How to Fish North Long Lake

North Long Lake fishing FAQ

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on North Long Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 55-65°F. Pre-spawn bass are transitioning from winter areas to spawning flats, actively feeding around emergent vegetation in 3-5 feet of water Fish are becoming more aggressive with warming trends, showing preference for moving baits in shallow zones Key locations: Last year's dead reed beds in 3-5 feet of water; Shallow flats adjacent to deeper wintering areas; Protected coves with emerging vegetation. Best techniques: Bladed Jigs worked through and around dead reed beds, Lipless Crankbaits parallel to emerging vegetation, Spinnerbaits along transition areas between shallow and deep water. Primary forage: Minnows gathering in warming shallows, Bluegills starting to move shallow with vegetation growth. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on North Long Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 38-48°F. Walleye are transitioning from winter deep water areas to shallow spawning locations, staging at key transition points Fish become increasingly active as water temperatures rise, with peak feeding during dawn and dusk periods Key locations: Rocky points and gravel areas adjacent to deeper water; Transition areas between deep winter holes and shallow spawning flats; Wind-swept shorelines with rock or gravel substrate. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions, Live Bait Rigs with minnows near rock-to-sand transitions, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow methodical lifts. Primary forage: Spawning Minnows, Small Perch, Juvenile White Suckers. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Crappie on North Long Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-58°F. Moving from winter deep water locations to transitional staging areas near spawning flats, actively feeding during warming trends Gathering in schools around brush piles and vegetation edges, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Key locations: Brush piles in 8-12 foot depth adjacent to spawning flats; Deep vegetation edges near points and drop-offs; Protected coves with emerging vegetation. Best techniques: Crappie Spider Rigging, Hover/Mid-Strolling, Finesse Hair Jigs. Primary forage: Juvenile Bluegills, Small Minnows, Aquatic Insects. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on North Long Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-65°F. Bluegills are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn locations, actively feeding as water temperatures rise and moving into shallower staging areas near spawning bays Fish are becoming more aggressive in their feeding patterns, primarily targeting aquatic insects and small crustaceans around emerging vegetation Key locations: Protected bays with emerging cabbage and coontail in 6-10 foot depths; Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 8-12 foot depths; Deep weed edges where remaining winter vegetation meets harder bottom in 12-15 foot range. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with small jigs suspended 1-2 feet off bottom, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light tackle around emerging vegetation, Bobbers with suspended baits near brush piles and vegetation edges. Primary forage: Aquatic insects and larvae beginning spring hatches, Small crustaceans in and around vegetation, Smaller baitfish congregating near warming shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on North Long Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 55-65°F. Bass moving into shallow spawning areas (2-6 feet) near vegetation and protected bays, particularly around cabbage and coontail beds Pre-spawn staging occurring on adjacent deeper vegetation edges (8-14 feet), with fish making periodic moves to spawning flats Key locations: Protected shallow bays with cabbage/coontail vegetation in 2-6 foot depth; Secondary points leading into spawning bays; Vegetation edges in 8-14 foot depth adjacent to spawning areas. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow vegetation and spawning areas, Spinnerbaits worked along vegetation edges and through sparse cover, Soft Jerkbaits for sight fishing and suspended pre-spawn fish. Primary forage: Bluegills congregating in spawning areas and vegetation, Juvenile perch around vegetation edges. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on North Long Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Walleye are focused on spawning activities, moving into shallow rocky areas and river mouths during early evening and night hours Males arrive first and stay longer on spawning grounds, while females move in briefly to deposit eggs before returning to recovery areas Key locations: Rocky points and gravel shorelines in 2-6 feet of water; Adjacent deeper breaks in 8-12 feet serving as staging areas; Wind-blown shorelines with rock and gravel substrate. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with slow presentations using minnows, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with lighter jigs during low light periods, Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked slowly along spawning areas. Primary forage: Small Minnows gathering in spawning areas, Juvenile Perch in slightly deeper adjacent areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on North Long Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 55-65°F. Crappies are transitioning to shallow spawning areas, staging near brush piles and vegetation edges in 8-14 foot depths before moving shallow Males moving shallower first to establish nesting sites, while females stage slightly deeper until ready to spawn Actively feeding during pre-spawn period, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise Key locations: Brush piles and woody cover in 6-12 foot transition areas; Cabbage bed edges near spawning flats; Protected coves and points with vegetation. Best techniques: Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling), Bobbers, Finesse Hair Jigs. Primary forage: Small bluegills in vegetation, Young of the year baitfish, Aquatic insects emerging in warming water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on North Long Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 65-75°F. Actively constructing and guarding nests in shallow protected areas, typically 2-6 feet deep Males become highly territorial and aggressive during spawning, making them more likely to strike at intrusive baits Congregating in pre-spawn staging areas near spawning flats when water temperatures approach optimal range Key locations: Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition, especially near cabbage beds; Areas with brush piles adjacent to spawning flats; Shallow flats with scattered vegetation in 2-6 foot depth. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms worked slowly through spawning areas, Bobbers with lightweight jigs suspended just above nest locations, Finesse Hair Jigs cast to visible beds or staging areas. Primary forage: Small aquatic insects and larvae, Tiny crustaceans, Small minnows near vegetation edges. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on North Long Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 65-72°F. Post-spawn largemouth are actively feeding in and around vegetation, particularly cabbage beds, as they recover energy from spawning Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior on bluegills in moderate depths (8-12 feet), taking advantage of abundant forage in vegetation Key locations: Cabbage beds in 8-12 foot depth range, especially where vegetation is thick and healthy; Weed edges adjacent to slightly deeper water, creating ambush points; Protected coves and bays with established vegetation, particularly where bluegill populations are present. Best techniques: Grass Jigs worked through and around cabbage beds, matching the recent successful pattern, Swim Jigs around weed edges to cover water and trigger reaction strikes, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in thicker vegetation sections where big bass might be holding. Primary forage: Bluegill concentrating in cabbage beds, Various juvenile baitfish beginning to school in and around vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Walleye on North Long Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-62°F. Post-spawn walleye recovering in transitional areas between spawning grounds and summer habitat, actively feeding to regain energy Fish are becoming more active with warming water temperatures, moving along shoreline points and weed edges to ambush prey Key locations: Wind-swept points and adjacent flats in 8-14 foot range; Emerging cabbage weed edges, particularly where they intersect with harder bottom; Transition areas between spawning grounds and deeper summer locations. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transitions and emerging weed edges, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieve parallel to structure, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnows or soft plastics. Primary forage: Young-of-year perch gathering near emerging weed growth, Minnow schools concentrated on wind-blown structure, Small baitfish moving shallow with warming water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on North Long Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 62-72°F. Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating to vegetation edges and brush piles in 8-14 foot range, making frequent moves between deep and shallow water Key locations: Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 8-12 foot depths; Cabbage bed edges near points and drop-offs; Protected coves with emerging vegetation in 6-10 foot range. Best techniques: Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along vegetation edges, Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around brush piles, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended fish near structure. Primary forage: Small bluegills in and around vegetation, Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on North Long Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 62-72°F. Post-spawn bluegills are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper feeding zones, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating strongly to brush piles and beginning to establish summer patterns around vegetation Key locations: Brush piles in 8-12 foot depth range; Deep weed edges where cabbage and coontail meet deeper water; Secondary points with emerging vegetation. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms worked slowly through brush piles, Bobbers suspended at precise depths over brush and weed edges, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with tiny plastics around cover. Primary forage: Small insects and larvae around brush piles, Emerging aquatic invertebrates in vegetation, Small minnows gathering around weed edges. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on North Long Lake in Summer?

Water temp 72-74°F. Actively feeding on weed edges with aggressive strikes, showing preference for fast-moving baits in 5-7 foot depth range Most active during evening hours (6-8pm), primarily relating to deep weed edges and matted grass areas Key locations: Deep weed edges adjacent to matted grass in 8-14 foot range; Submerged vegetation beds, particularly cabbage and coontail; Drop-off areas near weed beds, especially on north and south ends of lake. Best techniques: Spinnerbaits worked quickly along weed edges, Bladed Jigs (Chatterbaits) with fast retrieves, Hard Topwater (Walking) worked over matted grass. Primary forage: Bluegill in cabbage beds, Young of year baitfish around weed edges. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on North Long Lake in Summer?

Water temp 72-79°F. Walleye are holding on weed edges in 8-14 feet of water, moving deeper during peak sunlight hours and shallower during low light periods Active feeding patterns along cabbage flats, particularly during lower light conditions due to moderate water clarity (10.2 ft visibility) Key locations: Cabbage weed edges in 8-14 feet of water; Wind-blown structures and points with vegetation; Deep weed edges adjacent to feeding shelves. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along weed edges, Finesse Jigs with leeches on slip bobbers near cabbage flats, Live Bait Rigs worked along deeper weed transitions. Primary forage: Yellow Perch in weed beds, Minnows relating to cabbage edges. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Crappie on North Long Lake in Summer?

Water temp 72-74°F. Crappies are holding in and around deep weed edges (8-14 feet) during summer, actively feeding during dawn and dusk periods Fish are suspending near cabbage beds, using vegetation as cover and ambush points for feeding on small bluegills and other forage Key locations: Deep weed edges of cabbage beds in 8-14 foot range; Points with consistent vegetation where drop-offs meet deeper water; Transitional areas between shallow and deep water with submerged vegetation. Best techniques: Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges to cover water and find active fish, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding tight to structure, Crappie Spider Rigging to maintain precise depth control and work through vegetation zones. Primary forage: Small bluegills in vegetation, Young-of-year baitfish relating to weed edges. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on North Long Lake in Summer?

Water temp 72-79°F. Actively feeding in and around cabbage and coontail beds in 8-14 foot depth range, with peak activity during morning and evening hours Establishing summer patterns around deep weed edges, occasionally moving shallower during low-light periods Key locations: Deep weed edges of cabbage and coontail in 10-14 foot range; Scattered brush piles adjacent to weed beds; Transitions between vegetation types in 8-10 foot range. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms worked slowly through vegetation edges, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs around weed edges, Bobbers with suspended baits over vegetation tops. Primary forage: Small aquatic insects and larvae in vegetation, Small crustaceans and zooplankton, Juvenile baitfish in weed beds. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on North Long Lake in Fall?

Water temp 48-62°F. Largemouth bass are actively feeding on the remaining green vegetation patches, particularly cabbage and coontail, as they prepare for winter. Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior when baits are presented near these vegetation edges. Fish are beginning to transition towards their winter locations, congregating around deep weed edges in 8-10 foot depth ranges where healthy green vegetation persists. Key locations: Healthy green cabbage and coontail beds in 8-10 foot depths, especially those near deeper water; Points with remaining vegetation in 8-14 foot range; Areas that historically hold winter bass populations, particularly if they maintain green vegetation. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked with a pop-and-pause retrieve through vegetation, Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges, Wacky Rigs as a follow-up presentation for missed strikes. Primary forage: Bluegill concentrated in remaining vegetation, Minnows relating to weed edges. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on North Long Lake in Fall?

Water temp 48-62°F. Walleye are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, following baitfish schools as they migrate to deeper water Fish are increasingly active during daylight hours as water temperatures cool, with peak feeding during overcast conditions and wind-blown areas Key locations: Deep weed edges transitioning to rock or gravel in 12-18 foot range; Wind-swept points with access to deeper water; Steep breaks near cabbage flats where baitfish schools concentrate. Best techniques: Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with consistent speed along weed edges and breaks, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are concentrated on specific structure, Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions. Primary forage: Yellow Perch schooling near deep weed edges, Minnow species congregating in deeper water, Young-of-year panfish in remaining vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on North Long Lake in Fall?

Water temp 52-65°F. Crappies are transitioning from summer patterns to deeper staging areas, actively feeding to build up reserves for winter Fish are schooling more tightly and relating strongly to deep vegetation edges and drop-offs Key locations: Deep weed edges in 12-14 foot range where cabbage beds meet drop-offs; Points with submerged vegetation transitioning to deeper water; Brush piles positioned near deep vegetation edges. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Crappie Spider Rigging, Hover/Mid-Strolling. Primary forage: Young-of-year bluegills in and around vegetation, Small minnows schooling near vegetation edges. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on North Long Lake in Fall?

Water temp 52-68°F. Bluegills are transitioning to deeper water, staging near deep weed edges and brush piles in 10-14 foot range Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during midday hours when water temperatures are optimal Fish are schooling more tightly and focusing on remaining green vegetation for both cover and forage Key locations: Deep weed edges of cabbage and coontail in 10-14 foot range; Brush piles adjacent to deep weed edges; Deeper pockets within remaining green vegetation. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'), Live Bait Rigs, Finesse Hair Jigs. Primary forage: Small aquatic insects in remaining vegetation, Zooplankton concentrations in deeper water, Small crustaceans near weed edges. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Walleye on North Long Lake in Winter?

Water temp 42-52°F. Walleye become more aggressive during late fall/early winter as they prepare for winter, feeding heavily on baitfish schools in deeper water Fish tend to school more tightly and relate strongly to sharp breaks and deep structure where baitfish concentrate Key locations: Deep weed edges where cabbage beds transition to breaks (12-15 feet); Main lake points with access to deep water; Sharp breaks near remaining green vegetation. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked vertically along breaks and structure, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with aggressive lift-drop motions, Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and breaks. Primary forage: Yellow Perch schooling near remaining vegetation, Tullibees moving to deeper water, Small pods of shiners near structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on North Long Lake in Winter?

Water temp 38-45°F. Suspending over deep vegetation edges and transitioning to deeper basin areas, typically schooling in tight groups Feeding activity becomes most pronounced during low-light periods, with brief windows during stable weather Key locations: Deep vegetation edges in 12-14 foot range where cabbage beds transition to basin; Deeper points with remaining vegetation adjacent to deeper water; Brush piles positioned near deep water access. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Hover/Mid-Strolling, Damiki Rig. Primary forage: Small bluegills concentrated in remaining vegetation, Juvenile perch in deeper water columns. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on North Long Lake in Winter?

Water temp 42-52°F. Bluegills are holding in deeper vegetation edges and brush piles, typically in 10-14 foot range, maintaining a more stationary position to conserve energy Feeding periods are shorter but more intense, with fish tending to be most active during warmer parts of the day Key locations: Deep weed edges of cabbage and coontail in 10-14 foot range; Brush piles adjacent to deep vegetation; Protected bays with remaining vegetation in 8-12 foot depths. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'), Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Drop Shot. Primary forage: Small aquatic insects, Zooplankton, Tiny minnows. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on North Long Lake in Ice?

Water temp 34-39°F. Walleye will be concentrated on structural elements like deep cabbage flats and mid-lake humps, typically suspending or holding near bottom in 15-25 foot ranges Most active feeding periods occur during dawn and dusk, with a strong midday bite common during cloudy conditions Key locations: Deep edges of cabbage flats in 15-20 foot ranges where summer vegetation has died off; Mid-lake structures and points transitioning from 12 to 20 feet; Wind-swept shoreline points with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom, Ice Fishing Spoons aggressively jigged to attract fish from a distance, Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with live bait at varying depths. Primary forage: Perch relating to remnant weed edges, Small minnows schooling near structure, Juvenile tullibees in deeper water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on North Long Lake in Ice?

Water temp 34-39°F. Crappies are suspending near deep vegetation edges, typically holding tight to the vegetation during daylight hours and moving slightly away from cover during prime feeding periods Fish are showing selective feeding patterns, responding well to subtle presentations with ice fishing spoons around submerged vegetation Key locations: Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range, particularly where cabbage beds meet clean bottom; Transitions near points where submerged vegetation intersects with deeper water; Protected coves with remaining green vegetation. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Spoons worked with subtle jigging motions just above the weed tops, Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with live bait, worked slowly through suspended fish, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') using small presentations around identified fish-holding vegetation. Primary forage: Bluegills sharing similar habitat in and around vegetation, Small minnows relating to weed edges. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on North Long Lake in Ice?

Water temp 34-39°F. Bluegills are concentrating near deep weed edges and submerged vegetation in 8-14 foot depths, with reduced activity levels typical of winter conditions Fish are forming tight schools in areas with remaining green vegetation, particularly around cabbage beds that provide both cover and feeding opportunities Key locations: Deep weed edges where cabbage and coontail vegetation persist through winter, particularly in 10-14 foot depths; Brush piles adjacent to deep vegetation edges that provide additional cover; Transitions between vegetation and deeper basins where suspended bluegills may gather. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements and frequent pauses to trigger lethargic winter bluegills, Ice Fishing Spoons with small profile and flutter action to attract fish from greater distances, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with tiny presentations for finicky winter bluegills. Primary forage: Small aquatic invertebrates residing in remaining green vegetation, Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton suspended in the water column, Small minnows and juvenile fish sharing similar winter habitat. Best bait colors: Purple Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.