Brainerd Lakes Area Lake Profiles: North Long Lake
Brainerd, MN— North Long Lake has adjoining bays, locally known as “371 Bay” on the west side and “Merrifield Bay” on the east side of the main lake, and it is a popular lake for recreation and fishing.
By the numbers:
- Maximum depth of 97 feet
- Water clarity of nearly 12 feet
- Common fish species: walleyes, largemouth bass, northern pike, black crappies, and bluegill/sunfish.
The bays are common locations to target bass and panfish and the main lake is a great area to search out walleyes and northern pike—although the entire lake holds all these species. The bays also make great early ice options for targeting multiple species in the Brainerd Lakes Area during hard water fishing season.
Status of the Fishery excerpt from the MN Department of Natural Resources (7/23/2018):
- Walleyes are one of the more popular species on North Long. Walleyes are stocked annually as fry (3,900,000/year). Average length was 15.7″, and walleyes ranged from 10.4″ to 23.7″.
- Northern pike were sampled in average numbers with an average length of 20.1″. Northern pike ranged from 9.8″ to 28.7″.
- Largemouth bass were sampled in high numbers and average length was 11.6″.
- Black crappies were sampled in average numbers with an average length of 8-9.2″.
- Bluegills were sampled in average numbers with an average length of 4.6″ although larger fish are in the system.
North Long Lake is a great lake to target multiple species of fish whether under the ice or in a boat! North Long Lake is one more reason to get out and enjoy the outdoors, and another reason to Visit Brainerd! Happy Hawg Hunting!
If you’re wondering where and how to fish the Brainerd Lakes Area or Mille Lacs Lake, tune in to Visit Brainerd for weekly fishing reports by Hawg Hunterz Guide Service LLC. Check Hawg Hunterz Guide Service LLC out on YouTube too. As always, have fun, stay safe and Happy Hawg Hunting!!
