Lake in winter?

Yes, ice fishing is possible from mid-November through March. You'll need an ice auger, tip-ups or a jigging rod, and appropriate cold-weather gear. Check ice thickness locally before going out. Winter fishing is less crowded and can be productive, but it requires more preparation and tolerance for cold than open-water seasons.

Are there any restrictions on boat size or motor type?

Long Lake does not have a horsepower limit, but the shallow water and narrow channels mean large boats are impractical. Most anglers use boats under 20 feet. Check with the Game and Fish Department or the Wildlife Management Area office if you have questions about specific equipment.

Where should I buy bait and tackle?

Towner has a small bait shop that carries minnows, leeches, and basic tackle. If you're coming from a larger town, bring your own tackle and bait to avoid delays. Minot, about an hour south, has full-service tackle shops if you need to restock before or after your trip.